WordPad AlternativesTop Word Processors and other similar apps like WordPad

WordPad is described as 'Simple word processor that is included with almost all versions of Microsoft Windows from Windows 95 onwards. It the successor of Windows 3.1s Write. From Windows 7 Wordpad includes the ribbon user interface' and is a Word Processor in the office & productivity category. There are more than 50 alternatives to WordPad for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Web-based and iPhone apps. The best WordPad alternative is LibreOffice - Writer, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like WordPad are Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Typora and AbiWord.

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WordPad alternatives are mainly Word Processors, but if you're looking for Text Editors or Note-taking Tools you can filter on that. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to WordPad.
WordPad iconWordPad
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WordPad is a simple word processor that is included with almost all versions of Microsoft Windows from Windows 95 onwards. It is the successor of Windows 3.1s Write. From Windows 7 Wordpad includes the ribbon user interface.

More about WordPad
WordPad alternatives page was last updated Nov 21, 2024
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  1. Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    An open-source word processor offering rich formatting and style options across multiple platforms. Versatile enough to handle both simple memos and complex book publishing, it supports a wide range of document formats and Microsoft Word compatibility, enhancing productivity through templates and layouts.

    83 LibreOffice - Writer alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • ReactOS

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Export to PDF
    2.  Built-in PDF converter
    3.  Portable
    4.  Spell Checking
    5. Microsoft Word icon  Export to Word
    6. Microsoft 365 Copilot icon  Compatible with Microsoft Office
    7. LibreOffice icon  LibreOffice Integration
    8.  Auto Correction
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  QR Code Generator
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Export to EPUB

    LibreOffice - Writer VS WordPad

     
    Comments about LibreOffice - Writer as an Alternative to WordPad
    Top Positive Comment
    TBayAreaPat
    Sep 1, 2024
    1

    LibreOffice is great. If you want something more lightweight, consider HS Writer.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    Sep 4, 2023
    4

    I like and use LibreOffice, but MS WordPad is extremely more simple than LibreOffice. A similar programme to WordPad is Abiword.

    Most Recent Comment
    DavidGP
    Negative Nov 21, 2024
    2

    It's an idiotic comparison. Like calling an eighteen-wheeler an alternative to a bicycle.

    Show more comments
    3 of 11 comments
    WordPad Icon
    LibreOffice - Writer icon
    • Some users think LibreOffice - Writer is a great WordPad alternative, some don't.

    • LibreOffice - Writer is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to WordPad.

    • LibreOffice - Writer is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to WordPad.

    • LibreOffice - Writer is Free and Open SourceWordPad is Free and Proprietary
    • LibreOffice - Writer is Privacy focusedWordPad is not according to our users
  2. Microsoft Word icon
     927 likes
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    Microsoft's leading word processor, enables professional-quality document creation with SmartArt graphics, seamless PDF support, and extensive search capabilities. Compatible across desktop, online, and mobile platforms with necessary subscription or standalone purchase options.

    91 Microsoft Word alternatives

    License model

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad

    Top Microsoft Word Features

    1.  Convert Word documents to PDF
    2.  Document structure management
    3.  Ribbon Interface
    4.  Text to Speech
    5.  Real time collaboration
    6.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    7.  Spell Checking
    8.  Cloud Sync
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Full-Text Search
    11.  Works Offline
    12.  PDF annotation

    Microsoft Word VS WordPad

     
    Comments about Microsoft Word as an Alternative to WordPad
    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Negative Oct 31, 2018
    5

    Not lightweight, costs a decent amount of money. In short, not suitable if you only need something comparable to MS Wordpad.

    flcferreira
    Negative Jun 8, 2021
    1

    It isn't cheap. And it may be heavier to load than Wordpad. Otherwise, it is a great option.

    Guest
    Negative Sep 28, 2018
    0

    Wordpad comes with Windows, but Word is commercial and has more features than Wordpad. Word may have more features, but is slower, while Wordpad is super lightweight and simple. I'm looking for a lightweight and fast word processor for Linux so I can write quick RTF documents when I don't need the advanced features of a full-fledged word processor, like Wordpad for Windows.

