Microsoft has recently announced its decision to phase out WordPad through a forthcoming Windows update. The application is no longer actively developed, although Microsoft has not provided a specific timeline for this transition. In this piece, we listed some of the best Wordpad alternatives you can find online!
WordPad, a staple basic text-editing tool, allows users to create and edit documents containing formatted text and insert images and links to other files. It has been automatically included in Windows systems since its inception in 1995, starting with Windows 95.
It provided users with a fundamental word processing and document editing tool integrated into the operating system.
As a replacement for WordPad, Microsoft recommends using the Microsoft Word app, which offers a more robust feature set. For users who do not require rich text support, Notepad remains a viable option.
Microsoft is pulling the plug on Wordpad
This decision doesn’t come as a shock, as the program has been an optional feature in Windows since it was introduced with the Windows 10 Insider Build 19551 in February 2020.
Although it continues to be installed by default on all Windows systems, Microsoft introduced the option to uninstall it through the ‘Optional features’ control panel.
Microsoft had previously made a similar move five years ago when they announced the deprecation and removal of the classic Windows Paint application. This decision was implemented with the release of the Windows 10 Fall Creator’s Update in July 2017.
WordPad is no longer being updated and will be removed in a future release of Windows. We recommend Microsoft Word for rich text documents like .doc and .rtf and Windows Notepad for plain text documents like .txt,” Microsoft said in the official announcement.
Best Wordpad alternatives
Now that Microsoft has pulled the plug on the app, let’s look at the best Wordpad alternatives you can find online or install on your PC.
LibreOffice
LibreOffice is a well-known open-source office suite. Open-source software is particularly attractive to government offices, financial firms, and privacy-conscious users because it allows them to inspect the source code for security vulnerabilities.
LibreOffice is one of the few desktop office suites offering a feature-rich experience at no cost, comparable to Microsoft 365.
However, it is held back by its somewhat cumbersome user interface and occasional performance issues. Additionally, it lacks collaboration features and web-based versions of its applications.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a versatile word-processing program suitable for creating documents of varying complexity. When you subscribe to Office 365, you can download the application to your local storage and access the online version. The online version offers real-time collaboration and file-sharing capabilities with others.
Microsoft Word is compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, smartphones, and tablets. Here are some common tasks you can accomplish with Microsoft Word:
- Perform basic operations such as copying, cutting, and pasting text.
- Add headers footers, and customize page formatting.
- Utilize the mail merge feature for creating letters, envelopes, and labels.
- Access additional features like dictionaries, Mailchimp integration, and fax capabilities.
- Open and edit PDF files directly within Word.
- Insert images from your local storage or from the web using the Microsoft Word Insert Toolbar.
Typora
Typora is a user-friendly document editor with robust Markdown support. It’s a great tool for students and professionals working on essays and reports. While it excels in simplicity and configurability, it may not be the best choice for multi-file projects or website publishing.
One of Typora’s standout features is its balance between providing numerous settings and maintaining a minimalist interface. If you’re new to Markdown, you’ll find Typora’s keyboard shortcuts for formatting and its intuitive live editor helpful. It automatically hides the Markdown formatting syntax after you’ve typed it, streamlining the writing process.
Google Docs
Initially launched in 2006, Google Docs is a free web-based word processing application within the Google Docs Editors suite. It enables users to create, edit, and store documents online. This suite also includes other free web apps like Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Drawings, Google Forms, Google Sites, and Google Keep.
With Google Docs, users can import, generate, modify, and update documents online. They have the flexibility to work with various fonts and file formats, all accessible from any computer with internet access and a web browser.
How to do subscript in Google Docs?
Furthermore, Google Docs offers mobile accessibility, allowing users to access documents via Android, Chrome, or iOS devices. They can even create new documents directly from their mobile devices for seamless productivity on the go.
Featured image credit: Ed Hardie/Unsplash
