WordPad
WordPad is a basic word processing program included with Microsoft Windows. It has basic formatting features like fonts, colors, and paragraph alignment, but lacks more advanced features like citation tools, reviewing, and collaboration.
text-editing
formatting
microsoft
basic
WordPad: Basic Word Processings
A simple word processing program included with Microsoft Windows, offering basic formatting features like fonts, colors, and paragraph alignment, but lacking advanced tools like citation, reviewing, and collaboration.
What is WordPad?
WordPad is a simple word processing application developed by Microsoft and included with Microsoft Windows operating systems. It serves as a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Word for basic word processing tasks.
Some key features of WordPad include:
- Basic text formatting like fonts, sizes, colors, bold, italic, underline
- Paragraph alignment and indentation
- Bulleted and numbered lists
- Simple tables
- Basic image insertion
- Print and print preview
- Spell checker
- Support for opening and saving Word documents (.doc, .docx)
However, compared to full-featured word processors like Microsoft Word, WordPad lacks more advanced features like citations, reviewing, change tracking, mail merge, complex tables and charts, collaboration tools, macros/automation, and more.
Overall, WordPad meets the needs for very simple documents like letters, lists, and short reports. Power users who need tools for long/complex documents, formatting control, references, and collaboration would need a software like Microsoft Word.
WordPad Features
Features
- Basic word processing
- Basic text formatting (fonts, colors, alignment)
- Can open/edit DOC files
- Spell check
- Printing
- Page layout tools (margins, orientation)
Pricing
- Free
Pros
Free with Windows
Simple and easy to use
Supports basic formatting
Compatible with DOC files
Cons
Lacks advanced features like citations, reviewing, collaboration
Fewer capabilities than full-featured word processors
Limited customization options
The Best WordPad Alternatives
Top Office & Productivity and Word Processors and other similar apps like WordPad
Here are some alternatives to WordPad:
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Microsoft Word
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Google Docs
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Scrivener
Scrivener is a popular software program designed specifically for writers. It allows you to plan, organize, and write long and complex documents like books, dissertations, screenplays, and more. Some key features of Scrivener include:Corkboard and outliner views to visualize the structure of your writing projectAnnotations and comments to leave notes...
Typora
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LibreOffice - Writer
LibreOffice Writer is a powerful yet user-friendly open source word processor and part of the LibreOffice software suite. It is an excellent free alternative to Microsoft Word with a familiar looking interface. Writer provides all the commonly used features expected in a modern word processor.Some key features of LibreOffice Writer...
AbiWord
AbiWord is a free and open source word processor for Linux, Windows, and macOS operating systems. Originally released in 1998, AbiWord focuses on having a lightweight and fast word processing application while still providing common word processing features.Some key features and capabilities of AbiWord include:Straightforward and minimalist word processing interfaceSupports...
FocusWriter
FocusWriter is a distraction-free word processor software application designed specifically for writers. Its purpose is to help authors concentrate on their writing by eliminating distractions and providing useful writing tools.Some key features of FocusWriter include:Minimal, clean interface to avoid distractionsTyping statistics tracking such as words written, pages, paragraphs, etc.Auto-save and...
Apache OpenOffice Writer
Apache OpenOffice Writer is a free and open source word processing software that is part of the Apache OpenOffice software suite. It provides similar features as commercial word processors like Microsoft Word including:Text formatting tools like bold, italics, underline, font type and size selection, etc.Paragraph formatting including alignment, indentation, spacing,...
WPS Writer
WPS Writer is a feature-rich word processor and part of the WPS Office suite of productivity applications. As an alternative to Microsoft Word, WPS Writer is completely free and open source.Some key features and capabilities of WPS Writer include:Word processing for creating documents like letters, reports, invoices, etc.Advanced formatting options...
