What is word processing documents

Word processing software is designed so users can create, format, save and print text documents. Word processing is creating, editing, customizing, and printing documents using a word processor such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

In this guide, you will learn:

• How to define word processing and word processor
• How to create word processing documents using word-processing software
• How to compare two word documents using a word processing program
• And lot’s more

If you are ready, let’s explore the content.

What is word processing?

Word processing entails creating, editing, manipulating, storing, sharing, and printing of documents using dedicated software such as Zoho Writer.

It allows a user to create documents that look like the format and style of a typewriter. Word processing software can be used to save, share or print a physical copy of a document.

For example, a business Sales Rep could create a sales report in a Word Processing Program. The sales rep could edit it, save it to a drive, or share it over the internet with colleagues. A word processor can also be used to create a résumé, memo, letter, or invoice.  

In general, a word-processing application can produce a wide variety of documents rapidly and at a relatively low cost.

Word processing is one of the earliest and most commonly used types of computer software. In fact, word processing software is often cited as a major factor in the launch of the personal computer industry. This software did a great job of automating processes that had previously been performed by a typewriter. Word processors helped bring personal computers into the households of regular people, rather than just businesses.

What is a word processor?

A Word processor is a device or computer software that allows users to create, edit, and print documents. It has additional features other than a text processor, that enables you to write text, manipulate, store, and print it.

Word processors allow users to create a wide variety of documents with editing and formatting capabilities to demonstrate their power. It has additional features that allow contents such as a table, pictures, charts, and clipart to be added to a document.

In a word processor, text can be inserted, edited, moved, copied, or deleted within a document. You can use its formatting feature to modify the appearance of selected text in numerous ways. Most word processors also give you the ability to check your spelling and grammar with built-in dictionaries and other tools to assist you in your writing.

Today’s word processors reflect their history as digital typewriters. They display a sheet of paper on the screen, which captures user input from the keyboard. Unlike a manual typewriter, electronic word processing is much faster and more flexible.

What is a text processor?

A text processor is a device or computer program used in creating and manipulating text. Text processors are not as sophisticated as word processors; hence they are incapable of formatting texts. Text processors create sequences of texts which enable computers to easily extract and analyze sequences of texts for analysis.

Text processors are commonly used in computers to create computer commands. Examples include notepad and sublime which help in the creation and modification of electronic texts.

Text processing is the automation method that involves the creation and modification of texts. It is the process of analyzing and sorting unstructured text to gain valuable insights. Text processing deals with text processing utilities while word processing deals with text editing utilities.

Also, text processing operates on raw data and is more independent from proprietary techniques, unlike word processing. Therefore, text processing is done with the help of a shell command or a text editor such as TextEdit, Brackets, and Notepad++.

What is word processing software?

Word processing software is designed to allow users to create, edit, manipulate, save and print text. They provide features that will enable you to enter text by typing, copying, deleting, and performing various types of formatting. Some of the functions of word processing software include:

• Creating, editing, saving, and printing documents.
• Copying, cutting, pasting, and deleting text within documents.
• Formatting text using tools such as font type, bold, underline, or italics.
• Creating, editing, and formatting tables.
• Inserting elements from other software, such as illustrations or photographs.
• Correcting spelling and grammar.
• Sharing and collaboration with team members.

Word processing software also contains features to make it easier for you to perform repetitive tasks. Commands such as mail merge and macros will help you perform common repetitive tasks to save time. A typical word processing software example is OpenOffice Writer.

How to open a word processing file

How you open a word processing file depends on the type of word processor used to create the file. Many times, the type of word processor determines the file format used to save it.

For example, Microsoft Word processing program saves with the file formats: .doc and .docx. However, you can save word processed documents in different file formats such as pdf, odt, txt, and rtf.

Apple Pages saves its word-processed documents in .pages. However, it supports files in the following formats: .rtf, .txt, .doc, and .docx. Similarly, Google docs can create files in the following formats: .txt, .rtf, .odt, .docx, and .epub.

This means that popularly used word processors are capable of opening most word processor files. So, if you saved your file in any of the file formats, you can open it with OpenOffice or Google Docs.

Let’s illustrate how to open a word processing file. To open a word document, keywords.docx saved on your local drive, in Google Docs, do the following.

1. Visit Google Docs. (Note: You must have a Google account)
2. On the Start a new document window, select Blank.

1. On the New document window, select File and click on Open from the File menu. The Open dialog box appears.

1. On the Open dialog window, click on the Upload tab, and select the Select a file from your device button.
2. On the Browse dialog box, browse through your device and locate a file to upload.

1. Select the file [keywords.docx], and click the Open button. The file uploads to your Google Drive.
2. On the File menu, click Open.
3. On the Open dialog window, select the My Drive tab.

1. Locate the file in your drive and select it. Then click the Open button. The file opens in Google Docs.

Importance of word processing software

Why is word processing important? Why is it virtually in all household computers? Word processing offers a better alternative to handwriting and typewriter when creating documents. Let’s look at some of the benefits of word-processing software.

1. Word processing software is important because it easily detects and corrects typing errors as you type your document. It uses the autocorrect feature to identify and correct errors easily.
2. Word processing helps in the digitization of information. It makes the creation, storage, copying, sharing, and retrieval of information easy.
3. Word processors help users to work efficiently and accurately. You can easily create and organize a document by using spelling and grammar and other features to eliminate errors.
4. Today’s word processors allow you to save different versions of a document. They also allow you to compare them in the future so you can select your preferred version.
5. The features of word documents help us create standard and beautiful-looking documents. With formatting features, documents can look elegant and attractive, unlike a manual typewriter.
6. Electronic word processing software helps us save business supply costs. Instead of using up pens and paper daily, we can create and transmit documents electronically. This contributes to significant savings in overall business expenses.
7. Mail merge and macros help us automate some activities and make work faster and more efficient. Hence, productivity is enhanced using a word processor.

