Best text editors you can use instead of WordPad

Since Microsoft is retiring WordPad (as detailed in their latest Windows software documentation update), it’s a good opportunity to explore alternative text editors. Text editors, in general, are versatile tools for writing code, taking notes, or drafting documents. Newer, more advanced text editors also come with features like syntax highlighting for code readability, collaboration options for real-time editing with others, advanced formatting, and support for richer content embedding like images or tables to name a few. 

In this guide, we will list down some of the best Microsoft WordPad replacements, helping you find the perfect text editor for your needs.

Best Alternative text editors for Microsoft WordPad

Here are the best alternative text editors that offer a similar user experience as Microsoft WordPad but with several additional features to enhance your writing experience:

1. Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a powerful, free code editor that’s miles ahead of Microsoft WordPad and is a favorite among developers and writers alike.

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While WordPad is just a simple text editor, VS Code comes with advanced features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging for various programming languages. It’s perfect for all kinds of programmers who want to write neat and effective code. Additionally, VS Code has a vast extension library, allowing users to customise the editor to fit their specific needs.

2. Sublime Text

Sublime Text is another robust code editor that is loved for its speed and customisation. It offers features like syntax highlighting for various programming languages, making your code easier to read. The powerful “Goto Anything” function lets you jump to specific files, symbols, or lines within your project in a flash. For complex editing, Sublime Text allows you to split your screen and edit multiple files simultaneously. It even has a distraction-free mode to minimise clutter and help you focus on coding.

3. Notepad++

Notepad++ is a free, open-source text editor loved for its user-friendly interface, speed and functionality. It offers syntax highlighting for various programming languages, making code easier to read. Beyond syntax highlighting, it has features like macro recording for repetitive tasks, multi-file search and replace functionalities, code folding for better organisation as well as split-screen editing for efficient side-by-side comparisons.

4. Vim

Vim is a powerful, modal text editor known for its efficiency and customisation. Unlike regular editors, it works in different modes for doing different things like navigation, editing, and commands. It also supports adding extra features through plugins, syntax highlighting for various languages, and a built-in command-line for powerful automation.

5. CryptPad

Another great option is CryptPad, a free and open-source text editor that focuses on security and lets you collaborate with others in real-time. Unlike WordPad, it allows you to work on documents with others in real time, all while ensuring your data stays encrypted. It also offers features like rich text formatting, whiteboards, and even Kanban boards for brainstorming and project management.

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6. Typora

Typora is a beautiful, distraction-free editor that lets you focus on writing. It uses Markdown, a lightweight formatting language, to create a clutter-free writing environment and shows you a live preview of how your document will look as you write. Furthermore, Typora can also handle things like tables, code blocks, and math symbols easily as well as offers robust file management, a handy outline view for moving around your document, and lets you save your work in different formats.

And these are some of the best text editors available to replace Microsoft WordPad. Each offers a unique set of features tailored to improve your writing experience. Whether you’re a programmer looking for advanced functionality, a writer looking for a distraction-free environment, or someone who cares about security and working with others in real-time, there’s a text editor on this list to suit your needs. So bid farewell to WordPad and try these alternatives to find the best one for your writing needs.