What is the difference between 'word document' and 'rich text format' in Microsoft Word?

Question

Is one better than the other? Or are they used for different things?

Answer 1

RTF can be created and read by windows wordpad and notepad
DOC is typically created and read by office

Answer 2

They are used for different things. These are called document "formats". A format is a different way of storing a file and its containing information.

Rich Text Format (also called RTF) is a file format that many programs can understand. However, it can't store as much information about the contents of the document.

"Word document" is a file format that Microsoft Word understands. It contains all the information necessary to make the document look exactly like it did when you created it.

Most people nowadays have the program Microsoft Word on their computers, so they can read the "Word document" format. That means that if you want to share a file with someone else, you can give it to them in that format, and they should be able to read it. However, if you're not sure whether the person has that program or not, you could save the file in RTF, because basically every word-processing program understands that file format. That is a way of ensuring that the person who gets your file can read it.

However, if you know that the person has Word, give them the "Word document" because that will have more information and it will look exactly the same. Depending on what you have in your document, RTF might not capture it all.

One other reason besides sharing files that I can think of for choosing RTF over "Word Document" is if you are trying to save space. RTF files are generally smaller than the same file saved as "Word Document". Also, you could be using Microsoft Word to write a file that will be going to some other program, and that program might require RTF (I use a program like that). If this is the case, you'll know.

Answer 3

RTF is not only used in Microsoft products. It's universal and used in a wide range of products.

You want to use the Word format when possible. There are a lot more features and options available if you do. Rich text is mainly used to solve compatibility problems when exporting/importing data into another program.

Answer 4

A word document or "DOC" extension is a standard MS Word file and allows full featured MS Word abilities such as encryption, font embedding, macros, etc. but works best with MS Word of the version it was created with.

RTF on the other hand is somewhat of a cross program file since you can open with older word processors etc. But it doesnt support the encryption or other features. Just standard word processing.

As a rule RTF is better for people who have to have files editable in virtually any word processor with minimal glitches.

This is just based on my own experience through many years of working these programs.

Answer 5

RTF is a standard format for text that includes tags for bold, italics, and other typeface and font settings. I think it is similar to HTML in the coding. RTF is also used for emails that have color and other characteristics.

Microsoft's Word format is specific to Word and uses non standard tags, often for advanced features such outlines, adjustable spacing, tables, embedded images and files, past versions of the same documents in the same file, and many more powerful features like endnotes, footnotes, headers, auto pagination, and so on.

Word can be read by many other readers (like WordPerfect), but RTF is guaranteed readable because of its simplicity. RTF can even be read in emails and web browsers.