WordPad: what is it and how to work with it, purpose and basic functions of a text editor

There are many programs in the Windows operating system that can replace third-party applications. At least in theory. Such utilities include the Windows Resource Monitor, Disk Defragmenter, Notepad, Paint, and other applications. There is no need to say that these programs have almost no functionality. Because users use third-party programs. One such embedded application is the WordPad text editor. What is this WordPad? This is a program that may be at least somehow useful to the user.

What is a WordPad?

So, WordPad is a program for creating and editing documents. She first appeared in Windows 95, and right up to Vista there were no changes. And only in "Windows 7" the developers decided to somehow diversify this utility. After the redesign, the application became similar to Microsoft Word 2007. In addition to the new design, the program received richer functionality. Now it could easily be used to create normal documents.

Nevertheless, advanced users preferred Word. Why? Yes, because this free alternative was deprived of the lion's share of the Word’s functionality and it was terribly inconvenient to use it. During the formation of the “tens”, the functionality of the application has not changed at all. Only the design has changed. Still, WordPad can be used to create documents. But only if there is nothing better at hand.

Key Features of WordPad

So, what is WordPad in the computer, we already understood. Now it's time to consider its main functions and capabilities. It won’t take a lot of time, since this editor is not very rich in functionality. Here are the main features and capabilities of the application:

• Creation of documents. The program allows you to write and save text in TXT format. This is the easiest format. There is still the possibility of saving in the DOC. Then the text formatting will be saved.
• Editing. The application allows you to edit ready-made text. However, it is not a fact that it correctly recognizes the font and encoding. You’ll have to configure everything yourself.
• Insert pictures. This utility has such an option. But if in “Word” the process of inserting pictures into text is strictly regulated and everything works the first time, then in “Wordpad” this option is implemented a little crookedly.
• Support for various encodings. The most useful feature of this editor. In principle, he can read any text. Only you need to choose the right encoding manually. Plus - the text will have to be reformatted.
• Creating tables. This editor supports the creation of simple tables. But, unlike the Word, it does not have such a universal and convenient tool for creating them. You have to draw everything by hand.
• Insert objects. Useful for creating charts and graphs. However, creating such a complex element in this editor is another adventure. Too cool diagram, he still will not allow to do.
• Print a document. Almost the only option that is implemented normally in WordPad. It prints well. Although it all depends on the printer settings. The editor himself is little involved in the printing process.

These are the main features and capabilities of WordPad. What is an application is in the list of standard programs and comes bundled with the OS, of course, well. But its functionality is not as rich as that of paid applications. We continue our review by looking at how to work with WordPad.

Creating a new document in the editor

Now let's talk about how to create a new document in WordPad. There is nothing difficult here, since the interface of the program is extremely simple and intuitive. Yes, and in Russian.

The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

1. Open the "Start" menu and move to the "Standard - Windows" directory.
2. Here we look for the item "WordPad" and click on it.
3. The main program window will open. Here, click on the "File" item at the top and select "Create."
4. A “sheet” with the cursor appears immediately.

That's all. You can not perform such a long chain of actions, after opening the "Wordpad" program, you need to press the key combination "Ctrl + N". You can start writing text, formatting it, adding tables, charts, and pictures. As you can see, the process of creating a new document is extremely simple. Now let's move on to the next step.

How to insert a picture?

We continue to consider the program WordPad. How to insert a picture in this text editor? In principle, there is nothing complicated about this. Difficulties will begin when you need to bring the picture to the desired form. But this is a completely different story.

So, the algorithm for inserting a picture is this:

1. In the main program window, click on the "Image" item.
2. In the next window, go to the directory with images.
3. Select the desired picture and click the "Open" button.
4. The image will appear on the “sheet” in the document.
5. Now, using the control elements, we bring it into the desired form.

That's all. Inserting an image is easy. It is much more difficult then to figure out its size and bring it to the right kind. But let's continue talking about how to work with the Wordpad.

How to insert date and time?

There is such an option in WordPad. Pages with date and time may be needed when doing some specific work. Some users add it in order not to get confused in the steps of creating a document. In any case, such an option is available and you need to know everything about how to use it.

To insert this component, follow the instructions below:

1. In the main window (in the upper part), look for the item "Date and time" and click on it.
2. A window will open with a choice of date format.
3. Select the desired format and click "OK."
4. The date and time will appear in the place where the cursor is currently located.

That’s all wisdom. As already mentioned, the interface of this program is extremely simple, it is impossible to get confused in it. Now to summarize. Summarize the information received about this application.

Verdict

The WorPad text editor (what it is, we reviewed above) is designed to create and edit simple documents. In its functionality, it is very far from the usual "Word". It can be used to create notes, small notes, accompanied by simple illustrations, but nothing more.

For more complex documents that require building graphs, charts, or adding complex tables, it is better to use Word or some equivalent free program (there are also such ones).

Conclusion

Microsoft's WordPad program was created at a time when no one had heard of a full-fledged Office from Microsoft. And in those realities it was really in demand. Without it, it would be difficult to work on a computer. But in modern realities, this component of the OS does not look too presentable. However, Microsoft continues to support the utility in every way.

Perhaps in future versions of the OS, this editor will not differ very much in functionality from Word, which will allow users not to spend money on expensive software. In the meantime, you can use this option to create simple documents and edit them.