There’s quite a lot you can do with word processing software these days. But before the advent of word processing software, how did people create and edit documents? This will lead us to chapter 2.

The precursor to word processing

Word processing did not develop out of computer technology. It evolved from the needs of writers rather than those of mathematicians, but it later merged with the computer field. Word processing started with the gradual automation of the physical aspects of writing and editing. Later, technology was refined to make it available to individual and corporate users.

Historically, there are four (4) types of word processors namely; mechanical, electronic, standalone, and software. Word processors were designed by combining existing technologies with emerging ones to develop standalone equipment. Gradually, the concept of word processing, which evolved from data processing was integrated into the computer system.

Mechanical word processing

Before the advent of mechanical word processing, manual writing was the order of the day. People started using ink and paper to create documents way back in 2000BC. During this period, the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, and Hebrews were using papyrus and parchment papers.

The first major advancement from manual writing to mechanical word processing was the invention of the typewriter. During this period, different versions of the typewriter were invented, some with success and some without success.

Henry Mill was the first to be credited with the invention of the typewriter in the 18^th century. However, his version of the typewriter was not successful. By 1867, Christopher Latham Scholes invented the first successful typewriter.

Scholes’s invention has a major drawback. Instead of printing on the upper side of the roller, it prints on the underside. The implication was that the typist could not see his work until he finishes. Acceptance of this typewriter was slow due to some drawbacks. But a series of improvements were made:

• The shift key was added in 1878. Typists can then type upper-case and lower-case letters with the same key.
• Printing on the upper side of the roller was made possible in 1880. Typists can see their work as they type rather than when they finish.
• The tab key was added in 1897. This made it possible for typists to set margins.

After these changes, the typewriter gained acceptance in the corporate world. By 1900, portable models were created, thus making typewriting available to both individuals and corporations.

Electronic word processing

To improve on the mechanical typewriter, the electric typewriter was invented. The first was patented by Thomas Edison in 1972. However, a workable model was introduced in the 1920s.

By the 1930s, IBM introduced the IBM Electromatic which improved typing speed and made word processing more efficient. Due to the great improvement, the machine gained wide acceptance in the business world.

A major step towards modern word processing came when the Schultz company introduced the repetitive typewriter. This typewriter was able to store information automatically for later retrieval. This made it possible to reproduce multiple identical copies of a document without the use of carbon papers or photocopiers.

In 1961 IBM introduced the Selectric typewriter, which replaced the standard movable carriage and individual type strikers with a revolving typeball. Also, IBM released the MT/ST (Magnetic Tape/Selectric Typewriter) in 1964. The MT/ST combined the features of the Selectric with a magnetic tape drive. Magnetic tape was the first reusable storage medium for typed information.

With the tape, information could be stored, replayed, corrected, and reprinted as many times as needed. You can also erase information on the tape and reuse it for other projects. This development marked the beginning of word processing as it is known today.

IBM first used the term word processing to market their MT/ST machine as a word processing machine. The term was coined by the IBM Engineer, Ulrich Steinhilper in the 1950s. He translated the term from the German word textverabeitung to define the act of typing. But IBM redefined it to describe electronic ways of handling a standard set of office activities. These activities include composing, revising, printing, and filing written documents.

Standalone word processing machines

In the 1970s, word processing shifted from typewriting to computer-based with CRT screens when IBM developed the floppy disks. The first was introduced in the 1970s by Linolex systems. The technology included a floppy disk, software, and a microprocessor.

Lexitron corporation also developed a word processing microcomputer with a CRT monitor and 5 ¼ floppy diskette. The diskette later became the standard for early personal computers. With the introduction of video display units, the text could be entered and corrected without having to produce a hard copy. This means that printing can be delayed until the writer is satisfied with the document.

In 1973, Vydec introduced the first text processor known as Vydec Word Processing System. The machine was the first to allow the creation and editing of multipage documents without changing storage receptacles.

Other standalone machines include the data secretary by Redactron corporation and a CRT-based system by Wang Laboratories. The Wang system has all the characteristics of today’s word processors and was affordable to organizations. It became the basis for other CRT-based word processors. Hence, word processors were referred to as CRT-based machines.

Word processing software

The invention of personal computers marked the beginning of the word-processing software. This was made possible by the advent of disk programs which enhanced the development packages for use with personal computers. Also, the separation of the software from the hardware opened up the field of word processing to individuals.

The first word processing program for personal computers was Electric Pencil, from Michael Shrayer Software. It went on sale in December 1976. By 1978, WordStar was introduced. Because of its many new features, it soon dominated the market. WordStar was written for the early CP/M (Control Program – Micro) operating system.

The era of MS-DOS saw the rise of WordPerfect and Microsoft Word. They replaced WordStar as the main word processing program during this era.

In the late 1980s, word processing shifted to the WYSIWYG (What-you-see-is-what-you-get) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) approach. These were pioneered by the Xerox Alto computer and Bravo word processing program, and Xerox PARC with the Gipsy word processor.

The true WYSIWYG made known to people came when Apple Macintosh and IBM PC were released in 1983 and 1984 respectively. Apple came with MacWrite and IBM PC came with Microsoft Word. Word processing is now one of the most common general applications for personal computers.

When Windows operating system became popular in the 1990s, Microsoft Word’s popularity also grew with it. Today, Microsoft Word has become synonymous with what is called a word processor or word processing software.

Today, there is different word processing program including desktop applications, mobile apps, and cloud-based word processors. These word processors have similar terms common to them. This will lead us to chapter three.

General terms

These are terms that are generally used in word processing. They are not commands but provide relevant information to computer users.

Application: Used in place of a program, hence, you can say a word processing application or a word processing program.

