How to Convert RTF to TEX Using Python?

Converting Rich Text Format (RTF) files to LaTeX (TEX) format can be useful for academic writing, publishing, or typesetting. Python, with its powerful libraries, makes this conversion seamless. In this guide, we’ll use the pandoc module, a widely popular tool for document conversion, to achieve this task efficiently.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure you have the following installed:

• Python 3.6+ (recommended)
• Pandoc (a universal document converter)
• Python subprocess module (for running shell commands)

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Step 1: Install Pandoc

Pandoc is a command-line tool that supports multiple document formats. To install it:

• Windows: Download from Pandoc’s official site.
• Linux: Run sudo apt-get install pandoc (Debian/Ubuntu).
• MacOS: Use brew install pandoc if you have Homebrew.

Verify Installation

Open a terminal and run:

pandoc --version

If installed correctly, you’ll see version details.

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Step 2: Convert RTF to TEX Using Python

We’ll use Python’s subprocess module to call Pandoc for conversion.

Sample Code

import subprocess

def convert_rtf_to_tex(input_file, output_file):
    try:
        subprocess.run(["pandoc", input_file, "-o", output_file], check=True)
        print(f"Successfully converted {input_file} to {output_file}")
    except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
        print(f"Error during conversion: {e}")

# Example usage
convert_rtf_to_tex("document.rtf", "output.tex")

Explanation

• subprocess.run() executes the Pandoc command.
• input_file is the RTF file path.
• output_file is the destination TEX file.

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Step 3: Handling Complex RTF Files

If your RTF contains tables, images, or special formatting, Pandoc may require additional flags:

subprocess.run(["pandoc", input_file, "--standalone", "--listings", "-o", output_file])

Here, --standalone ensures proper LaTeX headers, and --listings improves code block handling.

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Alternative: Using PyRTF (For Programmatic Conversion)

If you need more control, the PyRTF library allows parsing RTF files directly in Python. However, this requires manual LaTeX generation.

pip install PyRTF

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Summary: Converting RTF to TEX in Python is straightforward with Pandoc. For advanced users, PyRTF offers finer control. Ensure Pandoc is installed and use Python’s subprocess for seamless conversion.

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