Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms: RTF (Rich Text Format)
RTF (Rich Text Format)
a format created by Microsoft for interchange of files between different word processing programs. RTF files consist of ASCII text with codes that indicate formatting and typefaces. For example,
{ tf This is a {sample} of {i RTF.}}
is RTF code for:
This is a sample of RTF.
RTF works somewhat like the lowest-level codes in TEX, but it is designed to be produced by programs, not humans. Many popularword processors can save their files in RTF. Compare TEX; contrast text file.