File Menu - Export As
Folder of RTFD Files

NOTE 1: Only datafiles with the .id3 file name extension can be exported as RTFD.

NOTE 2: iData Pro export functions work only on selected records. Therefore, if you have been viewing only a partial selection of the records in a datafile, but wish to export all of the records, you must first choose All Records from the Select menu, to ensure that all records in the datafile are in the selected state.

Exporting a Datafile as a Folder of RTFD Files

RTFD is the abbreviation for Rich Text Format Directory, which refers to a document format developed by Apple, which is used by many MacOS and iOS apps. If you are interested in learning about the technical aspects of this format, please take a look at the Wikipedia article on RTFD.

The Freeform Text Area (FTA) of each .id3-format datafile is stored as RTFD data, but when it is displayed, it shows up as formatted (styled) text, and may also include embedded images and other attachments. When a datafile is exported as an RTFD document, the formatting of the FTA is retained.

The export of a datafile as a folder of RTFD files begins with the creation of a folder that has the same name as the datafile, plus the word "Folder". So, the folder for the export of Sample Freeform Datafile.id3 will be named Sample Freeform Datafile Folder.

Each record is saved as an RTFD document, with a .rtfd file name extension. Each record will be saved the folder with the name of the original datafile, followed by the record number, and the .rtfd file name extension. So, record 1 of Sample Field Datafile.id3 will be saved as Sample Field Datafile_1.rtfd, record 2 will be Sample Field Datafile_2.rtfd, so on.

If the datafile has fields, each field is placed on a separate line. The field name, followed by a colon and a space, is placed in front of the field content. Below the fields, a line saying is placed, followed by the FTA content (or nothing, if the FTA is empty).

If the datafile does not have any fields, the line is omitted.

To Export a Datafile as a folder of RTDF Files:

         1. Select Folder of RTFD Files... from the Export As sub-menu under the File menu.

         2. In the Save dialog that comes up next, do not change the name of the file being exported, but simply navigate to the folder where you want to save the file, and click the Export button.

Importing a Folder of RTDF Files into Apple Notes

Apple's Notes app can import a folder of RTFD files.  Here's how:

        1. Open Notes.

        2. Select Import to Notes... under the File menu.

        3. In the Import dialog that comes up next, select the folder and click the Import button.

        4. In the Import to Notes? dialog that comes up next, click the Import Notes button.

Viewing and Editing RTDF Files in Other Apps

Apple's TextEdit app is a good candidate for viewing and/or editing an individual RTFD file. TextEdit opens RTFD files quickly. The resulting file will not be paginated. It might be a good idea to save a backup copy of the original .rtfd file before editing it.

Apple's Pages app will open an RTFD file, but it will actually be importing it in Pages format, so it may be a bit slow. Then you will need to save it. It will save it with the .pages file name extension. The resulting file will be paginated.

Microsoft Word will not open an RTFD file, but you can:

        1. Open the RTFD file in TextEdit.

        2. Choose Select All in the Edit menu.

        3. Choose Copy in the Edit menu.

        4. In Word, choose New Document in the File menu.

        5. When the new empty document opens, click in the text area of the window and choose Paste under the Edit menu.

        6. Save the new document with whatever name you desire. The resulting file will be paginated.

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