You have an old .rtf file, maybe a letter, a template, or notes exported from a legacy editor, and you need it as a PDF that opens the same on every device. RTF files render differently depending on the app, which is exactly why a PDF is the safer format to send.

This guide shows how to convert RTF to PDF with PDFfans RTF to PDF, how to choose page size and font size, and what to check afterwards.

In This Guide

Why Convert RTF to PDF

  • Consistent layout. RTF is reflowed by whatever program opens it. A PDF fixes the pages in place.
  • Easier sharing. Nearly every device opens a PDF without extra software.
  • Harder to change by accident. Recipients read what you wrote instead of a reformatted version.

Step-by-Step: RTF to PDF

  1. Open RTF to PDF in your browser.
  2. Add your .rtf file.
  3. Choose the page size and font size you want.
  4. Check the estimated page count if the tool shows one.
  5. Convert and download the PDF.
  6. Open it and scroll through every page.

The tool runs in your browser tab, so the document is processed on your own device instead of being sent to a server.

Page Size and Font Size

The tool lets you pick from common page sizes: A4, Letter, Legal, A3, and A5. Font size runs from 9 to 14 pt.

  • Letter is the standard in the US and Canada. A4 is standard in the UK, Australia, and most of the world. Match your recipient.
  • Legal is longer than Letter and used for some contracts. A5 suits small booklets and notes.
  • Font size: 11 or 12 pt reads comfortably for most documents. Drop to 9 or 10 pt to fit more on a page. Go to 13 or 14 pt for easier reading.

Check the Result

  1. Scroll to the last page and confirm nothing was cut off.
  2. Check that headings and paragraphs are where you expect.
  3. Look at special characters and accented letters.
  4. If your RTF had complex formatting, compare against the original. Simple text converts most predictably.

Need the PDF smaller before you send it? See how to make a PDF smaller for email. Working from plain text instead? See how to convert text to PDF.

FAQ

How do I change an RTF file to PDF?

Open an RTF to PDF tool, add the file, pick the page size and font size, convert, and download the PDF.

Can I convert RTF to PDF for free?

Yes. A browser-based converter does it without installing software.

Will my RTF formatting be preserved?

Basic text layout usually carries over. Elaborate formatting may look different, so always open the PDF and compare it with the original.

Which page size should I choose?

Use Letter for US and Canadian recipients, A4 for most other countries.

Related: RTF to PDF, Text to PDF, Compress PDF. Background: Rich Text Format on Wikipedia.