How to Convert Rich Text Format to PDF

RTF stands for Rich Text Format, a document file format developed by Microsoft. It supports text formatting such as fonts, styles, and images, but is less feature-rich than other document formats like DOCX or PDF.

IronPDF can be utilized to convert RTF from both strings and files to PDF. Converting RTF to PDF offers several benefits, such as being easily accessible, compressible, and optimized for printing. This ensures that your documents look consistent across all platforms, are secure, and are ready for printing.

Nuget IconGet started making PDFs with NuGet now:

  1. Install IronPDF with NuGet

    PM > Install-Package IronPdf

  2. Copy the code

    new IronPdf.ChromePdfRenderer()
           .RenderRtfFileAsPdf("example.rtf")
           .SaveAs("rtfToPdf.pdf");
  3. Deploy to test on your live environment

    Start using IronPDF in your project today with a free trial
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Get started with IronPDF

Start using IronPDF in your project today with a free trial.

First Step:
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Convert RTF String to PDF Example

Use the RenderRtfStringAsPdf method to transform an RTF string into a PDF document. The full range of RenderingOptions, such as applying text and HTML headers and footers, text and image stamping, page numbering, custom page sizes and orientations, is also applicable to this rendering method. After the PDF document has been generated, you can perform PDF page manipulations like merging, splitting, and rotating pages, as well as applying annotations and bookmarks.

:path=/static-assets/pdf/content-code-examples/how-to/rtf-to-pdf-from-string.cs
using IronPdf;

// Instantiate Renderer
ChromePdfRenderer renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

// RTF string
string rtf = @"{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0 Arial;}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;}\cf0This is some \b bold \b0 and \i italic \i0 text.}";

// Render from RTF string
PdfDocument pdf = renderer.RenderRtfStringAsPdf(rtf);

// Save the PDF
pdf.SaveAs("pdfFromRtfString.pdf");
Imports IronPdf

' Instantiate Renderer
Private renderer As New ChromePdfRenderer()

' RTF string
Private rtf As String = "{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0 Arial;}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;}\cf0This is some \b bold \b0 and \i italic \i0 text.}"

' Render from RTF string
Private pdf As PdfDocument = renderer.RenderRtfStringAsPdf(rtf)

' Save the PDF
pdf.SaveAs("pdfFromRtfString.pdf")
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Convert RTF File to PDF Example

To transform an RTF file into a PDF, use the RenderRtfFileAsPdf method. You can download a sample RTF file from the provided link. This example will demonstrate how to convert that sample file into a PDF document.

RTF File Preview in Microsoft Word

Open RTF file on Microsoft Word

Code Sample

:path=/static-assets/pdf/content-code-examples/how-to/rtf-to-pdf-from-file.cs
using IronPdf;

// Instantiate Renderer
ChromePdfRenderer renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

// Render from RTF file
PdfDocument pdf = renderer.RenderRtfFileAsPdf("sample.rtf");

// Save the PDF
pdf.SaveAs("pdfFromRtfFile.pdf");
Imports IronPdf

' Instantiate Renderer
Private renderer As New ChromePdfRenderer()

' Render from RTF file
Private pdf As PdfDocument = renderer.RenderRtfFileAsPdf("sample.rtf")

' Save the PDF
pdf.SaveAs("pdfFromRtfFile.pdf")
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Output PDF

Ready to see what else you can do? Check out our tutorial page here: Convert PDFs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rich Text Format (RTF)?

RTF, or Rich Text Format, is a document file format developed by Microsoft. It supports text formatting such as fonts, styles, and images, but lacks the advanced features found in formats like DOCX or PDF.

Why convert RTF documents to PDF?

Converting RTF documents to PDF ensures that they are easily accessible, consistently formatted across platforms, optimized for printing, and more secure.

How do I convert an RTF file to PDF in C#?

You can use the RenderRtfFileAsPdf method to convert an RTF file to a PDF in C#. This method is part of the IronPDF library, which simplifies the conversion process.

Can I convert an RTF string to a PDF document in C#?

Yes, you can convert an RTF string to a PDF document using the RenderRtfStringAsPdf method available in the IronPDF library.

What are the rendering options available when converting RTF to PDF?

IronPDF offers rendering options including text and HTML headers/footers, text and image stamping, page numbering, and custom page sizes and orientations.

How can I manipulate PDF pages after converting from RTF?

Once you have converted RTF to PDF, you can manipulate the PDF pages using IronPDF to merge, split, rotate pages, and add annotations and bookmarks.

Do I need a license to use IronPDF for RTF to PDF conversion?

Yes, a trial or full license is required to utilize IronPDF for converting RTF documents to PDF.

Where can I find C# code samples for RTF to PDF conversion?

Code samples for converting RTF files and strings to PDF using IronPDF can be found on IronPDF’s website, demonstrating the use of RenderRtfFileAsPdf and RenderRtfStringAsPdf methods.

Where can I download the IronPDF library?

You can download the IronPDF library from NuGet, a package manager for .NET.

What benefits does PDF offer over RTF?

PDFs are widely supported, maintain consistent formatting, are easily shareable, and often provide more security features compared to RTF documents.

Chaknith Bin
Software Engineer
Chaknith works on IronXL and IronBarcode. He has deep expertise in C# and .NET, helping improve the software and support customers. His insights from user interactions contribute to better products, documentation, and overall experience.