← Back to BlogHow to Listen to RTF Files on iPhone
RTF (Rich Text Format) is a document format developed by Microsoft that supports basic text formatting like bold, italics, and font changes while remaining compatible across different word processors. RTF files are commonly used for cross-platform document sharing, legal documents, and older word processing archives. While more limited than DOCX, RTF remains surprisingly common.
The Challenge
- •iPhones can preview RTF files through Quick Look in the Files app, but there is no built-in option to read the content aloud — it is a view-only experience.
- •Very few iOS apps support RTF natively. Most text editors and readers either ignore RTF formatting or cannot open the files at all, let alone provide text-to-speech.
- •Using iOS Speak Screen on an RTF preview reads the entire screen including the file name, toolbar buttons, and share options alongside the document text.
How to Listen with SpeakCove
- 1
Install SpeakCove from the App Store
Download SpeakCove for free. No account or payment is needed to listen to RTF files.
- 2
Open your RTF file in SpeakCove
Tap the RTF file in Files, Mail, or any other app and choose "Open in SpeakCove" from the share sheet. You can also import files directly from within SpeakCove.
- 3
Text is parsed and ready instantly
SpeakCove extracts the text content from the RTF formatting. The document is ready to play within seconds.
- 4
Press play and customize
Start listening with a single tap. Adjust the reading speed, choose your preferred voice, and enable sentence highlighting to follow along visually.
- 5
Resume anytime with automatic position saving
SpeakCove remembers exactly where you left off in each document. Close the app and come back later — your position is saved and synced via iCloud.
Other Methods
Quick Look preview with iOS Speak Screen
- ✓Built into iOS with no extra app
- ✓Quick Look can display RTF files
- ✕Reads UI elements (toolbars, buttons, file name) mixed with document text
- ✕No speed control, sentence highlighting, or sleep timer
- ✕Cannot save or resume reading position
- ✕Must keep the preview open on screen
Convert RTF to DOCX or PDF using an online tool
- ✓Converted format has broader app support
- ✓Many free converters available
- ✕Adds an extra step before you can listen
- ✕Formatting may be altered during conversion
- ✕Online converters require uploading your document to a server
- ✕You still need a TTS app to read the converted file
Copy text from RTF preview and paste into Notes, then use Speak Screen
- ✓No extra app needed
- ✓Works for short documents
- ✕Very tedious for long documents — must copy section by section
- ✕All formatting is lost
- ✕No progress tracking or bookmarks
Why SpeakCove is the Best Option
- ✓Opens and reads RTF files natively on iPhone — no conversion to DOCX, PDF, or any other format needed.
- ✓Completely free for everyday use with no ads, no account, and no listening limits. Includes 5 voices, speed control, sleep timer, sentence highlighting, iCloud sync, and widgets.
- ✓Works fully offline and collects zero data. Your documents stay on your device.
- ✓One optional $14.99 lifetime purchase unlocks 8 extra voices and background/locked-screen playback. No subscription.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does SpeakCove preserve RTF formatting when displaying text?
SpeakCove extracts the text content from RTF files for reading and listening. Basic formatting is recognized, and the text is presented in a clean, readable layout.
Can SpeakCove handle RTF files with embedded images?
SpeakCove focuses on the text content of RTF files. Embedded images are not displayed, but all text is extracted and available for listening.
Is there a file size limit for RTF files?
No. SpeakCove handles RTF files of any size, from short notes to lengthy documents.
Do I need an internet connection to listen to RTF files?
No. SpeakCove works entirely offline. Text extraction and text-to-speech happen on your device. You can use it in airplane mode.
Can I listen to an RTF file in the background?
Background playback is available with the one-time $14.99 premium purchase. In the free version, SpeakCove needs to remain on screen while playing.
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