rtfunicode

library2.3pypypi✓ verified 87d ago

rtfunicode is a Python library (version 2.3) that provides an encoder for Unicode to RTF 1.5 command sequences. It allows for generating valid RTF output that includes international characters by registering a new `rtfunicode` codec, which can then be used directly with `str.encode()`. The library is actively maintained, with a focus on modern Python versions.

serialization

pip install rtfunicode

github ↗package ↗changelog ↗

INSTALL

IMPORT

SIG · RTFUNICODE

rtfunicode

serializationpythonv2.3

Install

1.8s avg

Import

53ms

Disk

16MB

Pass rate

10/ 10

Env Coverage10 / 10

glibc

3.9–3.13

musl

3.9–3.13

Install & Compatibility

Where this runs

tested against v2.3 · pip install

no network on importno background threads

Install × environment matrix

Each cell = how many times install + import succeeded across repeated harness runs. Partial = flaky.
glibc = Debian/Ubuntu slim · musl = Alpine Linux

musl

py 3.10–3.910 runs

installs and imports cleanly · install 0.0s · import 0.054s · 17.8MB

glibc

py 3.10–3.910 runs

installs and imports cleanly · install 1.8s · import 0.052s · 18MB

16MB installed

● package 16MB

Code

Verified usage

Verified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.

rtfunicode

✓ import rtfunicode

Importing the rtfunicode module registers the 'rtfunicode' codec, making it available for string encoding.

This quickstart demonstrates how to import `rtfunicode` to register its codec, and then use the `encode('rtfunicode')` method on a standard Python string to convert Unicode characters into their RTF 1.5 command sequences.

import rtfunicode # Encode a Unicode string to RTF using the 'rtfunicode' codec unicode_string = 'Hello, RTF and unicode mix just fine! \u263A' rtf_output = unicode_string.encode('rtfunicode') print(f"Original Unicode: {unicode_string}") print(f"Encoded RTF: {rtf_output!r}") # The output includes the \uN? sequence for Unicode characters # For example, \u263A (smiling face) becomes \u9786? (N=9786 in signed 16-bit int) assert rtf_output == b'Hello, RTF and unicode mix just fine! \\u9786?'

Debug

Known issues

breakingrtfunicode version 2.3 dropped support for Python 3.9. Users on Python 3.9 must use `rtfunicode==2.2` or upgrade their Python environment.

fix

Upgrade Python to 3.10+ or install `pip install rtfunicode==2.2` for Python 3.9.

affects: >=2.3

breakingrtfunicode version 2.1 and later require Python 3.10 or newer. Earlier versions (pre-2.1) supported Python 3.3-3.9. Attempting to install or run v2.1+ on Python versions older than 3.10 will fail.

fix

Ensure your Python environment is 3.10 or newer. If legacy Python is required, use `rtfunicode<2.1`.

affects: >=2.1

gotchaIn version 2.1, rtfunicode was converted from a single module to a package. While the primary `import rtfunicode` remains functional, any tools or custom setups relying on `rtfunicode.py` as a direct file or internal module paths might require adjustments.

fix

Verify that custom tooling or internal module references are compatible with the package structure. The main usage (`import rtfunicode`) is unaffected.

affects: >=2.1

gotchaThe RTF standard uses `\uN?` where `N` is a signed 16-bit integer and `?` is a placeholder for older RTF readers. rtfunicode consistently sets this placeholder to `'?'`. If strict compliance with specific RTF readers requires a different fallback character (e.g., `\uN\'` plus a hex value), post-processing might be needed.

fix

Be aware of the fixed placeholder. For specific fallback character requirements, inspect the RTF output and implement post-processing if necessary.

affects: All versions

Errors

Common errors & fixes

LookupError: unknown encoding: rtfunicode

The 'rtfunicode' codec is not registered. This occurs when the `rtfunicode` module has not been imported.

fix

Add `import rtfunicode` at the beginning of your script. Importing the module registers the codec.

ERROR: Package 'rtfunicode' requires Python '>=3.10' but the running Python is 3.9.x

Attempting to install `rtfunicode` version 2.1 or newer on a Python environment older than 3.10.

fix

Upgrade your Python environment to 3.10 or newer. Alternatively, install a compatible older version like `pip install rtfunicode==2.2` for Python 3.9.

SyntaxError: invalid syntax (when running code from rtfunicode)

rtfunicode versions 2.1+ utilize modern Python syntax (e.g., type annotations) compatible with Python 3.10+. Running these versions on older Python interpreters will result in syntax errors.

fix

Ensure your Python environment is 3.10 or newer when using rtfunicode versions 2.1+. Upgrade Python if necessary.

Upgrade

Version history

2.3latest on PyPI · released Jan 17, 2026

Audit

Dependencies

pythonrequiredRequired for execution, version >=3.10.

Agent activity

4 hits · last 30 days

node

Resources

githubhttps://github.com/mjpieters/rtfunicode ↗

packagehttps://pypi.org/project/rtfunicode/ ↗

changeloghttps://github.com/mjpieters/rtfunicode/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md ↗