In the past, Microsoft Word and Paint were two separate programs that were used to create and edit documents. In Windows 7, Microsoft has made these programs one program called WordPad. This program is used to create documents, and it also has a new feature called Paint that is used to edit documents. The new Paint feature in WordPad is very similar to the paint feature in Paint in Windows XP and Vista. The main difference between these two features is that Paint in Windows 7 allows you to use more than one color for your document. You can also use different shapes for your document. You can also use the new paint feature in WordPad to add text to your documents. You can use this feature to write text, or you can use it to add images to your documents. You can also use the new paint feature in WordPad to change the color of your document.
Classic WordPad
WordPad has always come in very handy as a quick and easy to use text editor for documents. Rather than opening up a new Word session to make simple adjustments, WordPad can save a lot of time. In fact it is all some users need to create basic letters and and other simple documents.
WordPad 6.1 w/ Ribbon UI
The new WordPad in Windows 7 includes the nicely laid out Ribbon interface which has been a feature in Office 2007 and in the forthcoming 2010. If you are new to the Ribbon, it does take getting used to, but once you do, you’ll wonder how you did without it before.
To access commonly used commands easier, just Right-click the button and choose “Add to Quick Access Toolbar”.
What may be considered the coolest new feature, it includes the ability to read and write documents to Office Open XML format, which supports Open Office (.odt) and IBM Lotus Symphony suites.
Like in pervious versions you can insert a Paint drawing.
Paint
Of course we would be remiss if we didn’t show the new Ribbon UI included in the new version of Paint.
Easier to access options for editing projects.
The main menu offers more choices for saving, printing images etc.
It looks like the Ribbon is around to stay and it’s nice to get uniformity between Windows applications. Paint and WordPad may seem like forgotten accessories, but the new look and improvements might warrant a second look.
How about you? We are curious how many of you still use WordPad or Paint and what you think about the new interface. Just leave us a comment and let us know.
