Convert RTF to FB2
Max file size 100mb.
RTF vs FB2 Format Comparison
| Aspect | RTF (Source Format) | FB2 (Target Format) |
|---|---|---|
| Format Overview |
RTF
Rich Text Format
Document format developed by Microsoft that supports text formatting, fonts, colors, images, and basic layout. Widely supported across different platforms and word processors. Uses readable ASCII-based markup. Document Format Cross-Platform |
FB2
FictionBook 2.0
XML-based ebook format developed in Russia for storing and distributing digital books. Focuses on semantic structure and rich metadata. Extremely popular in Russian-speaking countries and supported by most e-reading applications. Ebook Format XML-Based |
| Technical Specifications |
Structure: ASCII markup with control words
Encoding: ASCII with Unicode support Features: Formatting, fonts, colors, images Compatibility: High (word processors) Extensions: .rtf |
Structure: XML with semantic tags
Encoding: UTF-8 Features: Metadata, chapters, poems, annotations Compatibility: E-readers, mobile apps Extensions: .fb2, .fb2.zip |
| Syntax Examples |
RTF uses control words: {\rtf1\ansi
{\b Bold text\b0}
\par Paragraph
}
|
FB2 uses XML tags: <FictionBook>
<body>
<section>
<p>Text</p>
</section>
</body>
</FictionBook>
|
| Content Support |
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| Advantages |
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| Disadvantages |
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| Common Uses |
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| Conversion Process |
RTF document contains:
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Our converter creates:
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| Best For |
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| Reader Support |
Desktop: MS Word, WordPad, LibreOffice
Mobile: Limited e-reader support E-ink: Poor support Web: Browser plugins needed |
Desktop: FBReader, CoolReader, Calibre
Mobile: FBReader, Moon+, AlReader E-ink: PocketBook, ONYX BOOX Web: Online FB2 viewers |
Why Convert RTF to FB2?
Converting RTF documents to FB2 (FictionBook 2.0) format is essential for creating digital books optimized for e-readers and digital libraries. When you convert RTF to FB2, you're transforming a presentation-focused document format into a semantic, metadata-rich ebook format that focuses on structure and meaning rather than visual appearance. FB2 is the most popular ebook format in Russia and CIS countries, with native support in virtually all e-reading applications.
FB2 (FictionBook 2.0) is an XML-based ebook format specifically designed for fiction and literature. Unlike RTF which focuses on visual formatting (fonts, colors, sizes), FB2 uses semantic markup to describe the logical structure of a book: chapters, sections, poems, epigraphs, citations. This semantic approach allows e-readers to render content according to user preferences while preserving the author's intended structure. FB2 files can be read on any device and easily converted to other formats.
Our converter extracts text content from RTF documents and creates a well-formed FB2 ebook with proper XML structure. The resulting file includes the FictionBook XML declaration, description section for metadata (which you can edit to add author, title, annotation, genres, cover image), and body sections with your content. The FB2 format uses UTF-8 encoding and follows the FictionBook 2.0 specification, ensuring compatibility with all FB2 readers.
FB2 excels in the digital library ecosystem for several reasons: it's XML-based (human and machine readable), supports extensive metadata (author info, book series, ISBN, genres, annotations), includes semantic tags for poetry and special text structures, and can be compressed to .fb2.zip format (reducing file size by 80-90%) while remaining readable by most FB2 applications. The format is perfect for fiction, poetry, and narrative non-fiction.
Key Benefits of Converting RTF to FB2:
- E-Reader Optimized: Perfect rendering on FBReader, CoolReader, PocketBook devices
- Rich Metadata: Add author, title, series, ISBN, genres, annotation, cover image
- Semantic Structure: Chapters, sections, poems, epigraphs with meaning
- Digital Libraries: Compatible with Flibusta, Lib.rus.ec, Aldebaran
- Compression: Compress to .fb2.zip (10-20% of original size)
- Cross-Platform: Read on Android, iOS, e-ink devices, desktop
- Open Format: XML-based, editable with text editors
Practical Examples
Example 1: Fiction Novel
Input RTF file (novel.rtf):
Chapter 1: The Beginning The sun was setting over the horizon. Maria stood at the window. "Tomorrow," she whispered, "everything will change."
Output FB2 file (novel.fb2):
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<FictionBook xmlns="http://www.gribuser.ru/xml/fictionbook/2.0">
<description>
<title-info>
<genre>prose_contemporary</genre>
<author>
<first-name>Author</first-name>
<last-name>Name</last-name>
</author>
<book-title>Novel Title</book-title>
<lang>en</lang>
</title-info>
</description>
<body>
<section>
<title><p>Chapter 1: The Beginning</p></title>
<p>The sun was setting over the horizon.</p>
<p>Maria stood at the window.</p>
<p><emphasis>"Tomorrow,"</emphasis> she whispered, <emphasis>"everything will change."</emphasis></p>
</section>
</body>
</FictionBook>
Example 2: Poetry Collection
Input RTF file (poems.rtf):
Spring Morning The birds are singing, The flowers are blooming, Nature awakens, Spring is coming.