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    3 of 4 comments
    WordPad Icon
    Microsoft Word icon
    • Some users think Microsoft Word is a great WordPad alternative, some don't.

    • Microsoft Word is the most popular Android, iPhone, iPad & Android Tablet alternative to WordPad.

    • Microsoft Word is the most popular commercial alternative to WordPad.

    • Microsoft Word is Paid and ProprietaryWordPad is Free and Proprietary
  3. Google Docs icon
     949 likes
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    Powerful online word processor with real-time collaboration, document conversion from Word, extensive formatting options, revision history, and multilingual capabilities, all integrated within the Google Drive ecosystem, accessible through any internet-connected device.

    102 Google Docs alternatives

    License model

    • FreeProprietary

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad

    Top Google Docs Features

    1.  Real time collaboration
    2.  Team Collaboration
    3.  Cloud based
    4.  Collaborative writing
    5.  Online Sharing
    6.  High Availability
    7. Office Online icon  Office Online integration
    8.  File Versioning
    9.  Works Offline
    10. Google Calendar icon  Sync with Google Calendar
    11. IFTTT icon  IFTTT Integration
    12.  Dark Mode

    Google Docs VS WordPad

     
    Comments about Google Docs as an Alternative to WordPad
    flcferreira
    Negative Jun 8, 2021
    2

    It's not a native stand-alone app. You need to run it in your browser. Should it work as a native app without overloading my poor hardware with a browser, I would consider it a good option.

    WordPad Icon
    Google Docs icon
    • Some users think Google Docs is a great WordPad alternative, some don't.

    • Google Docs is the most popular Web-based alternative to WordPad.

    • Google Docs is Free and ProprietaryWordPad is also Free and Proprietary
  4. Typora icon
     322 likes
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    A minimalist Markdown editor offering cross-platform synchronization, live preview, and seamless export/import in various formats like PDF, DOCX, and LaTeX. Features include distraction-free Focus and Typewriter modes, file management with tree and articles panels, and content organization through an outline panel.

    166 Typora alternatives

    License model

    Country of Origin

    • CN flagChina

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Electron

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Clean design
    4.  Support for Themes
    5.  Minimalistic

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Live Preview
    3.  Write files in markdown
    4.  WYSIWYG Support
    5.  Save as Markdown
    6.  Simple text editor
    7. LaTeX icon  Support for LaTeX
    8.  Syntax Highlighting
    9.  Export to PDF
    10.  Multiplatform
    11.  Spell Checking
    12.  Distraction-free Writing

    Typora VS WordPad

     
  5. AbiWord icon
     259 likes
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    AbiWord is a free word processing program similar to Microsoft® Word. It is suitable for a wide variety of word processing tasks.

    65 AbiWord alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • GTK+
    • Flatpak
    • AmigaOS
    Discontinued

    The latest update is from November 2019, and the official website is no longer available.

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Portable
    2.  Multiple languages
    3.  Spell Checking
    4.  Works Offline
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  WYSIWYG Support

    AbiWord VS WordPad

     
    Comments about AbiWord as an Alternative to WordPad
    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Positive Sep 21, 2015
    4

    Its more powerful and can be customized for default fonts. Better version of WordPad. I have been using it for everything great program.

    Guest
    Positive Sep 4, 2023
    0

    Simple and lightweight, but enough for writing a reach formatted text , and everyday use. Not bloated and unless functions. Only those what I need for a letter written to a friend or an office.

    Guest
    Positive Jan 20, 2017
    1

    Smaller footprint, familiar interface, for most general writing, it more than suffices.

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    3 of 4 comments
    WordPad Icon
    AbiWord icon
    • Almost everyone thinks AbiWord is a great WordPad alternative.

