How to Convert RTF to RAW Using Python

If you've ever worked with Rich Text Format (RTF) files, you might have needed to extract plain, unformatted text (RAW) from them. Python makes this task simple with the right libraries. In this guide, we'll explore how to convert RTF to RAW text efficiently using Python.

Why Convert RTF to RAW?

RTF files contain formatting like fonts, colours, and styles, which may not always be needed. Converting RTF to RAW text is useful for:

Text analysis and NLP tasks
Simplifying data processing
Extracting plain text for databases or logs

Choosing the Right Python Library

The most popular and widely used Python module for handling RTF files is pyth (Python RTF parser). Alternatively, striprtf is a lightweight option for basic conversions.

Method 1: Using `striprtf`

striprtf is a simple library that removes RTF formatting and returns plain text. Here's how to use it:

# Install the library first
# pip install striprtf

from striprtf.striprtf import rtf_to_text

# Read an RTF file
with open("sample.rtf", "r") as file:
    rtf_content = file.read()

# Convert to RAW text
raw_text = rtf_to_text(rtf_content)
print(raw_text)

Pros & Cons

Pros: Lightweight, easy to use, no dependencies.
Cons: May not handle complex RTF structures well.

Method 2: Using `pyth` (Python RTF Parser)

For more advanced RTF parsing, pyth is a robust choice. Here's an example:

# Install pyth
# pip install pyth

from pyth.plugins.rtf15.reader import Rtf15Reader
from pyth.plugins.plaintext.writer import PlaintextWriter

# Read RTF file
with open("sample.rtf", "rb") as file:
    doc = Rtf15Reader.read(file)

# Convert to plain text
raw_text = PlaintextWriter.write(doc).getvalue()
print(raw_text)

When to Use `pyth`?

This method is ideal for:

Complex RTF documents with tables and images
Better control over text extraction

Alternative: Using `pywin32` (Windows Only)

If you're on Windows and have Microsoft Word installed, you can automate RTF conversion via COM:

import win32com.client

word = win32com.client.Dispatch("Word.Application")
doc = word.Documents.Open("sample.rtf")
doc.SaveAs("output.txt", FileFormat=2)  # 2 = TXT format
doc.Close()
word.Quit()

Note: This method requires Microsoft Word and only works on Windows.

Conclusion

Converting RTF to RAW text in Python is straightforward with libraries like striprtf and pyth. For simple needs, striprtf is sufficient, while pyth handles complex documents better. Choose the method that fits your project requirements!

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