Output FB2 file (poems.fb2) - with poem structure:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<FictionBook xmlns="http://www.gribuser.ru/xml/fictionbook/2.0">
<description>
<title-info>
<genre>poetry</genre>
<author>
<first-name>Poet</first-name>
<last-name>Name</last-name>
</author>
<book-title>Poetry Collection</book-title>
<lang>en</lang>
</title-info>
</description>
<body>
<section>
<title><p>Spring Morning</p></title>
<poem>
<stanza>
<v>The birds are singing,</v>
<v>The flowers are blooming,</v>
<v>Nature awakens,</v>
<v>Spring is coming.</v>
</stanza>
</poem>
</section>
</body>
</FictionBook>
Example 3: Book with Full Metadata
Input RTF file (fantasy.rtf) - manuscript:
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit...
Output FB2 file (fantasy.fb2) - with extensive metadata:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<FictionBook xmlns="http://www.gribuser.ru/xml/fictionbook/2.0">
<description>
<title-info>
<genre>sf_fantasy</genre>
<author>
<first-name>John</first-name>
<middle-name>Ronald Reuel</middle-name>
<last-name>Tolkien</last-name>
</author>
<book-title>The Hobbit</book-title>
<annotation>
<p>A fantasy adventure about Bilbo Baggins.</p>
</annotation>
<keywords>fantasy, adventure, hobbits</keywords>
<date>1937</date>
<lang>en</lang>
<sequence name="Middle-earth" number="1"/>
</title-info>
<publish-info>
<publisher>George Allen & Unwin</publisher>
<year>1937</year>
<isbn>978-0-261-10295-4</isbn>
</publish-info>
</description>
<body>
<section>
<p>In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit...</p>
</section>
</body>
</FictionBook>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is FB2 format?
A: FB2 (FictionBook 2.0) is an XML-based ebook format developed in Russia for storing and distributing digital books. It uses semantic markup to describe book structure (chapters, sections, poems) and supports rich metadata (author, title, series, ISBN, annotation, cover). It's the most popular ebook format in Russian-speaking countries.
Q: Which e-readers support FB2 files?
A: FB2 is natively supported by FBReader (Windows, Linux, Android, macOS), CoolReader (Android, Windows), AlReader (Android), Moon+ Reader (Android), PocketBook e-readers, ONYX BOOX devices, and many other applications. Kindle doesn't support FB2 natively, but you can convert to MOBI/AZW3 using Calibre.
Q: Will my RTF formatting be preserved?
A: FB2 uses semantic markup instead of visual formatting. Bold and italic text are converted to <strong> and <emphasis> tags. Paragraphs and structure are preserved. However, specific fonts, colors, and exact page layouts are replaced with semantic elements that each e-reader renders according to user settings.
Q: How do I add metadata (author, title, cover) to FB2?
A: FB2 is plain XML, so you can edit it with any text editor. Add metadata in the <description> section: author names, book title, annotation, genres, publication info, ISBN, and book series. For cover images, encode them in Base64 and include in <coverpage>. Alternatively, use FictionBook Editor or Calibre for easier metadata editing.
Q: Is FB2 good for non-fiction books?
A: FB2 was designed primarily for fiction and works best for narrative content like novels, short stories, and poetry. It can handle simple non-fiction (biographies, essays), but for technical books with complex layouts, code samples, or diagrams, EPUB3 or PDF are better choices. FB2 excels at linear reading.
Q: Can FB2 files be compressed?
A: Yes! FB2 files are often distributed as .fb2.zip (ZIP-compressed FB2), which reduces file size by 80-90%. Most FB2 readers (FBReader, CoolReader, PocketBook) can open .fb2.zip files directly without manual extraction. This makes FB2.zip ideal for large book collections and digital libraries.
Q: What's the difference between FB2 and EPUB?
A: Both are XML-based ebook formats. EPUB is the international standard with wider global support and better multimedia capabilities (audio, video, JavaScript). FB2 is simpler, more focused on semantic text structure, and extremely popular in Russian-speaking countries. EPUB is better for complex layouts and international distribution; FB2 is ideal for fiction and the Russian e-reading ecosystem.
Q: How do I open and read FB2 files?
A: Download FBReader (free, available for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android), CoolReader (Windows/Android), or Calibre (library manager with FB2 support). On Android, install FBReader, Moon+ Reader, or AlReader from Google Play. FB2 files can also be converted to EPUB or MOBI for use with Kindle and other devices using Calibre or online converters.