How to Convert a Microsoft Word Document to Rtf

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Last Updated: July 11, 2025

Microsoft Word documents are typically saved in the DOC or DOCX format. If you need to send your Word document to somebody who doesn't have Microsoft Word, you can save the document in the Rich Text (RTF) format. Read on to learn how!

Steps

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Of course, in order to make the conversion you must be able to open the file in an application capable of reading .doc files.
2
Navigate to the “Save As” menu. If you are using Microsoft Word 2007 or later, this option should be under the button/tab that looks like the Microsoft Windows logo.
- You may need to click File first.
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3
Click the drop-down menu next to "Save as type”. More formatting options will appear. This could also look like File type.
You should see (.rtf) as the new file type.
Choose where you want the file to be saved and name it whatever you want (for instance, ConvertingDocToRTF.rtf). Then click the Save button. The Microsoft Word document will be saved in Rich Text Format.