Documents conversion
Convert RTF to EPUB
Updated Jul 2026
RTF is a text format word processors use to keep formatting portable between different apps, while EPUB is the reflowable ebook format most e-readers and reading apps open. To convert, run the file through a converter and export it as EPUB. It can be done right on your own computer, without sending the manuscript to a server.
- Extension
- .rtf
- Type
- Documents
- Typically
- Cross-app rich text
- Extension
- .epub
- Type
- Ebooks
- Typically
- Most e-readers
Convert RTF to EPUB on your own computer. Nothing uploads.
How to convert RTF to EPUB
- Open Morphjet and drag in the RTF file, or a whole folder of documents, you want to convert.
- Choose EPUB as the output format.
- Convert. The EPUB is written next to your original, and nothing leaves your machine.
RTF vs EPUB: what actually changes
| RTF | EPUB | |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Opens in most word processors, not read by e-readers | Opens in most e-readers and reading apps, not standard word processors |
| File size | Larger, stores formatting verbosely | Smaller, compressed ebook archive |
| Text layout | Fixed layout, meant to be edited | Reflows to fit screen size and font, meant to be read |
| Editability | Easy to edit in any word processor | Not built for editing, needs a dedicated ebook editor |
| Book metadata (title, author, cover) | No built-in fields for this | Yes, stored and shown in library apps |
When to convert, and when not to
Convert RTF to EPUB when you've finished writing a manuscript, report, or long document and want to read it comfortably on a phone, tablet, or e-reader, or share it as a proper ebook.
Keep the RTF if you're still writing or editing, since EPUB is meant for reading rather than word-processor style revisions.
Why not just use an online converter?
A manuscript in RTF is often unfinished, personal work, a novel, a thesis, a memoir. Sending it to an online ebook converter means a copy sits on someone else's server, even briefly. Converting on your own computer means the file, and everything in it, never leaves your machine.
Questions
Does converting RTF to EPUB lose any formatting?
Text and basic formatting, like headings, bold, italics, and images, carry over. Because EPUB reflows to fit the screen, exact page breaks and precise spacing don't transfer, since ebooks are designed to adapt rather than stay fixed.
Will my e-reader be able to open the EPUB?
Most e-readers and reading apps support EPUB, including Kobo devices and apps like Apple Books. Kindle is the notable exception, since it uses its own formats, though Amazon offers a separate way to get EPUB files onto a Kindle.
Can I still edit the file after converting to EPUB?
Not easily. EPUB is built for reading, not editing, so if you still need to revise the text, keep working in the RTF and convert to EPUB as a final step.
Does the EPUB keep the title and author information?
Not automatically. RTF has no place to store book metadata, so the title, author, and cover image get filled in during conversion, either from the file name or added by you.
Can I convert RTF to EPUB without uploading my manuscript?
Yes. Morphjet converts on your own computer, so the file never travels over the internet, which matters if it's unpublished writing you'd rather keep private.
Morphjet converts RTF, EPUB, and 1,800+ other formats, all on your machine. Launching this July.