Convert RTF to DOCX on Mac
Select the RTF files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose DOCX and press Return. FileFlip saves each DOCX next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert RTF to DOCX with FileFlip
Select the RTF 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 RTF. Type “DOCX” to jump to it.
Choose DOCX and press Return
The DOCX files appear next to the originals with the same names. The RTF files stay as they are.
RTF and DOCX
RTF only supports basic formatting. DOCX is what Word users and most offices expect.
| Property | RTF | DOCX |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Rich Text Format | Word document (Office Open XML) |
| Made by | Microsoft | Microsoft |
| Introduced | 1987 | 2007 |
| Best for | Simple formatted text that has to open anywhere | Documents you’ll edit or send to Word users |
| Opens in | TextEdit, Pages, Word, LibreOffice and most word processors | Word, Pages, Google Docs and LibreOffice; TextEdit opens it with simpler formatting |
| File extension | .rtf | .docx |
| In FileFlip | Opens and saves | 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 RTF in TextEdit, hold Option and choose File → Save As, then pick the Word (.docx) option in the File Format menu.
TextEdit keeps basic formatting; complex layouts may change.
Pages
Pages is free from Apple. Open the RTF in Pages and choose File → Export To → Word.
Handles more complex layouts than TextEdit.
Terminal
textutil converts between common document formats. This writes letter.docx next to the original.
textutil -convert docx letter.rtfBuilt into macOS and good for whole folders.
Questions about RTF and DOCX
Can I convert many RTF files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose DOCX. 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 DOCX file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .docx extension. The RTF file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert DOCX back to RTF?
Yes, FileFlip converts DOCX to RTF as well.
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