Convert TXT to RTF on Mac
Select the TXT 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 TXT to RTF with FileFlip
Select the TXT 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 TXT. Type “RTF” to jump to it.
Choose RTF and press Return
The RTF files appear next to the originals with the same names. The TXT files stay as they are.
TXT and RTF
Plain text has no formatting, headings or images. RTF keeps basic formatting and opens in almost any word processor, including TextEdit.
| Property | TXT | RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Plain text | Rich Text Format |
| Best for | Notes, code and text you want to reuse anywhere | Simple formatted text that has to open anywhere |
| Opens in | Every text editor on every system | TextEdit, Pages, Word, LibreOffice and most word processors |
| File extension | .txt | .rtf |
| 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 TXT in TextEdit, hold Option and choose File → Save As, then pick Rich Text Document in the File Format menu.
TextEdit keeps basic formatting; complex layouts may change.
Pages
Pages is free from Apple. Open the TXT in Pages and choose File → Export To → RTF.
Handles more complex layouts than TextEdit.
Terminal
textutil converts between common document formats. This writes notes.rtf next to the original.
textutil -convert rtf notes.txtBuilt into macOS and good for whole folders.
Questions about TXT and RTF
Can I convert many TXT 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 TXT file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert RTF back to TXT?
Yes, FileFlip converts RTF to TXT 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