Java Convert RTF to Word: High-Fidelity Document Transformation

In enterprise office automation, document management systems, and cross-platform applications, compatibility of document formats has long been a challenge for developers. RTF (Rich Text Format) remains widely used for text transmission, email attachments, and lightweight document storage due to its simple structure and strong cross-platform compatibility. Meanwhile, Word documents (DOC/DOCX) provide richer formatting capabilities, templates, tables, and style management, making them suitable for formal document storage and printing.

In practical development, efficiently converting RTF files to Word in a Java environment—while preserving the original formatting and enabling further processing—is a common requirement.

This article introduces how to convert RTF to Word using Java, with complete example code.

1. Why Convert RTF to Word

Although RTF files offer good compatibility, their formatting capabilities are limited. For example, table styles, paragraph formatting, and font effects may not match Word’s full features. Converting RTF to Word allows you to:

• Achieve advanced formatting: Word supports more font styles, paragraph layouts, and template designs.
• Facilitate document management: Word files are easier to archive, comment on, and version in enterprise systems.
• Ensure cross-platform compatibility: Word can be opened with Microsoft Office, WPS, or LibreOffice, supporting rich editing features.
• Support automation: Java with document processing libraries can batch convert and process files, improving efficiency.

2. Environment Setup and Installation

To implement RTF to Word conversion in a Java project, a document processing library is required. Spire.Doc for Java is recommended because it provides high-fidelity conversion without needing Microsoft Word installed.

1. Download the JAR

Download the Spire.Doc JAR package from the official website and add it to your project.

2. Maven Dependency

If your project uses Maven, add the following to your pom.xml:

<repositories>
    <repository>
        <id>com.e-iceblue</id>
        <name>e-iceblue</name>
        <url>https://repo.e-iceblue.cn/repository/maven-public/</url>
    </repository>
</repositories>

<dependencies>
    <dependency>
        <groupId>e-iceblue</groupId>
        <artifactId>spire.doc</artifactId>
        <version>13.12.2</version>
    </dependency>
</dependencies>

3. Notes

• Ensure your Java version is compatible with Spire.Doc (typically Java 8+).
• Once installed, import com.spire.doc.* in your project to start converting RTF to Word.

3. Basic Java Example: RTF to Word

Here is the simplest example to convert a single RTF file to a Word document:

import com.spire.doc.Document;
import com.spire.doc.FileFormat;

public class RtfToWord {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Create Document object
        Document document = new Document();

        // Load RTF file
        document.loadFromFile("example.rtf");

        // Save as Word document
        document.saveToFile("output.docx", FileFormat.Docx);

        System.out.println("RTF file has been successfully converted to Word!");
    }
}

Notes:

• loadFromFile supports RTF, DOC, DOCX, and other formats.
• saveToFile can save documents as DOC or DOCX, retaining text, paragraphs, and styles.
• Conversion does not require Microsoft Word.

4. Batch RTF to Word Conversion

In practice, you may need to convert multiple RTF files in a folder. Use Java to iterate through a directory and convert each file:

import com.spire.doc.Document;
import com.spire.doc.FileFormat;
import java.io.File;

public class BatchRtfToWord {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        File inputFolder = new File("inputRtf");
        File[] files = inputFolder.listFiles((dir, name) -> name.endsWith(".rtf"));

        for (File file : files) {
            Document doc = new Document();
            doc.loadFromFile(file.getAbsolutePath());

            String outputFileName = "outputWord/" + file.getName().replaceFirst("\\.rtf$", ".docx");
            doc.saveToFile(outputFileName, FileFormat.Docx);

            System.out.println(file.getName() + " has been converted.");
        }
    }
}

Notes:

• Automatically identifies RTF files and converts them to Word.
• Batch processes all files in a directory.
• Output paths can be customized for easier management.
• For large volumes, consider batch processing or multithreading to improve performance.

5. Conversion Considerations

• File paths and permissions: Ensure input/output directories exist and the Java program has read/write access.
• Fonts: Fonts used in the RTF must be installed on the system; otherwise, substitutions may occur.
• Performance optimization: For bulk conversion, use multithreading or batch execution to avoid blocking the main thread.

6. Conclusion

Java enables high-fidelity RTF to Word conversion with ease. Whether handling single files or performing batch processing, it can be done with minimal code and without depending on Microsoft Word. This method is ideal for enterprise office automation, document management systems, and cross-platform applications, while preserving original text, tables, paragraphs, and images.