RTF
Overview
Rich Text Format (RTF) is a proprietary document file format developed by Microsoft for cross-platform document interchange. RTF is readable by most word processors. RTF uses the ANSI, Unicode, or PC-8 character set to control the representation and formatting of a document, both on the screen and in print. With the RTF Specification, documents created under different operating systems and with different software applications can be transferred between those operating systems and applications.
History
The Rich Text Format was first introduced by Microsoft in 1987 for use in their products and for cross-platform document interchange. RTF is a data format for saving and sharing documents, not a markup language. The RTF Specification uses the ANSI, PC-8, Macintosh, or IBM PC character set to control the representation and formatting of a document, both on the screen and in print.
Structure
An RTF file consists of unformatted text, control words, control symbols, and groups. An RTF file can be viewed as a sequence of control words and symbols, interspersed with text. The control words, symbols, and groups can be used to change the properties of the text. RTF uses the backslash (\) as an escape character. Many control words, symbols, and groups are optional.
Syntax
RTF defines control words and symbols. Control words are specially formatted commands, while control symbols represent special characters. Control words and symbols are case-insensitive and are delimited by a space, by a control symbol, or by a digit or letter.
Usage
RTF is used to transfer formatted text documents between applications, even those running on different platforms, such as Windows, Macintosh, and Linux. It is supported by many word processors such as Microsoft Word, OpenOffice Writer, and Apple Pages.