Convert ODT to RTF — Free Online Converter

ODT is a modern XML-based document format following the open ISO standard. RTF (Rich Text Format) is Microsoft's text-based document interchange format, using plain-text control words to encode formatting. While ODT is more feature-rich and modern, RTF offers unparalleled cross-platform compatibility — every word processor on every operating system for the past 30 years can read RTF files.

Converting ODT to RTF trades modern features for universal readability. The resulting file preserves text formatting (fonts, bold, italic, tables, images) in a format that opens everywhere — from Microsoft WordPad on Windows to TextEdit on macOS to any Linux text editor with RTF support.

RTF is the safest interchange format when you do not know what software the recipient uses. LibreOffice users creating ODT files may need to share with recipients on unknown platforms where neither ODT nor DOCX support is guaranteed. RTF is the one format that works reliably everywhere.

RTF also passes through email security filters that may block ODT attachments. Some corporate email gateways block OpenDocument files due to unfamiliarity or policy restrictions. RTF, as a long-established Microsoft format, passes through virtually all email security systems without issue.