Convert RTF to ODT on Mac
Select the RTF files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose ODT and press Return. FileFlip saves each ODT next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert RTF to ODT 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 “ODT” to jump to it.
Choose ODT and press Return
The ODT files appear next to the originals with the same names. The RTF files stay as they are.
RTF and ODT
RTF only supports basic formatting. ODT is an open standard that LibreOffice and some organisations require.
| Property | RTF | ODT |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Rich Text Format | OpenDocument Text |
| Made by | Microsoft | OASIS |
| Introduced | 1987 | 2005 |
| Best for | Simple formatted text that has to open anywhere | Documents for LibreOffice users and open-standard requirements |
| Opens in | TextEdit, Pages, Word, LibreOffice and most word processors | LibreOffice, Word, Google Docs and TextEdit |
| File extension | .rtf | .odt |
| 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 OpenDocument (.odt) option in the File Format menu.
TextEdit keeps basic formatting; complex layouts may change.
Terminal
textutil converts between common document formats. This writes letter.odt next to the original.
textutil -convert odt letter.rtfBuilt into macOS and good for whole folders.
Questions about RTF and ODT
Can I convert many RTF files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose ODT. 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 ODT file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .odt extension. The RTF file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert ODT back to RTF?
Yes, FileFlip converts ODT 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