# Uploaded and Online Policies
***
RTOSafe supports two types of policies:
## Uploaded Policies
These are PDF or Word files you upload to RTOSafe. Use this when:
* You maintain policies in Word or another editor outside RTOSafe
* You need precise formatting control (letterheads, complex tables)
* Multiple people edit the source document before uploading
To update an uploaded policy, you upload a new file each time.
## Online Policies
These are policies you write and edit directly in RTOSafe. Use this when:
* You want to edit policies without leaving RTOSafe
* You don't need complex formatting
* You want faster updates — just edit and save
Online policies use a simple text editor. Changes save immediately as a new version.
***
## Which Should I Use?
**Most RTOs start with uploaded policies** — you probably already have Word documents. This works well and there's no pressure to change.
**Consider online policies** if you find yourself frequently making small updates and want to skip the upload step.
You can have a mix — some policies uploaded, others online. Each policy is independent.
***
## Convert to an Online Policy
You can convert an uploaded policy to an online policy. This is useful when you want to stop managing a separate Word file and edit directly in RTOSafe instead.
This change is permanent. Once converted, you can't switch back to uploading files for that policy.
1
**Open the policy**
Go to [**Policies**](https://app.rtosafe.com.au/Policies) and select the policy you want to convert.
2
**Start a new version**
Select **Create New Version**.
3
**Choose to change to online**
Select **Change to Online Document**.
4
**Copy in your content**
Open your current policy document (PDF or Word) and copy the text. Paste it into the RTOSafe editor.
You can format the content using the editor toolbar — headings, lists, tables, and basic styling are supported.
5
**Save**
Enter a version number and notes, then select **Save**.
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## What Happens Next
* The policy is now an online policy — all future versions are created in the editor
* Staff see the new version and receive agreement requests (if enabled)
* The public link (if set up) shows the new content immediately
* Previous uploaded versions remain in the version history
***
## Common Issues
Can't find Change to Online Document
This option only appears when you select **Create New Version** on an uploaded policy.
Formatting looks different
The online editor supports basic formatting only. Complex layouts from Word may need simplifying.
Want to go back to uploading
This isn't possible — the conversion is permanent. You'd need to create a new policy and archive the old one.
