Convert RTF to HTML on Mac
Select the RTF files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose HTML and press Return. FileFlip saves each HTML next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert RTF to HTML 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 “HTML” to jump to it.
Choose HTML and press Return
The HTML files appear next to the originals with the same names. The RTF files stay as they are.
RTF and HTML
RTF only supports basic formatting. HTML opens in any browser and can go straight onto a website.
What changes when you convert
- The HTML file opens in any browser and can be pasted into most website editors.
| Property | RTF | HTML |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Rich Text Format | HyperText Markup Language |
| Made by | Microsoft | Tim Berners-Lee; now maintained by WHATWG |
| Introduced | 1987 | 1993 |
| Best for | Simple formatted text that has to open anywhere | Publishing on the web |
| Opens in | TextEdit, Pages, Word, LibreOffice and most word processors | Every web browser |
| File extension | .rtf | .html, .htm |
| 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 Web Page (.html) in the File Format menu.
TextEdit keeps basic formatting; complex layouts may change.
Terminal
textutil converts between common document formats. This writes letter.html next to the original.
textutil -convert html letter.rtfBuilt into macOS and good for whole folders.
Questions about RTF and HTML
Can I convert many RTF files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose HTML. 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 HTML file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .html extension. The RTF file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert HTML back to RTF?
Yes, FileFlip converts HTML 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