Difference between Notepad and WordPad

There is always the need to write something down or write down information when a person is using the computer. There are different options for that, some people even download some application that helps in that, like Microsoft Word, the most popular software in this sense. But most of us, when we have to enter simple data quickly, we use something else. There are two different types of options available, and they are Notepad and WordPad. Both are generally considered the same and are actually very similar to each other but still have differences between them which can be identified once used properly. Both have various features that help to complete the task but there are more options in WordPad compared to Notepad. This is because the main function of Notepad is to provide text-based services while images and other options are available in WordPad, which can even be edited. Both have options to create new paragraphs, but simple line breaks are available in Notepad, while options like alignment, text shifting, and headings are possible in WordPad. Both save files as text, but there are additional options regarding keeping the file type for WordPad. That said, it’s a better experience to view a text document in Notepad because the HTML encoding is displayed throughout the document. document in WordPad. Generally, people should use the notepad when there is only a need to enter text and save valuable information, while WordPad is preferred when documentation such as official notes must be completed. It can be said that the main difference between the two is that WordPad is more advanced than Notepad while the latter is simpler than the former. There are some other differences between them which are listed at the end, while a brief description of these two pads is given below.

Comparison chart

Definition of Notepad

It comes with the original Windows package and is used for text-based activities. It is the simplest editor where people can write things with specific options. The font must be set before the operation begins on a notepad. While actions like bold, italic, and underline are available for all text or none at all. People cannot input images of other things in this editor which saves the file in text format, this helps keep the file size small while other software like Microsoft Word recognizes it as well. It also allows paragraphs to be formed but they cannot be aligned separately.

WordPad Definition

It also comes with the Windows package but it is a more advanced editor compared to notepad. The main function is still to write text, but in this application you can add and even edit images. There are multiple options such as changing fonts, adding lines and paragraphs, while they can also be properly aligned and given headers with ease. It offers different options to save the file, but the user interface is not that flashy, it actually looks quite messy. The file size is much larger in comparison, but that doesn’t affect the overall features, making it a better option if official documentation is going to be done.

Differences in a nutshell

1. The text editor in Notepad is very simple while the text editor in WordPad is more advanced in comparison.
2. There aren’t many options when using Notepad, while there are several options available when using WordPad.
3. New paragraphs can be created in Notepad, but there are no formatting options, while there are various formatting and alignment options along with text fonts available in WordPad.
4. Images cannot be added in Notepad, while they can be easily inserted and edited in WordPad.
5. Notepad always saves files as text files, while there are several options for saving files to WordPad.
6. Viewing a Notepad is simpler than viewing a WordPad.
7. To use text-based options, Notepad is the best option, while if additional services are required, WordPad is the best option.
8. WordPad can be considered an improvement on Notepad.

Final Thought

There may be two terms that may be considered similar but are actually different from each other and those that look different but mean similar. But very rarely, there are those who have both problems. Notepad and Wordpad are such, and this article has tried to make the differences between them and help people to know the meaning correctly.