PDF to RTF Converter
Free, no signup, files auto-deleted in 1 hour.
Convert PDF to RTF online — free, in your browser, no signup required. Drop in a PDF and get back a RTF with headings, lists, and inline images intact. Files are processed over HTTPS and deleted from our servers after one hour, so your documents stay private. Works on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. No watermark, no email, no 30-day trial. Up to 5 conversions per day for free; sign in with Google for 10/day plus batch ZIP downloads.
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How to convert PDF to RTF
- Optional: sign in with Google to convert up to 10 files per day and get batch ZIP downloads.
- Upload your PDF file by dragging it into the box or clicking to browse. Maximum file size is 50 MB.
- Click the Convert button. We process the file securely on our server in a few seconds.
- Download the converted RTF file. The file stays available for at least 1 hour, then is deleted automatically.
Why convert PDF to RTF
PDF and RTF look similar at a glance, but they behave very differently once you try to edit, share, or publish them. Choosing the right format saves hours of cleanup later — that is what this conversion is for.
Most people switch from PDF to RTF because the destination app, platform, or teammate expects RTF. Email systems, content platforms, and collaboration tools all have a preferred shape, and converting up front avoids surprises.
RTF also tends to handle a specific workflow better than PDF: editing, archiving, web publishing, or print. The conversion makes the file fit the next step instead of fighting it.
Common use cases
- Edit a PDF that arrived as read-only by converting it to RTF first.
- Repurpose long-form PDF content into a RTF you can paste into another tool.
- Share a PDF with a teammate who only opens RTF files.
- Archive a PDF in a more portable RTF format for long-term storage.
- Get a RTF version for a CMS, e-reader, or publishing pipeline that does not accept PDF.
Tips for best results
- Tidy up your PDF before converting: remove leftover comments, accept tracked changes, and clean up extra page breaks.
- Custom fonts in your PDF may be substituted in RTF if the target format cannot embed them. Stick to common fonts for best fidelity.
- Keep your file under 50 MB. Larger files are available on Pro — leave your email on the pricing page for early access.
- Conversion is one-way — your original PDF is never modified. Download the new RTF and keep both if you need to.
About PDF
PDF (Portable Document Format) is one of the most common file formats used across the web. People convert files in and out of PDF every day to make them compatible with the apps, devices, and workflows they already use. Our free converter is built for exactly that — quick, no-signup conversion that just works.
About RTF
RTF (Rich Text Format) is one of the most common file formats used across the web. People convert files in and out of RTF every day to make them compatible with the apps, devices, and workflows they already use. Our free converter is built for exactly that — quick, no-signup conversion that just works.
PDF vs RTF
| Property | RTF | |
|---|---|---|
| File extension | .rtf | |
| Editable text | Varies | Varies |
| Universal support | Varies | Varies |
| Preserves layout | Varies | Varies |
| Typical file size | Varies | Varies |
| Best for sharing | Varies | Varies |
Privacy and safety
Your PDF file is uploaded over HTTPS, processed in an isolated job, and deleted from our servers within one hour — both the original and the converted RTF. We do not train models on your content, do not share it with third parties, and do not require an account to use the converter. If you want even less retention, sign in with Google and delete your file manually from your account page right after downloading. For full details, see our privacy policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PDF to RTF converter free?+
Yes. Guests get 5 conversions per day for free. Sign in with Google to bump that to 10 per day plus batch ZIP downloads. No credit card and no trial — the free tier stays free.
Is it safe to upload my PDF file?+
Yes. Files are uploaded over HTTPS, processed in isolated jobs, and automatically deleted from our servers within one hour. We do not share files with third parties and do not train models on your content.
Do my files get deleted? When?+
Both your original PDF upload and the converted RTF output are deleted within one hour. You can delete files manually from your account page right after download if you sign in.
Do I need to sign up or install anything?+
No. The converter runs in your browser; conversion happens in the cloud. You do not need to install software, register, or give us an email. Google sign-in is optional and only unlocks the higher daily limit.
What is the maximum PDF file size?+
50 MB per file on the free tier. Pro will lift this to 500 MB per file and 2 GB per batch — leave your email on the pricing page for early access.
Does it work on Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android?+
Yes. The converter runs in any modern browser, so the same workflow works on macOS, Windows, iOS Safari, and Android Chrome. No app install required.
Will my PDF file look the same after converting to RTF?+
We preserve as much as the target format supports — fonts, layout, colors, and metadata where possible. Some properties (like editable text in an image format, or transparency in a non-transparent format) cannot survive the conversion and will be flattened or dropped.
Can I convert multiple PDF files at once?+
Yes — sign in with Google and use the batch uploader. We zip all converted RTF files into a single download. Guests can convert one file at a time.
Looking for something else? Browse our free online file converter for all 13 formats and 82 conversion pairs.