Convert DOC to RTF on Mac
Select the DOC files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose RTF and press Return. FileFlip saves each RTF next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert DOC to RTF with FileFlip
Select the DOC files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from DOC. Type “RTF” to jump to it.
Choose RTF and press Return
The RTF files appear next to the originals with the same names. The DOC files stay as they are.
DOC and RTF
DOC is an outdated format that some newer apps no longer open. RTF keeps basic formatting and opens in almost any word processor, including TextEdit.
| Property | DOC | RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Word 97–2003 document | Rich Text Format |
| Made by | Microsoft | Microsoft |
| Best for | Old documents and software that requires it | Simple formatted text that has to open anywhere |
| Opens in | Word, Pages, LibreOffice and TextEdit | TextEdit, Pages, Word, LibreOffice and most word processors |
| File extension | .doc | .rtf |
| In FileFlip | Opens | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.
TextEdit
Open the DOC in TextEdit, hold Option and choose File → Save As, then pick Rich Text Document in the File Format menu.
TextEdit keeps basic formatting; complex layouts may change.
Pages
Pages is free from Apple. Open the DOC in Pages and choose File → Export To → RTF.
Handles more complex layouts than TextEdit.
Terminal
textutil converts between common document formats. This writes letter.rtf next to the original.
textutil -convert rtf letter.docBuilt into macOS and good for whole folders.
Questions about DOC and RTF
Can I convert many DOC files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose RTF. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Will the formatting be kept?
Headings, fonts, bold and lists usually carry over. Complex layouts, tracked changes and app-specific features may look different in the new format.
Where is the RTF file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .rtf extension. The DOC file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert RTF back to DOC?
No. FileFlip opens DOC files but doesn’t save them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a folder of documents at once
FileFlip also handles images, camera raw files, video, audio, PDFs and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac