An RTF file is a Rich Text Format document: plain text mixed with control words for fonts, paragraphs, tables and pictures. Microsoft developed it for exchanging formatted documents between word processors. An ordinary RTF invoice does not use a supported EN 16931 invoice syntax. You need an invoice in the required format, not simply a renamed RTF file. Klarbon opening is planned.
What is in an RTF file?
| Part | Holds |
|---|---|
| Header | {\rtf1 and the character set, such as \ansi, with \ansicpgN for the code page |
| Font and colour tables | fonts and colours used in the document |
| Document text | paragraphs and tables, formatted by control words |
| Fields | computed text such as dates or page numbers |
| Objects and pictures | embedded or linked objects, images |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Syntax | text, usually 7-bit ASCII with escapes |
| Last version | 1.9.1, March 2008 |
| Owner | Microsoft |
| Structured invoice data | none |
Microsoft's specification describes the syntax; the Library of Congress records 1.9.1 as the last release and notes that RTF is no longer enhanced (RTF 1.9.1, Library of Congress).
RTF invoice or e-invoice?
| RTF invoice | EN 16931 e-invoice | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | people | software, with a readable view |
| Invoice data | text on a page | named fields with codes |
| Can be checked automatically | no | yes |
| Meets structured-invoice requirements by itself | no | only with the required syntax, rules and delivery route |
A PDF invoice without XML has the same limits.
What does Klarbon do with RTF?
Klarbon does not open RTF files today; reading invoice details from an RTF document is planned, not available yet. Klarbon does not run embedded objects or follow links in a document. To read an e-invoice, use the invoice viewer; to issue one, see make an e-invoice.
Related
Frequently asked questions
What is an RTF file?
A Rich Text Format document, a text file in which control words such as \b for bold describe the layout. Use software that supports RTF. Microsoft's RTF 1.9.1 specification dates to March 2008.
Is an invoice in RTF an e-invoice?
No. An RTF invoice is a document for people to read. It has no structured invoice data that accounting software can take over, so it does not meet the requirements for an e-invoice under EN 16931.
Can an RTF file be harmful?
An RTF file can embed objects and links to other files. Open one from an unknown sender with care, and do not enable content it asks for.
How do I turn an RTF invoice into an e-invoice?
The seller has to issue it as an e-invoice from their invoicing software. Reading the values out of an RTF and entering them in a new invoice is possible, but the result must be checked against the original.
Sources
- Microsoft, Rich Text Format (RTF) Specification, version 1.9.1 (PDF) officeprotocoldoc.z19.web.core.windows.net
- Library of Congress, Rich Text Format (RTF) family loc.gov
- European Commission, supported EN 16931 syntaxes ec.europa.eu