Convert Markdown to RTF on Mac
Select the Markdown 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 Markdown to RTF with FileFlip
Select the Markdown 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 Markdown. Type “RTF” to jump to it.
Choose RTF and press Return
The RTF files appear next to the originals with the same names. The Markdown files stay as they are.
Markdown and RTF
People who don’t use Markdown see the raw # and * marks instead of formatting. RTF keeps basic formatting and opens in almost any word processor, including TextEdit.
What changes when you convert
- Markdown is plain text with formatting marks; the converted file is for readers who don’t use Markdown.
| Property | Markdown | RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Markdown | Rich Text Format |
| Made by | John Gruber | Microsoft |
| Introduced | 2004 | 1987 |
| Best for | Notes, documentation and README files | Simple formatted text that has to open anywhere |
| Opens in | Any text editor; note apps and GitHub show it formatted | TextEdit, Pages, Word, LibreOffice and most word processors |
| File extension | .md, .markdown | .rtf |
| In FileFlip | Opens | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
Here’s what you can do with what’s already on your Mac.
No built-in converter
macOS doesn’t include a Markdown converter. TextEdit opens .md files as plain text, so the # and * marks stay as typed.
Questions about Markdown and RTF
Can I convert many Markdown 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 Markdown file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert RTF back to Markdown?
No. FileFlip opens Markdown 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