# Set default document format

Set default document format as rich text (.rtf) or plain text (.txt).

  • Tested on macOS:
    • Monterey
    • Big Sur
  • Parameter type: bool

# Set to true (default value)

Rich text is enabled.

defaults write com.apple.TextEdit "RichText" -bool "true" && killall TextEdit

Example output with value set to true

# Set to false

Rich text is disabled.

defaults write com.apple.TextEdit "RichText" -bool "false" && killall TextEdit

Example output with value set to false

# Read current value

defaults read com.apple.TextEdit "RichText"

# Reset to default value

defaults delete com.apple.TextEdit "RichText" && killall TextEdit