Converting Microsoft Word documents to HTML via rtftohtml

It's pretty easy to take an existing document done in Microsoft Word and convert it to HTML format. First you save the document in Rich Text Format (RTF) and then you run the rtftohtml program to convert the RTF file to HTML format. This document will guide you through the process.

First, obtain the program. You can ftp it from SunSITE. It's in pub/packages/infosystems/WWW/tools/translators/rtftohtml/latest/binaries/ in dos.zip and macintosh.sit.hqx. If, for example, you use the Fetch program on a Macintosh to get the file, you will end up with a folder called rtftohtml-mac, which contains the program named rtftohtml2.7.5. If you have trouble obtaining the program, bring a disk to the Help Desk in Suite 300 (ground floor) of Wilson Library and they will make a copy for you.

Most word processors provide an option to save a file in RTF (Rich Text Format). For example, in MS Word on a Macintosh, under the File option, select "Save As...." Then under "Save File as Type," instead of "Normal," select "Interchange Format (RTF)." Do not overwrite your original file with the RTF format; instead name the file documentname.rtf, where documentname is the name of your original document. (Note: If you accidently overwrite your original with RTF format, you can recover the original; just open the RTF formatted document and select "Yes" in the "Interpret RTF text?" box.)

Once you have the RTF file, run rtftohtml. Macintosh users simply click on the icon for rtftohtml2.7.5 to bring up the program, then under "File" select "Open" and select the documentname.rtf file.

The program creates an error log and a documentname.html file. Graphics will appear in separate files, ending in .pict. You should convert these to .gif files, using a .gif converter (a freeware program is available).

You can then look at the documentname.html file with your Web browser; under "File," select "Open file."

You can edit the documentname.html file if you like; just open the HTML file from your word processor.

If you have lists, you might want to look at them. Your paragraph markers have probably become <p> commands; you might want to select the list and change all <p> to <br>.

Bold and italics should come through fine, but you might want to check.

If you used "Styles" in your document, you are likely to get very good results from rtftohtml.

If you plan to run the split_to_html program, see Hints when combining rtftohtml and split_to_html.

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Last modified: 1997 Sep 19