Caps lock: It is turned on when you want to type text in CAPITAL LETTERS or UPPER CASE. A light will appear on your keyboard when the caps lock is on. Press the Caps Lock key to turn it on or off.

Cursor: This is the insertion point of an item in a document. The cursor is a flashing vertical bar on the screen that indicates where entered text or objects will be placed in the document.

Dialog box: This is a boxed window that lists options. It usually appears when some specified commands such as SAVE AS, PAGE SETUP, etc., are issued.

Document: This is a file that contains text, image, table, etc., created using a word processing program. Files created with a word processor are referred to as a document.

Editing: This is the process of making changes or corrections in a document. It includes alterations to the text itself, moving or copying items to other locations, and applying formatting options to the document itself and items within it.

File extension: When a file is created with an application, it usually has two parts – the filename and the extension. The user adds the filename while the application adds the extension. The file extension is usually used to determine the program that creates a file. Examples of file extensions are .doc, .docx, .rtf, .page, etc.

Formatting: The process of formatting a document involves specifying how the document will look in its final form on the screen and when printed. Common formatting options include the font, font size, color, alignment, spacing, margins, and other properties.

Highlighting: Also called selecting. This is the act of choosing an item or group of text in a document. Before you can format an object or text, you need to first highlight such object or text. Changes to be made (deleting, formatting, etc) will only affect the selected items.

Menu bar: The menu bar appears at the top of some word processing application windows. It contains a listing of the main commands in the form of text. Menu items that are common among multiple applications include File, Edit, View, and Help. When you click on one of these items, additional options appear in a drop-down menu on the screen.

Paragraph: A new paragraph is created each time you press the ENTER key on the keyboard. A paragraph can be made up of several lines of text, a single item, or nothing.

Ribbon: Ribbon was introduced in Microsoft Word 2007 to replace the menu bar. The ribbon contains tabs and icons representing the commands to be executed in a document. These commands are handy and easier to use when compared with the menu bar.

Ruler: The rulers appear at the top and left side of a word document within the word processing window. They are used to show the position of margins, tabs, and the document.

Scroll bar: Sometimes you cannot see your entire document. The scroll bars are used to scroll up or down the screen or sideways. Scrolling is like moving a sheet of paper up or down so that you can see more of it. You can use the scroll arrows or the scroll bars on the right and bottom of your window.

Template: A template is a starting point for a document that contains initial formatting options, settings, colors, layout, and placeholders.

Toolbar: A toolbar consists of buttons that provide a shortcut way of performing a commonly used function. Microsoft Word 2007 introduced the concept of quick-access toolbar. You can customize the content of your toolbar.

Word wrap: Word wrap enables a word processor to create a multiline without you pressing the ENTER key. Whenever the cursor reaches the end of a margin it automatically jumps to the next line.

Editing terms

These are terms that relate to the commands for creating and editing documents in word processors.

Autocorrect: This feature is used to correct common typographic errors and misspelled words as you are typing. You can turn it on or off. You can also customize the words to be corrected.

Clipboard: The clipboard is a temporary holding area the computer uses for any item that has been copied or cut. When an item such as text is placed on the clipboard, it can then be pasted elsewhere in the document. Items will stay on the clipboard until they are deleted or erased.

Copy: Used to duplicate items in a document or in other documents. Copied items are placed on the clipboard until it is pasted.

Cut: This is used to move a text or object in the document or to other documents. Cut items are placed on the clipboard until it is pasted.

Find and replace: This allows you to search for a particular word or phrase and replace the same with a specified one.

Indentation: Indent is the space between the margin of the page and the text. Most word processors allow for both left and right indentation. A common use of indention is called “first line indent”. Here the first line of a paragraph is indented and the remaining lines of text lie directly against the left margin.

Paste: Copy or cut usually place the item on the clipboard. The paste is the process of taking the items on the clipboard and placing them in the current location of the insertion point.

Spelling and grammar: This utility is used to check for proper spelling and grammar as you create and edit a document. These utilities may run automatically and alert you to errors as you type using its built-in dictionaries. You can also run the spell check manually when you finished creating your document.

Tab stops: Tabs are used to control the placement of text on a page. Tab stops can be set within the ruler at the top of the word processing window. You can also set the type of the tab. Tab types include left, right, centered, and decimal. The tab type controls how the text will be aligned if it is forced to that tab stop. When the tab key is pressed on the keyboard, the cursor will move to the next tab stop location.

Table: A table is a collection of text, data, or other items that are arranged in columns and rows.

Undo and redo: Undo command is used to reverse the last action (or series of actions) that you have performed in a document. Redo does the reverse of undoing. When using the Undo and Redo commands, each item must be reversed sequentially.

Formatting terms

These are word-processing terms that help in manipulating and customizing the text in a word processing document.

Alignment: Alignment refers to the way text is arranged in the document between the margins. We have right, left, and center alignment. Justify is a type of alignment that flush the text both to the left and the right margins.

Font: A font is a set of letters and numbers of one particular typeface. The font includes not only the typeface but other characteristics such as font size and emphasis.

Footer: The footer is an area that appears at the bottom of every page in a document that can contain one or more lines of text. It is popularly used to insert the page number on each page.

Header: This is an area that appears at the top of every page in a document that can contain one or more lines of text. It can be used to insert a page number of document information.

Line spacing: Line spacing refers to the amount of white space between lines of text in a paragraph. You can choose any single, double, or 1.5 line spacing.

Margin: The margin is the white space between the edge of the page and where text or other items can be placed in your document. You can adjust the margin to increase or decrease it when working with a word processing application.

Orientation: This defines the layout of a document. A document could appear in a portrait or landscape orientation. Portrait orientation is where the height of the page is greater than the width. Landscape orientation has a greater width than height.

