Saving a file in a different format

How to Save a Word Processing File in a different format

More than likely, you will be sharing files with your instructor or fellow learners. If you are not all using the same word processing software, you may run into "file incompatibilty" problems and you will not be able to open files that aren't recognized by your word processing software.

NOTE: The example below shows how to save to the file format rtf.  To save in a different format, follow the directions below and, instead of rtf, select the appropriate file format from the pull down menu.

One of the common ways to avoid this problem is to save your files in Rich Text Format (RTF). Most word processing software will recognize RTF files.

To save your file as RTF:

    1. Once you have created the document in your word processing program (e.g., Word, Works, WordPerfect, etc.), select "Save As" from your File menu.
    2. In the new window, locate the Save as type pull-down menu and select "Rich Text Format (*.rtf)"
    3. Click on Save.
    4. The file has now been saved as Rich Text Format and you will recognize it by the extension .rtf.

Saving a file as RTF

Using rich-text format preserves the spacing format that is generally accepted by all word processing programs and maintains the formatting of the original document. (Note: These directions are provided for MS Word; however, saving to rich-text format is very similar throughout word processing software programs.)