Rich text keeps document formatting that plain text does not. Choose TextEdit for RTF documents when you want the Mac’s built-in editing workflow rather than a full office suite. RTFD may include attachments in a document package.
Method 1: Use Finder
- In Finder, select a sample file such as notes.rtf.
- Press Command–I, or choose File → Get Info.
- Expand Open with and choose TextEdit. If it is missing, choose Other and locate the installed app.
- Click Change All and confirm the macOS prompt.
- Double-click another file of the same type to check the new default.
Method 2: Manage associations with Pahkui
Pahkui lets you browse by app or by format. When setting up an editor for several file types, you can inspect the current defaults and review pending changes in one window. Requires macOS 14 or later.
- Open Pahkui, switch to Format, and search for the extension you need from .rtf, .rtfd.
- Select TextEdit. Use Choose another app if it is not listed.
- Review the pending association, click Apply changes, and confirm the new app in the macOS dialog.
The formats in this guide require Pahkui Pro, a one-time purchase for lifetime use. The manual Finder method does not require a purchase. See pricing
If the default app does not change
- Do not change .rtf to .txt just to force another app; conversion to plain text can discard formatting.
- Keep an RTFD package intact when moving or sharing it, because its attachments are part of the document.
- If TextEdit is missing, confirm it is installed and can open the sample directly, then locate it with Other. If an extension is absent from the catalog, add the format in Pahkui. Changing an association does not add format support to the target app.
Common questions
Is choosing TextEdit the same as converting to plain text?
No. The opener and document format are separate. Converting to plain text is an explicit editing action.
How do I restore the previous app for .rtf, .rtfd?
Choose the previous app again in Finder or Pahkui and confirm the change. This updates the type association without deleting files. Use the Open With context menu for a one-time exception.