Page break: This is used to specify the point at which one page or section ends and another begins. You can manually insert a page break at a specific location.

Paper size: This is used to specify the page layout area or the workspace while working on a document. It is also used to determine the size of the paper a document will be printed on. There are different paper sizes in a word processor to be chosen from, including legal, letter, A4, etc.

Paragraph spacing: Paragraph spacing refers to the amount of white space that is left between paragraphs when the enter key is hit. Unlike line spacing, paragraph spacing does not affect the amount of space between lines of text, but instead, between one paragraph and the next. You can set the space before and after a paragraph.

Mailing terms

These are terms that relate to data and mailing automation in word processing.

Mail merge: Mail merge is a word processing automation that combines database software, word processors, and some e-mail programs. It is used to send the same email content to multiple recipients. Mail merge takes a standard form of e-mail and populates it with the personal information of the recipients.

Wizard: A wizard is an interactive feature in a word processor that will walk you step-by-step through a specialized process. A Wizard is specifically included in Microsoft Word for mail merging. The Mail Merge wizard provides assistance when creating letters and mailing labels from a list of names and addresses.

Printing terms

These are word processing terminology that defines the commands used to set up and print a document.

Page setup: A tool that allows you to customize the size and layout of your printable word document. The parameters to define include the paper size, margins, page orientation, and quality of print.

Print preview: Print Preview is a feature that shows you the prototype of your printed document on the screen. It displays how your document will look on a piece of paper if it were to be printed.

Print: Print is the command that enables you to print your finished document from a printer. There are features included in the print dialog box that will help you specify the print quality.

There are other terms that may not have been included in this terminology. You can encounter them in the course of using each of the word processing software. This leads us to chapter 4 where we will identify some word processing software examples.

Microsoft word

Microsoft Word is one of the most popular word-processing software examples in use today. It has a lot of features that made it the choice of many when it comes to creating and editing documents.

Microsoft word is developed by Microsoft corporation and has different versions for Mac, Windows, Android, and IOS devices. Also, you can subscribe to Microsoft 365 for the cloud version with OneDrive storage.

Microsoft Word has improved search and navigational experience. Also, you can easily collaborate with a team and work with others simultaneously are just some of the benefits. Along with that, Word gives you the ability to access, share, and work on your documents from almost anywhere.

Word also has additional visual effects, turning text into diagrams, and combining visual aspects into text documents. Some of the key features include:

• Provision of templates for resumes and forms.
• Reading documents with the read mode, PDF, letters, and scripts on your mobile device.
• It enables you to save a document as a PDF file.
• You can share your file with others and collaborate with your team.
• Supporting editing with rich formatting.
• Managing permission for documents
• Creating comments in the documents.

Price: Depends on the version. The cost for 1 pc is about $166.66. Microsoft 365 personal is about $64.28 per annum and $6.43 per month.

Google docs

Google Docs is an online application that helps you to create and edit documents. It is a free word processor that is part of the G-suite applications. You can use the software to create letters, memos, reports, and other documents.

Google docs has lots of free templates you can choose to create different types of word documents. It contains numerous fonts and images. You can use the application to create and make changes in files anywhere at any time. Some of its features are:

• Creating and editing word documents
• Lots of free templates
• You can share documents online using Google Drive
• You can convert Word docs to Google Docs
• Accessible from a Phone, tablet, or computer.
• You can make changes in the document in real time.
• It offers chat and comment in the capability.
• You can convert Google Doc files to Word files or vice versa.
• You can search quotes, text, and images in the Google Doc Android app.
• Supported platforms: Web, iOS, Android, and Mac.

Price: Free

Apple Pages

Apple pages is a word processing software developed by Apple computers. It is a word processor shipped with apple devices; it also allows users to create documents online.

Some of its features include:

• Beautiful and colorful photo card templates that allow you to create different documents.
• Mail merge feature for sending a batch mailing to multiple recipients.
• Screen view which makes it easier to view, read and edit documents on iPhone devices.
• Language translation is made easier within your document.
• Use scribble to turn handwritten words into text
• Play YouTube and Vimeo videos right in Pages, without the need to open a web browser. Simply add a link, and play your web video inside your document or book.
• Easily record, edit, and play audio directly on a page.
• Add elegance to your mathematical equations using LaTeX or MathML notation.
• Edit shared documents while offline, and your changes will automatically upload when your accounts are online again.

Price: Free

Corel Wordperfect

WordPerfect is one of the oldest word processing software. Developed by Corel, WordPerfect is a legendary word processor that so many uses to create documents, letters, brochures, resumes, and more. With the compatibility of over 60 file formats, including Microsoft, and powerful Reveal Codes, document control has never been easier.

The basic features of WordPerfect include:

• The WordPerfect eBook Publisher supports EPUB format which provides compatibility with eBook devices, such as Kobo, Nook, and Sony Reader.
• Includes Oxford concise dictionary for spelling check
• You can open, edit, and save the latest Microsoft Office file formats in each WordPerfect Office 2021 application.
• Have quick access to vital document statistics in WordPerfect, such as word count, character count, line count, and more.
• Improved file stability when working on a file, opening a file, or saving a file directly to a server.
• Import pdf files into the WordPerfect application and smoothly edit them with built-in pdf functionality.
• Perform multiple find-and-replace actions with ease.
• The Mail Merge Expert makes it simple to associate a data source and create mail for multiple recipients.

Price: WordPerfect Office Standard 2021 at $249.99

LibreOffice writer

LibreOffice is a powerful and free office suite. It is a successor to OpenOffice.org, used by millions of people around the world. It has a clean interface and feature-rich tools that help you unleash your creativity and enhance your productivity.

LibreOffice includes several applications that make it the most versatile Free and Open-Source office suite on the market. Its word processor is known as LibreOffice Writer. Writer has all the features you need from a modern, full-featured word processing and desktop publishing tool.

