| There are many formats for documents, and few are as difficult to parse as Rich Text Format (RTF), the internal format for Microsoft Word. Unlike structured formats such as XML and SGML, or even the less structured formats such as HTML or Troff, RTF reduces all styles, formats, fonts, etc., to pure presentational commands. It's filled with arcane, redundant, incomprehensible markup.
Why use RTF then? Because we have to. Microsoftr Word is a ubiquitous application, and love it or hate it, we're stuck with it. So we frequently find ourselves having to deal with RTF files, either to convert to or from another format, or to make global changes. That fact alone brings challenges, frustrations, and constant demands on your patience. Additionally, there is little or no printed documentation for RTF. You can't always stop to search for the piece of information you need online--or take the time to wade through irrelevant or even erroneous online information. And the Rich Text Format Specification is comprehensive, but it's certainly not written at as a quick reference.
Stuck (and annoyed)? The answer is RTF Pocket Guide. Concise and easy to use, this handy pocket guide to RTF is a must-have quick reference for anyone who uses, or is considering using, RTF. The RTF Pocket Guide offers the convenience of a quick guide in a convenient size. You'll be surprised at how much information is packed into this slim volume. | |