WordPad icon

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.

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.

The Best WordPad Alternatives

Top Apps like WordPad

Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Scrivener, Typora, LibreOffice - Writer, AbiWord, FocusWriter, Apache OpenOffice Writer, WPS Writer are some alternatives to WordPad.

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word, a cornerstone of the Microsoft Office suite, sets the standard for word processing software, offering an array of powerful tools to create, edit, and enhance documents. Widely recognized and trusted, Word is the go-to solution for individuals, businesses, and educational institutions seeking a versatile and user-friendly platform for...

Google Docs

Google Docs is a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation program that is part of Google's free, web-based software suite offered as part of its Google Drive service. Google Docs offers many of the core features and functionality of traditional office suites at no cost to users.Some key features of...

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...

Typora

Typora is a popular markdown editor and reader available as a desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. It stands out for providing a seamless writing and reading experience when working with markdown files.When editing documents in Typora, there is no preview window - users can see...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...