1. Home
  2. Document Converter
  3. Convert RTF to PUB

What is RTF?

RTF (Rich Text Format) is a cross-platform document format that supports basic formatting like bold, italic, and font sizes while remaining readable by most word processors.

What is PUB?

Microsoft Publisher (PUB) is a desktop publishing format used for creating professional layouts, newsletters, flyers, and marketing materials.

When Should You Use RTF vs PUB?

Use RTF When...

Reach for RTF when your priority is cross-platform documents, exchange — its efficient compression makes sharing fast and storage minimal.

Use PUB When...

Reach for PUB when your priority is desktop publishing, flyers, newsletters — its efficient compression makes sharing fast and storage minimal.

RTF vs PUB: Key Differences

  • •The core technical difference: RTF relies on lossy compression whereas PUB uses lossy compression.
  • •Neither format changes compression philosophy — both are lossy compression — so any size differences are due to encoding efficiency, not a shift in quality approach.
  • •How transparency is handled: PUB does not support alpha channels — transparent areas in the source will become opaque.
  • •Storage footprint: 20KB to 2MB for RTF vs 500KB to 50MB with images for PUB.
  • •Primary audience: RTF is built for cross-platform documents, exchange scenarios, while PUB focuses on desktop publishing, flyers, newsletters — pick the format that matches your output requirement.

Advantages of RTF

  • ✓RTF compresses data using lossy methods, keeping file sizes manageable for Cross-platform documents, exchange.
  • ✓Industry-wide support means RTF files open anywhere — from legacy systems to the latest devices.
  • ✓Small file sizes make RTF ideal for email, web uploads, and cloud storage.
  • ✓From professional software to open-source alternatives, RTF works out of the box.

Advantages of PUB

  • ✓The lossy nature of PUB means file sizes stay reasonable while handling Desktop publishing, flyers, newsletters efficiently.
  • ✓From mobile devices to enterprise servers, PUB is recognized and supported everywhere.
  • ✓Storage and bandwidth costs drop significantly when using PUB thanks to its efficient compression.
  • ✓PUB is a first-class citizen in all major software ecosystems, from creative suites to development environments.

Common Use Cases for RTF to PUB Conversion

  • Onboarding materials
  • Policy and procedure manuals
  • Grant applications
  • Case studies and whitepapers
  • Professional reports and proposals
  • Academic papers and theses

Industry Applications

Supply Chain ManagementInsuranceReal EstateRegulatory ComplianceBusiness AdministrationAcademic Publishing

Best Practices for RTF to PUB Conversion

  • →Before converting RTF to PUB, review the document structure — multi-column layouts, text boxes, and floating images behave differently across formats
  • →Export a PDF preview alongside the PUB file so you have a reference of how the document should look
  • →Check that hyperlinks and cross-references survived the RTF to PUB conversion — some formats handle links differently
  • →Run a spell check before conversion to avoid propagating errors into the final document
  • →Keep the original editable file in case the conversion introduces layout shifts
  • →Test the output on at least two different applications or devices

Troubleshooting RTF to PUB Conversion

  • !RTF to PUB formatting looks off → complex layouts with tables and columns may shift between formats
  • !Fonts render differently in PUB → embed fonts or use standard web-safe fonts before converting
  • !Images missing from the PUB output → ensure images are embedded in RTF, not linked externally
  • !Tracked changes disappeared after converting RTF to PUB → some document formats don't support revision tracking

Related Document Converters

All Document Formats

View all Document converters →

More Document tools

Convert to PUB →Convert from RTF →

Convert RTF to PUB Online - Free & Fast

Convert RTF files to PUB online for free. High-quality conversion with no registration required.

Document Converter

Upload or enter a URL to convert RTF to PUB instantly

Click to upload or drag & drop RTF file

or paste from clipboard

.rtf,.RTF (max 100MB)

SSL EncryptedAuto-deleted in 1 hourProcessed securelyNo registration needed

Verifying security check…

About RTF and PUB

RTF

RTF (RTF documents) - Rich Text Format, cross-platform document format. Best for cross-platform documents, exchange.

PUB

PUB (Publisher PUB) - Microsoft Publisher, desktop publishing format. Ideal for desktop publishing, flyers, newsletters.

Format Comparison

CompressionLossy → Lossy
TransparencyN/A
Use CaseConvert from cross-platform documents, exchange to desktop publishing, flyers, newsletters
File Size~500KB to 50MB with images after conversion

FAQs

Is converting RTF to PUB free?

Yes, GoConvertFile offers free conversion of RTF to PUB for files up to 100MB. No registration required.

How long does it take to convert RTF to PUB?

Most RTF to PUB conversions complete within seconds for standard-sized files. Larger files may take longer depending on the conversion complexity.

What is PUB best used for?

PUB is ideal for desktop publishing, flyers, newsletters. Microsoft Publisher, desktop publishing format

What file size should I expect after converting RTF to PUB?

File size after RTF to PUB conversion depends on the content complexity and quality settings. Both formats use similar compression approaches so sizes are comparable.

Related Tools

PDF to RTF
Convert PDF to RTF
PDF to PUB
Convert PDF to PUB
DOCX to RTF
Convert DOCX to RTF
DOCX to PUB
Convert DOCX to PUB
View all document converter converters
Tune output for this document conversion

Leave blank to convert all pages.