Compare
DOCX vs RTF
DOCX is a current document format for continued editing with body text, styles, tables, and images. RTF supports basic character and paragraph formatting for document exchange, but is not suited to advanced editing features or complex layout fidelity.
Which format should you choose?
Choose DOCX for collaborative editing or documents that rely on tables, comments, and styles, then check layout in the recipient's software. Consider RTF when exchanging basic formatting across different word processors. For a fixed viewing layout, consider PDF.
Good fit for DOCX
Creating editable documents
- Reports and drafts revised collaboratively
Good fit for RTF
Exchanging simply formatted documents
- Basic text decoration across supported applications
Basic information
| Field | DOCX | RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .docx | .rtf |
| MIME type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document | application/rtf |
| Common uses | Creating editable documents | Exchanging simply formatted documents |
| How to open | Open it in Microsoft Word or a DOCX-compatible word processor. For important documents, check fonts, figures, comments, and page breaks in the recipient's environment. | Open it in an RTF-compatible editor. Before sharing, check fonts, tables, images, and page breaks. |
| Export or convert | For final distribution, export to PDF. Before and after export, check font substitution, page breaks, links, and image resolution, and retain the editable DOCX separately. | For continued editing, save as DOCX or ODT. For a final viewing copy, consider exporting to PDF. |
Choose by use case
Reports and drafts revised collaboratively
Creating editable documents
DOCXBasic text decoration across supported applications
Exchanging simply formatted documents
RTFKey point 1
DOCX is an Office Open XML document with editing features and multiple package parts; RTF describes basic formatting in text form.
More on the differencesKey point 2
DOCX can retain richer elements such as tables, images, styles, and comments, while RTF targets simpler formatted-text exchange.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Rendering may vary with software and fonts in either format. If recipients should see a fixed layout, export to PDF and inspect the result.
- DOCX supports more modern document editing features.
- RTF can be useful for basic formatted-text exchange but may not preserve complex layout or advanced document features.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use DOCX or RTF for a final document?
Use DOCX when recipients need to edit richer content. If they only need a stable viewing copy, export and verify a PDF instead.
Does RTF preserve every DOCX feature?
No. Rich structures and application-specific features may be lost or simplified. Review the converted document.