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Home > Technology > What is the Difference Between DOC and RTF?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between DOC and RTF?

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The main difference between DOC and RTF file formats lies in their features, compatibility, and encoding:

  1. Features: DOC files support complex formatting made in MS Word, while RTF files contain basic formatting information. DOC files allow for more advanced features specific to Microsoft Word, whereas RTF files are more universal and can be opened by a variety of word processing programs.
  2. Compatibility: RTF is a cross-platform file format, meaning it can be read and edited on many applications and software platforms, irrespective of the software that created the file or the platform it was created on. DOC is a proprietary format used as the default file format of Microsoft Word, and only a small number of software can open DOC files.
  3. Encoding: RTF files are encoded as text files containing extra keywords for formatting, which means you can open an RTF file with any text editor and find the text in various parts of the document. In contrast, DOC files are not encoded as text and cannot be viewed without the correct software.
  4. File Size: The file size of an RTF file is relatively smaller compared to a DOC file, as DOC files contain more formatting information, which results in a larger file size.
  5. Security Features: RTF files do not have security features, while DOC files support relatively good document security features. However, RTF files do not spread viruses, as they do not use macros, which can hide macros that might contain viruses.
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  • What is the Difference Between DOC and RTF?
  • Comparative Table: DOC vs RTF

    • Comparative Table: DOC vs RTF

    Here is a table comparing the differences between DOC and RTF file formats:

    Feature DOC (Word Document) RTF (Rich Text Format)
    Developed by Microsoft ---- Both developed by Microsoft
    File Extension .doc (previously .docx for newer versions) .rtf
    Complexity More complex, containing document settings, font table, effects, styles, etc. Simpler, containing basic formatting options and stylized text
    Stylized Text Yes Yes, including bold, italics, font size adjustments, and text alignment
    Tables Yes, supports advanced tables Supports basic tables
    Images Yes, supports various image formats Supports image embedding
    Other Objects Yes, supports complex objects like spreadsheets and charts Supports embedding of objects like bulleted lists, numbered lists, and spreadsheets
    Editors Primarily used with MS Word and WordPad Can be opened, edited, and saved with various text editors like OpenOffice, AbiWord, KWord, LibreOffice, etc.
    Cross-Platform Yes, but primarily associated with MS Word Cross-platform, can be used on Unix, Macintosh, and Windows
    Interchange Less commonly used for cross-platform document interchange Developed for cross-platform document interchange among MS-owned applications
    History DOC format replaced with DOCX since 2003 RTF version 1.0 introduced in 1987 in MS Word 3

    In summary, DOC files are more complex and feature-rich, while RTF files are simpler and more focused on basic formatting and stylized text. RTF is designed for cross-platform document interchange, whereas DOC is primarily associated with MS Word.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.