Convert RTF to ORG

Why Convert RTF to Org-mode?

Org-mode is a comprehensive plain-text productivity system for Emacs that combines note-taking, task management, project planning, and literate programming in a single format. Converting RTF documents to ORG format enables you to create actionable documents with TODO items, scheduled tasks, and deadlines; organize knowledge with hierarchical outlines and tags; and export content to multiple formats including HTML, PDF, and LaTeX.

When you have documentation, notes, or project plans in RTF format, converting to Org-mode allows you to leverage its powerful features: agenda views that unify tasks across multiple files, time tracking and clocking, executable code blocks for reproducible research, and sophisticated export options. Org-mode is the productivity system of choice for thousands of developers, researchers, and knowledge workers who use Emacs for their daily workflow.

This conversion is valuable for Emacs users, researchers conducting reproducible research, GTD practitioners, knowledge workers, and anyone building a personal productivity system. Org-mode's plain-text nature ensures your data remains accessible forever, works perfectly with version control systems like Git, and allows full customization through Emacs Lisp. The format is both human-readable and machine-processable.

The resulting ORG file contains plain text with semantic markup that Org-mode can process for task management, agenda views, and export. Org-mode's Babel system allows you to embed and execute code in dozens of languages (Python, R, SQL, Shell, etc.), making it ideal for literate programming, data analysis notebooks, and reproducible research. You can publish entire websites from Org files using org-publish.

Key Advantages of Org-mode Format:

• Productivity System: TODO management, agenda, scheduling, time tracking
• Literate Programming: Execute code blocks in Python, R, SQL, Shell, etc.
• Multi-Format Export: HTML, LaTeX, PDF, Beamer presentations, Markdown
• Hierarchical Organization: Outline-based structure with folding
• Tags and Properties: Organize and search content efficiently
• Plain Text: Future-proof, version control friendly, grep-able
• Extensible: Customize with Emacs Lisp
• Active Community: 20+ years of development, extensive ecosystem

Practical Examples

Example 1: Converting Project Documentation

Input RTF file (project_notes.rtf):

Project Alpha
Tasks:
- Implement user authentication
- Design database schema
- Write API documentation

Meeting Notes:
Discussed project timeline on 2024-01-15.
Next deadline: January 30, 2024.

Output ORG file (project_notes.org):

* Project Alpha

** Tasks
*** TODO Implement user authentication
*** TODO Design database schema
*** TODO Write API documentation

** Meeting Notes
Discussed project timeline on <2024-01-15>.
Next deadline: <2024-01-30>.

Example 2: Converting Research Notes

Input RTF file (research.rtf):

Machine Learning Research
Data Analysis:
Load dataset and calculate mean.

Python code:
import pandas as pd
df = pd.read_csv('data.csv')
print(df.mean())

Note: Results show significant correlation.

Output ORG file (research.org):

* Machine Learning Research

** Data Analysis
Load dataset and calculate mean.

#+BEGIN_SRC python
import pandas as pd
df = pd.read_csv('data.csv')
print(df.mean())
#+END_SRC

#+BEGIN_QUOTE
Note: Results show significant correlation.
#+END_QUOTE

Example 3: Converting Task List

Input RTF file (tasks.rtf):

Weekly Tasks
High Priority:
- Finish quarterly report (Due: Friday)
- Review code pull requests

Medium Priority:
- Update documentation
- Schedule team meeting

Output ORG file (tasks.org):

* Weekly Tasks

** High Priority
*** TODO [#A] Finish quarterly report
DEADLINE: <2024-11-08 Fri>
*** TODO [#A] Review code pull requests

** Medium Priority
*** TODO [#B] Update documentation
*** TODO [#B] Schedule team meeting

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Org-mode and why is it popular?

Org-mode is an Emacs mode for notes, task management, project planning, and authoring. It's popular because it combines multiple productivity tools in plain text: TODO lists with states, scheduling and deadlines, agenda views, time tracking, literate programming (executable code blocks), and export to HTML/LaTeX/PDF. Used by developers, researchers, writers, and GTD practitioners. It's like Markdown but more powerful, with task management built-in.

Q: How do I create tasks in Org-mode?

Prefix any heading with TODO: "* TODO Task name". Cycle states with C-c C-t (TODO → DONE). Add priorities: "* TODO [#A] High priority task". Schedule tasks: C-c C-s adds SCHEDULED: . Set deadlines: C-c C-d adds DEADLINE: . Add tags: "* TODO Task :work:urgent:". View all TODOs across files in the agenda with C-c a t. Clock time with C-c C-x C-i/C-o.

Q: What is Org-mode Babel?

Babel allows you to execute code blocks within Org documents, making it ideal for literate programming and reproducible research. Syntax: #+BEGIN_SRC language, code, #+END_SRC. Supports 40+ languages: Python, R, SQL, Shell, JavaScript, etc. Execute with C-c C-c. Results can be inserted into document. Use cases: data analysis notebooks, documentation with tested code examples, computational research papers, multi-language projects.

Q: How do I export Org-mode files?

Press C-c C-e to open export dispatcher. Options: h h (HTML), l p (LaTeX PDF), l o (open PDF), m m (Markdown), o o (ODT), b p (Beamer presentation). Customize exports with #+OPTIONS: and #+EXPORT_ keywords. Templates control styling. You can publish entire websites with org-publish. Exports preserve structure, code blocks (with syntax highlighting), tables, links, and formatting. Professional-quality output.

Q: What is the Org-mode agenda?

The agenda (C-c a) provides unified views of tasks, schedules, and deadlines across all your Org files. Daily/weekly agenda shows what's scheduled. TODO list shows all tasks. Custom views filter by tags, priorities, categories. Tag search finds items with specific tags. Clock reports show time spent. Agenda files are configured with org-agenda-files. The agenda is why Org-mode excels for project/time management.

Q: Can I use Org-mode without Emacs?

Partially. Mobile apps: Orgzly (Android), Beorg (iOS) support tasks, sync, and basic editing. VS Code has Org Mode extension for syntax highlighting and basic features. Vim has vim-orgmode plugin. However, full power (agenda, Babel, advanced export) requires Emacs. Org files are plain text, so you can edit in any editor, but you'll miss task management and processing features. Many users sync Org files via Dropbox/Git.

Q: How does Org-mode compare to Markdown?

Org-mode is more powerful but Emacs-specific. Both are plain text. Markdown is simpler, more widely supported (GitHub, static sites). Org-mode adds: TODO states, scheduling, agenda, time tracking, priorities, tags, properties, literate programming (Babel), advanced tables (formulas), better export options. Choose Markdown for simple docs and wide compatibility. Choose Org for productivity system, task management, literate programming, or if you use Emacs.

Q: What is GTD and how does Org-mode support it?

GTD (Getting Things Done) is a productivity method by David Allen. Org-mode is excellent for GTD: capture (org-capture templates), clarify (refiling with org-refile), organize (tags, categories, properties), review (agenda views), engage (custom agenda commands). You can implement full GTD workflow: inbox processing, next actions, projects, someday/maybe, contexts (tags), weekly review. Many GTD practitioners use Org-mode. Search "Org-mode GTD" for setup guides.