WordPad saves its files in RTF (Rich Text Format) or plain text. Word uses the DOCX format, which is much richer in layout features, styles, and metadata. The conversion between these two formats depends on how each software interprets the document structure: margins, fonts, tabs, numbered lists.
Since September 2023, Microsoft has announced the end of life for WordPad. Windows 11 no longer receives updates for this editor, and Microsoft recommends migrating to Word or alternative editors for .rtf and .doc files. Therefore, all documents created in WordPad must be converted to remain usable in the long term.
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RTF format and DOCX format: what changes during conversion
An RTF file stores text with limited markup. Bold, italics, font sizes, and colors are preserved, but the format does not handle advanced headers and footers, hierarchical styles, or complex tables.
The DOCX format encapsulates the document in a compressed XML archive. Each element (paragraph, image, table) has its own structural definition. When converting from RTF to DOCX, basic formatting is preserved without difficulty. Losses occur with elements that WordPad simply does not manage: automatic tables of contents, floating text boxes, macros.
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The main risk is therefore not the loss of textual data, but the layout shift. Tabs used in WordPad to align text in columns, for example, do not translate into a Word table. They remain tabs, which can shift the visual alignment depending on Word’s default font.
For those who wish to convert from WordPad to Word with Flow3, the procedure specifically addresses these points of vigilance regarding formatting preservation.
Open a WordPad file in Microsoft Word: direct method
The simplest conversion is done through Word itself. The software can natively read RTF files.
- Open Word, then select File, Open, and navigate to the folder containing the .rtf file
- In the file type dropdown menu, select “All Files” or “RTF Format” to display the document
- Once the file is open, use File, Save As, then choose the .docx format from the list of save options
This method works on all versions of Word since version 2007. The textual content is fully preserved, including special characters and manual page breaks.
One point to check after conversion: the margins. WordPad applies default margins that differ from those in Word. The text may appear slightly misaligned or more cramped. A quick adjustment via Layout, Margins is enough to correct this misalignment.
Special case of .doc files created by WordPad
WordPad can also save in .doc format (the old Word format). These files open directly in Word, which then offers a compatibility mode. To obtain a modern DOCX file, you need to go through File, Convert, which updates the document to the current format.
The compatibility mode limits certain features of Word (no SmartArt, no advanced text effects). Converting to DOCX unlocks all editing options and reduces the file size thanks to XML compression.
Conversion without Word installed: concrete alternatives
Not all users have a Microsoft Word license. Several conversion paths remain accessible.
Microsoft Word for mobile
Recent versions of Word for Android and iOS can directly open RTF files stored on the device or in OneDrive. You just need to save the document as .docx afterward. This method is suitable for short documents without complex layouts.
Alternative office suites
Software like Zoho Writer or TextMaker can open RTF files and allow exporting to DOCX. LibreOffice Writer remains the most reliable free solution for this type of conversion on PC. The rendering of tabs and numbered lists is generally faithful to the source document.
- Zoho Writer: online conversion, no installation required, direct DOCX export
- TextMaker: included in SoftMaker FreeOffice, native RTF reading
- LibreOffice Writer: free, open source, manages RTF, DOC, and DOCX formats
Rebuilding formatting after conversion with Copilot in Word
Since 2024, the integration of Microsoft Copilot in Word opens an additional possibility. When a document imported from WordPad arrives in Word as unstructured text (no headings, no lists), Copilot can analyze the content and suggest automatic restructuring: adding hierarchical headings, transforming paragraphs into bullet lists, creating tables from tabulated data.
This function does not modify the text itself. It acts on the formatting layer. For a multi-page WordPad document with tab alignments, Copilot reconstructs a structure that WordPad could not create. The terms of use for Copilot specify that the document’s data is processed in accordance with Microsoft 365’s privacy commitments.
Checks after conversion: checkpoints
Once the DOCX file is obtained, a few checks can avoid unpleasant surprises when sharing or printing.
First, the fonts. WordPad often uses system fonts (Arial, Times New Roman) that are present on most machines. If the source document uses a less common font, Word may perform a silent substitution. The check involves selecting all text (Ctrl+A) and checking the font displayed in the toolbar.
Next, the images. WordPad allows inserting images, but their positioning in the RTF file is basic (inline alignment). In Word, these images retain their position but may require an adjustment of the wrapping mode to fit properly into the DOCX layout.
Comparing the source document and the converted file side by side remains the safest method. Open the RTF in WordPad (or in an RTF reader) and the DOCX in Word, then visually check each page, which takes a few minutes and prevents transmitting a poorly formatted document.
The planned discontinuation of WordPad makes this migration essential for anyone retaining RTF files. The DOCX format ensures the document’s longevity, its compatibility with current collaborative tools, and full access to modern editing functions.