How to convert RTF to PDF: All HOWs, WHYs, and WHAT FORs

Previously, we discussed the history of the RTF format and discovered why it still exists despite being abandoned years ago and effectively replaced by a number of other document formats. RTF is quite persistent, mainly because there are still many scenarios where it can be useful. However, in the modern landscape, compatibility across all existing devices is a bigger concern than simply choosing something useful. In such circumstances, the market almost always decides in favor of something more universal—like PDF, for instance. In this article, we’ll briefly discuss the necessities of converting RTF to PDF, as well as offer a couple of easy-to-follow conversion methods you can use.

RTF to PDF: Is This Even Necessary?

If you’re familiar with the history and functionality of RTF from the previous article, you may be asking yourself right now: why bother converting RTF to PDF if it’s so widely supported? Indeed, due to the phenomenon of interoperability, RTF can be viewed on most modern devices and operating systems, regardless of whether such functionality is explicitly stated or not. However, since there still can be situations where RTF may not work as intended, a more reliable format is usually a better option, especially if your job or a single but very important task relies on it. Besides, you may want to benefit from a far more robust editing functionality of PDF files, meaning RTF doesn’t really suit your intentions.

How to Convert RTF Files

Option #1: Using iScanner Web Converter

This is the most basic and straightforward approach—you won’t need a dedicated app other than an internet browser, which you undoubtedly have on either of your devices. Simply follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to the Free Online Document Converter page.
2. From there, choose the option to convert RTF to PDF. 
3. Next, select the RTF file you want to convert and wait a fraction of a second for the converter to work its magic.
4. Afterward, click Download to save your converted document.

And that’s it. iScanner’s web converters are absolutely free, and you may want to explore other conversion options available there. This service is easily accessible at any given moment, meaning you only need to save a bookmark in your internet browser for an instant converting solution. Besides, iScanner’s web converters comply with major global laws regulating data usage, meaning your information will remain secure no matter what.

Option #2: Using the iScanner Mobile App

A slightly more demanding and time-consuming option, which, in return, comes with additional benefits for later usage.

1. Open the iScanner app or install it from the store.
2. Tap on the ( + ) button at the bottom and select Import Files.
3. Choose the RTF document you want to convert. Once it’s opened in iScanner, a prompt suggesting to convert it to PDF will appear.
4. Tap on the option Convert and wait for a few moments until the task is completed.
5. Open the file immediately or return to it later from iScanner’s file library.
6. Alternatively, you can simply open one or several files and then convert each of them manually by opening them in iScanner and selecting Convert in the bottom-right corner.

While downloading an app or getting used to its interface may take slightly longer than opening the Web Converters page, it eventually pays off. iScanner will remain as an easily accessible tool on your mobile phone, offering a variety of editing tools on top of the conversion functionality. iScanner isn’t among the most popular and reputable document management apps on the market for nothing—you may want to explore its possibilities in handling PDFs and scanning paper documents.

Will Converting RTF to PDF Make Your Life Easier?

You’ll have to answer this question yourself, but there are obvious benefits of converting RTF to PDF—some of them may offer exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some reasons why converting RTF can be useful:

• Preserving formatting: Although RTF allows for a certain yet unremarkable level of formatting, PDF does the same much better and with greater control. Basically, you have more options to format your text content—and it’ll remain consistent across all devices.
• Sharing and compatibility: RTF is quite simple, but under the hood, a lot of formatting eventually translates into occupying lots of storage on your devices. Sharing large files isn’t ideal; besides, your recipient may lack the required software to view an RTF file. PDF, on the other hand, is widely supported and compatible—and it can store entire books with complex formatting without becoming unbearably large.
• Security and protection: PDF files can be encrypted, protected with passwords, and even restricted from editing, which makes them perfect for official documents or valuable and sensitive data.
• Professional presentation: Converting RTF to PDF instantly makes documents appear more polished, professional-looking, and overall tidy, allowing your resumes, reports, and business-related documents to make a lasting impression. Basically, it’s a matter of good taste.

Printing and readability: Similarly to preserving formatting digitally, PDF files are much better at offering consistent layout and printing quality. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever come across any issues when printing PDFs—but you may stumble upon a few problems when trying to do the same with RTF, especially if it’s a legacy version from long ago.