How to Convert RTF to SVG Using Python?

Converting RTF (Rich Text Format) files to SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) can be useful for rendering formatted text in web applications, diagrams, or print media. Python offers powerful libraries to achieve this conversion efficiently. In this guide, we'll explore the most popular Python modules and step-by-step methods to convert RTF to SVG seamlessly.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure you have the following installed:

Python 3.6 or higher
The pypandoc library (for RTF to intermediate format conversion)
The cairosvg library (for SVG generation)

Install the required libraries using pip:

pip install pypandoc cairosvg

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

Step 1: Convert RTF to HTML

Since there's no direct RTF-to-SVG converter, we first convert RTF to HTML using pypandoc, a Python wrapper for Pandoc.

import pypandoc

# Convert RTF to HTML
html_output = pypandoc.convert_file('input.rtf', 'html', outputfile='temp.html')

Step 2: Convert HTML to SVG

Next, use cairosvg to render the HTML into an SVG file.

import cairosvg

# Read the HTML file
with open('temp.html', 'r') as file:
    html_content = file.read()

# Convert HTML to SVG
cairosvg.svg2svg(bytestring=html_content.encode('utf-8'), write_to='output.svg')

Alternative Method: Using ReportLab

If you need more control over the SVG output, you can use ReportLab to generate SVG from RTF content.

from reportlab.graphics import renderPDF, renderSVG
from reportlab.lib.styles import getSampleStyleSheet
from reportlab.platypus import Paragraph, SimpleDocTemplate

# Read RTF content (simplified example)
rtf_content = "{\\rtf1\\ansi\\ansicpg1252\\deff0\\deflang1033{\\fonttbl{\\f0\\fnil\\fcharset0 Calibri;}}\\f0\\fs24 Hello, World!}"

# Convert RTF to SVG via ReportLab
styles = getSampleStyleSheet()
story = [Paragraph(rtf_content, styles['Normal'])]
doc = SimpleDocTemplate("output.svg")
doc.build(story)

Conclusion

Converting RTF to SVG in Python involves intermediate steps, such as converting RTF to HTML first. The pypandoc and cairosvg libraries provide a reliable way to achieve this. For advanced customisation, ReportLab is another excellent option.

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