This RTF Specification describes RTF using the following syntax, based on Backus-Naur Form.
| Syntax | Meaning |
| #PCDATA | Text (without control words). |
| #SDATA | Hexadecimal data. |
| #BDATA | Binary data. |
| 'c' | A literal. |
| <text> | A nonterminal. |
| A | The (terminal) control word a, without a parameter. |
| a or aN | The (terminal) control word a, with a parameter. |
| a? | Item a is optional. |
| a+ | One or more repetitions of item a. |
| a* | Zero or more repetitions of item a. |
| a b | Item a followed by item b. |
| a | b | Item a or item b. |
| a & b | Item a and/or item b, in any order. |