It’s simple enough for a quick memo, but powerful enough to create complete books with contents, diagrams, indexes, and more. It has the following features:

• It has full word processing features to allow you to create and edit different kinds of documents.
• It is compatible with a wide range of document formats such as Microsoft Word, Open Document Format, etc.
• You can export your document in pdf format
• It has extensions that allow you to get more features and document templates from its website.
• With an autocorrect dictionary, you can correct errors as you type.
• Use the mail merge wizard to easily create mail for multiple recipients.

Price: Free

Zoho writer

Zoho Writer is a free ad powerful cloud-based word processing software in use by many. Because it is cloud-based, it can be used across all devices. It can also be used to collaborate with teammates in real time.

With Zoho writer, you can create elegant, inspiring documents for free. Let’s consider some of its features.

• Easy to get started with any device. Simply visit Zoho writer and register with your email address.
• Write across all devices from every location.
• Write and edit documents with teammates in real time.
• Save your documents in pdf and MS Word document formats.
• Collaborate on content and post it directly to your WordPress or Blogger pages.
• Contextual grammar, readability, and style suggestions.
• Document automation and sign collection capabilities along with Zoho CRM integration.

Price: Free

WPS office writer

WPS Office writer is an example of word processing software that is available for all devices. You can download it for your PC, tablet, or mobile phone.

WPS Office enables you to edit and manage Writer, Presentation, Spreadsheet, and PDF with others at the same time. It is fully compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS and supports 47 file formats and 46 languages.

Key features of this productivity program:

• Work anywhere on any available device
• Available on multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Linus, Android, and IOS
• WPS Office writer supports 15 file formats including .doc, .docx, and multiple languages.
• It also has cloud service for easy two-way document sync across all platforms and devices.
• Built-in applications provide you with superior features such as file format conversion, text extraction, long image output, watermark, and annotation.
• Thousands of free and premium templates to meet your document creation needs.
• Exclusive and excellent themes created by professional art designers to meet diverse aesthetic pursuits.

Price: Free for WPS standard. WPS premium starts at $29.99 per year.

Polaris docs

Polaris Office is a combination of tools that includes Polaris Docs. Polaris docs is a versatile word processor that is similar to the combination of Microsoft Word and Google Docs. It has versions for Windows, Mac, IOS, and Android.

The Polaris web office provides solutions to view and edit various document formats such as word, sheet, slides, and HWP. You can apply and deploy document viewer editing services easily with any server environment or technology.

Polaris docs is a very versatile word processing software that allows you to work on your documents wherever you are. These are some of its key features:

• It allows multiple users to access the document from different platforms, such as PCs or mobile clients.
• Can be used for real-time writing and editing and collaboration
• Provides support and collaborative editing for office documents such as Word, Sheet, and Slide documents
• Provides real-time document coediting with teammates. A URL link can be sent to the invitee for collaborative works and permission for editing granted.
• Unified communication channels such as email, instant chat, and phone. It helps to minimize cumbersome feedback and emailing while maximizing work efficiency.

Price: Free. Polaris Office Smart $39.99/ year; Polaris Office Pro $59.99/ year. Download for Mac and Windows for 1 Pc at $79.99. Download for IOS at $39.99.

Scribus

Scribus is a free and open-source desktop publishing software. It is specially designed for typesetting, layout, and presentation of files. This app can also create PDFs and forms.

Though it’s a bit different from standard word processing software, you can choose one of the designed layouts. You can also set up your page, and even improve your written documents with professional-looking quality images.

With Scribus, you can also create animations that you can place directly inside your document. You can also turn your text documents into interactive PDF presentations. Basic features include:

• Support for a user-friendly interface.
• Support publishing features like color management and PDF creation.
• Vector drawings capabilities
• Supports documentation creation tools like LaText, Lilypond, etc.
• You can import or export a huge number of files to Scribus.
• Supports platforms like Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Solaris, PC-BSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, and Haiku.

Price: Free

FocusWriter

FocusWriter is a simple, distraction-free writing environment. It utilizes a hide-away interface that you access by moving your mouse to the edges of the screen. With this feature, you can focus on the page and text. Whenever you need to use any integrated feature, simply swipe your cursor across the edges to open the hidden menu.

It’s available for Linux and Windows and has been translated into many different languages. Its key features are:

• TXT, basic RTF, and essential ODT file support
• Timers, alarms, and daily goals
• Fully customizable themes and sessions
• Has optional features like typewriter sound effects, live statistics, spell-checking, multi-document support, and a portable mode
• Can be translated into over 20 languages

Price: Free

There are other examples of word processing software that cannot be explicitly discussed in this guide. However, you can try apps like FreeOffice TextMaker, Dropbox Paper, Grammarly, ProWritingAid, Scrivener, etc., to create a document.

This leads us to chapter 5 where we shall illustrate how to create a document.

Examples of word processing documents

You can create different kinds of files using a word processor. For ease and elegance, you can use a built-in template in any of your selected word processor.

Examples of documents you can create with a word processing software include: memo, letter, newsletter, reports, brochure, resume, etc.

To create a document, you can start with a template or a blank document. Virtually all the cloud-based word processors have elegant templates to get started.

How to make a program in word

If you have an upcoming event, you can quickly create a program for such an event in a word processor. Depending on the nature of the program, you can use a template to speed up creation.

In this illustration, we shall use Microsoft Word template to make a program. Let’s begin with the following steps.

1. Open Microsoft Word in the backstage view and select New. (Please, ensure that you are connected to the internet)
2. On the search for templates box, type program, and press ENTER.

1. On the search result window, select any of the program templates and click on Create. The template will download. After downloading, it will open with the template.

1. On the open template, make every necessary changes you want.
2. After the necessary changes are made, share or print the document and share it with your audience.

