Convert RTF to TXT on Mac
Select the RTF files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose TXT and press Return. FileFlip saves each TXT next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert RTF to TXT 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 “TXT” to jump to it.
Choose TXT and press Return
The TXT files appear next to the originals with the same names. The RTF files stay as they are.
RTF and TXT
RTF only supports basic formatting. Plain text strips everything but the words, ready to paste, search or process anywhere.
What changes when you convert
- All formatting, images and links are removed; only the text remains.
| Property | RTF | TXT |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Rich Text Format | Plain text |
| Best for | Simple formatted text that has to open anywhere | Notes, code and text you want to reuse anywhere |
| Opens in | TextEdit, Pages, Word, LibreOffice and most word processors | Every text editor on every system |
| File extension | .rtf | .txt |
| 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, choose Format → Make Plain Text, then save.
Good for one document now and then.
Pages
Pages is free from Apple. Open the RTF in Pages and choose File → Export To → Plain Text.
Handles more complex layouts than TextEdit.
Terminal
textutil converts between common document formats. This writes letter.txt next to the original.
textutil -convert txt letter.rtfBuilt into macOS and good for whole folders.
Questions about RTF and TXT
Can I convert many RTF files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose TXT. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where is the TXT file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .txt extension. The RTF file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert TXT back to RTF?
Yes, FileFlip converts TXT 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