A Simple Yet Powerful Tool: An Introduction and goodbye to WordPad

Spoiler: Since September 1, 2023, WordPad is included in deprecated features.

WordPad is a classic word processing program that comes preinstalled on Windows computers. Despite its simplicity, it packs quite a punch when it comes to handling everyday text editing tasks. Whether you’re jotting down notes, drafting emails, or composing letters, WordPad is there to help you get the job done without any fuss. WordPad was released in 1989 as part of Windows 3.0. It has been included in every version of Windows since then. It first used Microsoft’s proprietary .wri file format. WordPad doesn’t have an autosave function. At least, there are no direct ways to recover WordPad documents that are provided in the system itself.

One of the key advantages of WordPad is its ease of use. With a minimalist design and straightforward menu options, even those who aren’t tech-savvy can navigate through the program with ease. It’s perfect for quick edits and doesn’t require extensive training to master.

Another plus point is its compatibility with various file types. Although primarily designed for .txt files, WordPad can also handle Rich Text Format (RTF) documents, which means you can share your creations with others without worrying about formatting issues.

While WordPad might not have the bells and whistles of more advanced word processors, it does offer essential features like font size adjustment, and bullet points. These basics ensure that your text looks presentable and is easy to read.

If you’re looking for a no-frills word processor that gets the job done, WordPad is worth considering. Its simplicity makes it ideal for casual users who don’t need all the extra features that come with more robust office suites. And let’s face it, sometimes less is more!

So next time you need to write something down quickly, give WordPad a chance until you can. You might just find yourself pleasantly surprised by how much you can accomplish with this versatile little app.
If you are looking for an alternative to WordPad the most common ones include Notepad++, Google Docs and Open(Libre)Office Writer. These applications provide additional features such as spell check, autosave, and support for various document formats.