Create a booklet in word

A booklet is a small book that has less than 50 pages. It is usually created like a book with a book cover and handles a topic or subject.

Let’s create a booklet in Microsoft Word. You can start with a blank word document or use a template. Using a template is usually easier than starting with a blank document. Follow these steps to create a booklet in Microsoft Word using a blank document.

1. Open Microsoft Word and select Blank document in the Backstage View.
2. In the Microsoft Word window, click the Layout tab and select Margins from the Page Setup group.

1. Select Custom Margins… from the Margins dropdown menu to open the Page Setup dialog box.

1. In the Page Setup dialog box, do the following:
   • Set the margins appropriately. The default can do it. However, add a few inches in the Gutter box. This will create binding space on the inside.
   • Under Pages, in the Multiple pages box, select Book fold item from the list.
   • Select the Paper tab and select A4 paper size. Then click OK.
2. Start entering text and images in the pages of your newly configured booklet document. When you are done with your writing and formatting, print your work.
3. To print your booklet, do the following:
   • Select Print from File, or press CTRL+P on the keyboard. The print dialog window appears.
   • Change Print One Sided to Manually Print on Both Sides.
   • Load paper to printer and test run the printing by printing a few pages then flip the sheets. If both sides of the sheets are printed correctly, then continue with your booklet printing.

1. Share or distribute your booklet to your audience.

Compare two word documents

You can compare two versions of a document to see how they differ. Though it might be tedious, especially for a long document. However, word processing software provides tools that make it easy and efficient.

In this section, I will show you how to compare two documents with Google Docs word processor.

1. Ensure that the two documents you want to compare are uploaded to your Google drive. (See how to upload a file from your local drive)
2. Open Google Docs and select one of the documents you want to compare in the Start a new document window.

1. In the Open Document window, select the Tools menu. From the dropdown list, select Compare Documents.

1. The compare documents dialog box opens.

1. In the compare documents window, under Select, the comparison document, select My Drive.
2. From the dialog that appears, select the second document you want to compare. Click the Compare button.
3. When Google Docs is done, a dialog box appears telling you that the Comparison is ready. Click the Open button to view the differences.

1. The comparison document opens with a suggestion box informing you on what to do. Accept the suggestion or reject it.

In Microsoft Word, you will select Review > Compare. Then, select the two documents to be compared in a dialog box that appears.

Review the two documents and track the changes made to the compared document.

Conclusion

I hope you found this word processing guide useful and easy to apply. Below are resources that will help you get started if you want to deepen your knowledge of Microsoft Word.

Before that, I will love to hear from you: which of the chapters do you appreciate most? Which of the word processing software most appeals to you? Looking at Microsoft Word alternatives, which one software among many would you prefer?

Whichever, please, let me know what you think by leaving a comment below.

Practice Resources

What is Microsoft Word: A Practical Overview

Creating Documents in MS Word

Paragraph Formatting in a Word Document

Inserting and Formatting Text in Word Document

Creating and Formatting Tables in Microsoft Word

The Page Layout: Microsoft Word Tutorials 3

Word Processing refers to the act of using a computer to create, edit, save and print documents. One example of a Word Processor is Microsoft Word, but other word processing applications are also widely used. Examples include: Microsoft Works Word Processor, Open Office Writer, Word Perfect and Google Drive Document..

How do you create a word processing document?

To create a new blank document:

1. Click the Microsoft Office button.
2. Select New. The New Document dialog box appears.
3. Select Blank document under the Blank and recent section. It will be highlighted by default.
4. Click Create. A new blank document appears in the Word window.

What is word processes?

: the production of typewritten documents (such as business letters) with automated and usually computerized typing and text-editing equipment. Other Words from word processing Example Sentences Learn More about word processing.

Is Google Docs a word processing document?

Google Docs is an online word processor that lets you create and format documents and work with other people.

Is Microsoft Word a word processing software?

Microsoft Word is a word processor developed by Microsoft. It was first released on October 25, 1983, under the name Multi-Tool Word for Xenix systems.

What are the types of word processing software?

Examples of word processor programs

• Abiword.
• Apple iWork – Pages.
• Apple TextEdit – Apple macOS included word processor.
• Corel WordPerfect.
• Dropbox Paper (online and free).
• Google Docs (online and free).
• LibreOffice -> Writer (free).
• Microsoft Office -> Microsoft Word.

What are examples of word processing software?

Two of the most widely used examples of word processing software are Microsoft Word and Google Docs. Both Word and Google Docs provide the business writer with the formatting tools needed to create professional documents.

How many types of word processing software are there?

3 types

What is word processing package?

Word processing packages are software programs used to create, edit and view documents on a computer. Two popular word processors are Microsoft Word and Pages for Mac.

What is word processing and its advantages?

Advantages of word processors 1) It is faster and easier than writing by hand. 2) You can store documents on your computer, which you cannot do on a typewriter. 4) There are more formatting choices with a word processor (the spelling, grammar and language tools). 5) You can print copies of your documents.

What are the word processing skills?

Basic Word Processing Skills:

• add text.
• enter text.
• format text: font, style, size, and color.
• adjust line spacing.
• insert and format WordArt.
• insert and format clip art or picture file.
• modify the text wrap of an object.
• draw and format shapes.

What is word processing features?

Features of a word processors A word wrap which automatically starts a new line if there is insufficient room at the hand margin. Availability of different fonts, character sizes and styles. Text paragraph and page formatting eg text alignment, indenting, page number etc.

What is word processing give two examples?

A word processor, or word processing program, does exactly what the name implies. It processes words. It also processes paragraphs, pages, and entire papers. Some examples of word processing programs include Microsoft Word, WordPerfect (Windows only), AppleWorks (Mac only), and OpenOffice.org.

Why is word processing important?