    • AbiWord is Free and Open SourceWordPad is Free and Proprietary
    • AbiWord is LightweightWordPad is not according to our users
  6. Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Writer, part of the Apache OpenOffice suite, is an open-source word processor. It supports the ISO standard Open Document Format (ODF) for data interchange as its default file format, as well as Microsoft Office 97-2003 formats, Microsoft Office 2007...

    71 Apache OpenOffice Writer alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    Discontinued

    Last major release was in 2014

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Export to PDF
    2.  Spell Checking
    3.  Fractions
    4.  Works Offline
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Full-Text Search
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  No registration required

    Apache OpenOffice Writer VS WordPad

     
  7. Scrivener icon
     258 likes
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    Tailored for extensive writing, this tool offers flexible structure and organization, integrates project outlines, supports various formats, and allows reorganization through drag and drop, ensuring research materials are within reach for efficient work.

    111 Scrivener alternatives

    License model

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac
    • Wine

    Top Scrivener Features

    1.  Corkboard
    2.  Document compiler
    3.  Character database
    4.  Scene Management
    5.  Visual Organization
    6.  Split files into sections
    7.  Support for scripting
    8. LaTeX icon  Support for LaTeX
    9.  Multi-document View
    10.  Integrated Search
    11.  Folders
    12.  Word counter

    Scrivener VS WordPad

     
  8. FocusWriter icon
     205 likes
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    Simple but configurable and themeable, distraction-free text editor for writers. Open-source and available across desktop platforms.

    95 FocusWriter alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Support for Themes
    4.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Distraction-free Writing
    2.  Daily progress tracker
    3.  Fullscreen support
    4.  Skin customization
    5.  Auto-saving
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  Spell Checking
    9.  No registration required
    10.  Portable
    11.  Writing statistics
    12.  Multiple languages

    FocusWriter VS WordPad

     
  9. WPS Writer icon
     113 likes
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    WPS Writer, part of WPS Office , is dependable and fast word processing software that is highly compatible with Microsoft Word , and can read and edit DOC and DOCX formats.

    67 WPS Writer alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Country of Origin

    • CN flagChina

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad

    WPS Writer Features

    1. Microsoft 365 Copilot icon  Compatible with Microsoft Office
    2.  Spell Checking
    3.  Eye Protection Mode
    4.  Convert Word documents to PDF
    5.  Tabbed interface
    6.  Built-in PDF converter
    7.  Office-like
    8.  Convert URL to DOCX
    9.  Student Tools

    WPS Writer VS WordPad

     
    Comments about WPS Writer as an Alternative to WordPad
    Guest
    Positive Apr 29, 2018
    0

    Modern Microsoft Word Look-Alike that opens MUCH faster than Word! Has EVERYTHING you need. Not as bloated as Libre. Stable, Familiar UI, and most importantly....FREE!

    WordPad Icon
    WPS Writer icon
    • WPS Writer is Freemium and ProprietaryWordPad is Free and Proprietary
  10. Windows Notepad icon
     182 likes
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    Fast, streamlined editor with extensive features, bundled with Windows since 1985. Supports plain text, UTF-8, and over 100 languages with enhanced functionality since 2018, including dark mode, Bing search, and large file handling.

    139 Windows Notepad alternatives

    License model

    • FreeProprietary

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Minimalistic

    Features

    1.  Simple text editor
    2.  Support for Unicode
    3.  Save as txt
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Works Offline
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Bundled with Windows

    Windows Notepad VS WordPad

     
    Comments about Windows Notepad as an Alternative to WordPad
    Guest
    Negative Jan 4, 2020
    11

    It's s a text editor, not a RTF editor like Wordpad. If you are looking for an alternative to wordpad, this has nothing to do with it.

    WordPad Icon
    Windows Notepad icon
    • This alternative is disputed. Windows Notepad is a legitimate WordPad alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Windows Notepad is Free and ProprietaryWordPad is also Free and Proprietary
    • Windows Notepad is LightweightWordPad is not according to our users
10 of 73 WordPad alternatives