Furthermore, word processing benefits the environment by reducing the amount of paperwork needed to perform daily tasks (e.g., archiving, sending out letters, sending meeting agendas). By sending documents via a secured email, the cost of postage and paper waste are reduced significantly.

What are 3 advantages of word processing software?

Advantages of Word Processing

• Quality : It produces error free documents.
• Storage of Text : We can take any number of copies with word processor.
• Time Saving : We can get any number of copies of document in future without retyping.
• Security : We can protect the documents in word processing by giving passwords.

What is another word for word processing?

In this page you can discover 14 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for word processor, like: editor, text editor, data processor, word processing program, word processing system, wordpad, notepad, spell check, word processing, clarisworks and null.

What is word processing advantages and disadvantages?

The disadvantages include the fact that a computer is needed, it may have too many options, requires computer skills, may be expensive and is prone to virus attacks. Below are some details regarding the advantages and disadvantages of a word processor.

What are the uses of word processing?

Some of the functions of word processing software include:

• Creating, editing, saving and printing documents.
• Copying, pasting, moving and deleting text within a document.
• Formatting text, such as font type, bolding, underlining or italicizing.
• Creating and editing tables.

What are the disadvantages of Word?

Answer. What Are Some Disadvantages of Using Microsoft Word? As of 2014, some disadvantages of Microsoft Word include the unfamiliar new Ribbon interface, too many options that can be very confusing, cost, vulnerability to virus attacks, and large files due to meta information getting saved alongside Word files.

What is the disadvantage of word processor?

If you want to write something down quickly, it can take more time to switch the computer on, open the word processor and set up the document. Sometimes pen and paper is faster.

How has word processing affected writing?

The word processor has turned the process of writing into something that is “extremely malleable” (Bolter, p. 32). Prior to the word processor, writing was a progression of constant revisions. Now that is not to say that revisions no longer take place but as discussed earlier, making edits is a much easier task.

What are the components of word processor?

MS- Word Window Elements

• Title bar.
• Menu Bar.
• Toolbars.
• Workspace.
• Status Bar.
• Scroll Bars.
• Scroll Box.
• Task Pane.

How do you format a document?

On the Home tab or under the Format tab on the Menu bar, under Styles, select a style and click your desired style. You can also click the Modify button on the Styles tab to create your own style. By default, Word applies a paragraph style (for example, Heading 1) to the entire paragraph.

How will you open a document?

To Open an Existing Document from Text Editor

1. Choose Open from the File menu. The Open a File dialog box lists files and folders in your current folder.
2. Select the name of the document you want to open, or type the document name in the Enter file name field.
3. Press Return or click OK. Note –

What is the shortcut key to open a document?

Ctrl Key

1. Press Ctrl + C or Shift + F2 to copy selected text to the clipboard.
2. Press Ctrl + X to cut selected text to the clipboard.
3. Press Ctrl + V to paste text from clipboard.
4. Press Ctrl + Z to undo the last action.
5. Press Ctrl + Y to redo the last action.
6. Press Ctrl + N to new document.
7. Press Ctrl + O to open a document.

What are two ways to open a document?

There are two main ways to open a file:

1. Find the file on your computer and double-click it. This will open the file in its default application.
2. Open the application, then use the application to open the file. Once the application is open, you can go to the File menu at the top of the window and select Open.

Text produced at the office used to come only from careful penmanship or fast typing. This required much care in creating a document and much time when corrections were needed. Today, business text is easy to change and quick to produce because of word-processing software and computers, both of which are common work tools.

Description

A word-processing document is any text-based document that looks the same whether it is viewed on a computer screen or printed out in a hard copy. Because you create these manuscripts using computer software, you can quickly enter text and interactively change the general layout or word appearance.

Software

The most common word-processing software is Word, which is part of the larger Microsoft Office Suite. Its main disadvantage is the high cost, though other commercial competitors such as Corel WordPerfect exist. Other free alternatives include the Internet-based Google Docs and the open-source program OpenOffice Writer, both of which can open and manipulate Word files. Note that among many supported file extension, Word commonly uses doc and docx.

Styles

Word-processing documents generally use styles, which enforce consistency among different elements of a long manuscript. For example, you can define a header style to appear with a specific font, color and size. You can then apply this style all the titles of the document. If you decide that you would like to change the appearance of the headers, for example by increasing the font size, you do not have to individually change each title. Instead, adjust the Header style and all the text to which the style is applied automatically changes as well.

References

References change text automatically depending on the circumstances. For example, you can generate a table of contents and index with page numbers. If you happen to change the number of pages, you do not have to individually adjust the page references. Instead, these numbers automatically adjust when you print the document.

Transferability

A word-processing document can easily exchange information with other types of software. For example, rather than laboriously redrawing a budget pie chart each time percentages change, you can import the chart from a spreadsheet program. Thus, by changing the number on the spreadsheet, you automatically adjust the chart in the document. Similarly, if the manuscript contains information like names and addresses that you would like to use in a separate program, you can easily export that data for further processing.

What is a Word Processor?

You might have heard the widely thrown around term of ‘paperless office’ or ‘paperless environment’. Although we’re still a long way off from realizing that dream, but there are instances where paper as such is no longer required to any type of official business level communication.

Most of the credit for this definitely goes to word processor programs and applications that help employees put in their communication through digital means. Not only have such word processors allowed for quick and easy communication internally (or externally) within an organization but also has helped improve effectiveness and efficiency of a workplace – since waiting times have been reduced drastically.

So before we dive deep into the different types of word processors available in the market, let’s have a look at how it all began.

The History of Word Processor – How It All Began?

Take today’s word processors as an extension or an evolved form of a type writer. Originally marketed back in 1867, a manual typewriter was first introduced in to the market by a gun manufacturing company.

The first phase of this evolution involved electric typewriters, which could be used for typing of letters automatically while adding/removing specific letters in case of any corrections.

Automatic Typewriters

This was as ‘automatic’ as you could get – a type writer person would manually type something, then proof read it for any mistakes. Once he/she was satisfied, a final re-type would be needed to actually finish the document.

The operators in charge of these word processors were trained typists, who had to be very careful with specifics of a page like orientation, line spacing, page width and all of these details had to be taken into consideration manually. Later on, change in font was added as a new feature enjoyed by some of the leading newspaper agencies for their print production and newsletters. The default ‘typing ball’ font slowly was replaced by a collection of changeable fonts.

From Typewriters to Word Processors

At that time, there were no personal computers. Machines would specifically be built for the purpose of word processing. Rather than evolving through ideas of mathematicians and computer geeks, the word processor was in fact born out of the necessity of writers. Later on, as the computers started to trickle down into our personal lives did we see word processors integrated with the personal computer.

As such, the actual introduction of word processing software that we see today is not marked for sure with a historical timeline. But it’s safe to say that with the mass division of personal computers and printers in the early 1990’s, typewriters as such were fully replaced with dedicated word processing software and programs rather than having to resort to separate machines for typing text on to paper.

Let us fast forward to present time and see what exactly are Word Processors used for nowadays.

Word Processors – What Are They Used For?

In a contemporary office (or a professional) environment, a word processing software is used to create documents and reports like for example a resume or a marketing proposal. Text is entered by typing letters using a keyboard on to a software that takes care of the functions of editing, copying, pasting, deleting and other formatting methods.

Features of a Word Processor

Some of the basic features of a word processor includes:

• Copying, editing, saving and printing reports and documents
• Copying, deleting, pasting, and shifting text within a certain page/document
• Formatting of text like changing size (font size), italicizing (italics), bolding (bold) or strikethroughs and underlines
• Formatting tables (drawing/inserting rows and columns to make full-fledged tables)
• Placing pictures, graphs and all sorts of illustrations within and around the text document
• Correction of spelling mistakes and a fully functioning dictionary in most cases

Word processing software should not be confused with simple text editors. Text editors (like Window’s Notepad) can also allow you to type in text with a few basic formatting inputs but don’t have the more advanced features like underlining, different fonts, adding pictures and graphs etc.

Top Three Popular and Best Word Processors

So let us now look at what word processors are the best options available out there in the market. We will start off with the most popular one as of yet; Microsoft Word.

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is hands down the most popular of all word processing software out there. According to the company Microsoft itself, the estimation is that around half a billion people on this planet currently use Microsoft Word for the purpose of word processing. It is therefore no surprise that 90 percent of the word processing market share is captured by Microsoft Word.

Originally introduced to the public back in the year 1989, the current version of Microsoft Word has seen numerous updates (multiple times each year) and comes as a package with the suite of Office applications along with PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, and Outlook.

WordPerfect

If you ask someone knowledgeable in the computer industry to name a software other than Microsoft Word itself, the word WordPerfect will be the obvious answer. More suited towards writing short essays and quick articles, WordPerfect best strength is its compatibility with Microsoft Word. A bit ironic but it definitely does the trick when you need to open up WordPerfect documents with Microsoft Word.

Lotus Word Pro

If your office computers are integrated on Lotus portal, then Lotus Word Pro is your ideal for all your needs. Lotus Word Pro can be connected with all your Lotus applications to produce properly formatted documents. Although it’s produced and distributed by IBM Corporation, it’s also compatible with Windows based programs particularly Microsoft Word.

Author: Bilal Ibrar

A marketing graduate with a passion for writing on topics related to social media, technology and business in general. Hobbies include gaming, animation and motorsports

Updated: 12/31/2022 by

Word processing describes creating or editing a document using a word processor, such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or OpenOffice Writer. For example, a student could create a book report in a Word Processor application. Then, the student could print it, save it to a disk, display it on the screen, or send it over e-mail. Also, a person looking for a job could create a résumé using a word processor, then e-mail or print and mail it to job recruiters.

How to open a word processing file

How a word processing file opens depends on the type of word processor software used to create the file and its file format. Thankfully today, most word processors are capable of opening most word processor files, and as long as you can access one of them, you can open the file. For example, a file called «example.doc» was likely created in Microsoft Word and opens in Microsoft Word or OpenOffice or uploaded to Google Docs and viewed and edited online.

• Where can I get a free word processor?

What was used before word processing?

Before computers, people used typewriters to write reports or other documents, which had nowhere near the capabilities as today’s word processors. With a word processor, you can easily edit and make changes to a document, move text around in a document, add images, change fonts, check for spelling errors, and more.

Today’s word processing concept was introduced by IBM with its introduction of the IBM Magnetic Tape Selectric Typewriter in 1964, which pioneered using magnetic recording devices and typewriting. Referred to as «power typing,» the feature of revising stored text improved office efficiency by allowing typists to type at «rough draft» speed without the pressure of worrying about mistakes.

Typography terms, Word processor, Word processor terms

What Does Word Processing Mean?

Word processing is the process of creating and editing documents on a computer. It allows a user to create documents that mimic the format and style of a typical typewriter. It requires a computer and word processing software. A printer may also be used to create a physical copy of the document.

Techopedia Explains Word Processing

Word processing is one of the earliest and most commonly used types of computer software. In fact, word processing software is often cited as a major factor in the launch the personal computer industry. This software did such a great job of automating processes that had previously been performed by a dedicated machine (in this case a typewriter) that this type of software helped bring personal computers into the households of regular people, rather than just businesses.

Even today, word processors reflect their history as digital typewriters. They display a sheet of paper on the screen, which captures user input from the keyboard. The user can select different font styles, sizes, colors and many different customizations. And, unlike manual word processing, the digital variety is is much faster and more flexible.