What is Word Processing Software? Examples, Applications & Types

Hello Friends! Today, here we are going to explain about what is word processing software and its types; as well as remarkable applications and examples of word processing with ease. This is unique post over the Internet; so we can make ensuring that at the end of this content; you will definitely fully learn about Word Processing without getting any obstacle.

What is Word Processor?

Word processor is software that let users to perform various writing tasks (create, edit, and format text documents) along with speed and precision. It provides friendly interface for executing multiple tasks such as typing, formatting, and spell-checking, streamlining document creation. Word processors offer user-friendly environment with useful features including, font customization, paragraph formatting, and the ability to insert images.

Word Processing Software

They also help to facilitate to document collaboration; and allowing multiple users to work on a file simultaneously. Today, Word processors have been become the fundamental in personal, academic, and professional settings that are serving as versatile tools for document creation and editing, reducing manual effort, and improving the efficiency of text-based tasks.

Word Processing Tutorial Headlines:

In this section, we will show you all headlines about this entire article; you can check them as your choice; below shown all:

  1. What is Word Processor?
  2. Types of Word Processing
  3. 50 Examples of Word Processing Software
  4. Applications of Word Processing
  5. Functions of Word Processing
  6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
  • What is word processing software used for?
  • Is Google sheet an example of word processor?
  • What are the top list 10 examples of word processor?
  • What is the role of word processing in document management?
  • How has cloud computing impacted word processing?

Let’s Get Started!!

Types of Word Processing with Examples

The word processor system is classified into three different categories like as mechanical, electronic, and software; below mentioned each one:

Also Read: Top 20 Features of Word Processor

Mechanical word processors are also known as typewriters; they were popular before the widespread adoption of electronic and digital technologies. They use a mechanical system to imprint characters onto paper. While they are not as commonly used today, they have historical significance. For examples: IBM Selectric Typewriter and Underwood Typewriter.

Electronic word processors brought a significant shift from mechanical typewriters by incorporating electronic components for text creation and editing. Unlike typewriters, electronic word processors allowed users to edit and revise text before printing it. Here are examples of electronic word processors:

  • Xerox Alto was developed by Xerox Corporation in 1973.
  • IM Displaywriter was developed by IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) in 1980.
  • WordPerfect was developed by Corel Corporation in 1979.

Modern software word processors have evolved to provide advanced features for document creation, editing, formatting, and collaboration. Here are some examples of software word processors, including Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice, Polaris Office, Zoho Docs, and WPS Office.

Examples of Word Processing Software

There are various examples of word processing applications, each with its own features and capabilities. Here are some common Word Processing examples, including:

Also Read: 45+ Advantages and Disadvantages of MS Word

Desktop Word Processors

There are some common of desktop word processing software, such as:

LibreOffice Writer

Developer: The Document Foundation

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Full-featured, open-source office suite
  • Rich text formatting options
  • Support for various document formats, including Microsoft Word.
  • Extensions for added functionality
  • Collaboration features through third-party tools

Apache OpenOffice Writer

Developer: Apache Software Foundation

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Open-source and free to use
  • Rich text formatting tools
  • Extensive language support
  • Integration with other OpenOffice suite applications
  • Compatibility with Microsoft Word documents

WPS Office Writer

Developer: WPS Software

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Key Features:

  • Microsoft Office compatibility
  • Tabbed document editing for multitasking
  • PDF editing capabilities
  • Collaboration features
  • Free and premium versions available

AbiWord

Developer: AbiSource community

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Lightweight and fast word processor
  • Collaboration features through plugins
  • Basic formatting options
  • Supports multiple document formats
  • Open-source and free

ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors

Developer: Ascensio System SIA

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Part of the ONLYOFFICE suite
  • Offline access to documents
  • Collaboration features
  • Supports multiple document formats
  • Integration with cloud services

FocusWriter

Developer: Graeme Gott

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Distraction-free writing environment
  • Full-screen mode with customizable backgrounds
  • Daily goal-setting features
  • Basic formatting options
  • Supports plain text and rich text formats

Calligra Words

Developer: KDE community

Platform: Linux (part of the Calligra Suite)

Key Features:

  • Part of the KDE office suite
  • Advanced layout and formatting options
  • Collaboration features
  • Integration with other Calligra applications
  • Open-source and free

Jarte

Developer: Carolina Road Software

Platform: Windows

Key Features:

  • Lightweight and fast
  • Tabbed document interface
  • Spell-check and thesaurus
  • Portable version available
  • Free and paid versions

Online Word Processors

Google Docs

Developer: Google

Platform: Web-based (accessible on any device with a web browser), iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • Real-time collaboration and editing with others
  • Cloud-based storage on Google Drive
  • Accessible from any device with internet access
  • Commenting and suggesting features for collaboration
  • Basic offline editing capabilities

Zoho Writer

Developer: Zoho Corporation

Platform: Web-based

Key Features:

  • Real-time collaboration with multiple users
  • Cloud storage on Zoho Docs
  • Revision history tracking
  • Template library for document creation
  • Integration with other Zoho applications

OnlyOffice Docs

Developer: Ascensio System SIA

Platform: Web-based

Key Features:

  • Online collaboration and editing
  • Integration with various cloud storage services
  • Document version control
  • Collaboration tools including comments and chat
  • Support for multiple file formats

Microsoft Office Online (Word for the Web)

Developer: Microsoft

Platform: Web-based (accessible on any device with a web browser)

Key Features:

  • Basic versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint available online
  • Real-time collaboration and editing
  • Integration with OneDrive for cloud storage
  • Similar interface to desktop Microsoft Office applications

Etherpad

Developer: Etherpad Foundation

Platform: Web-based (self-hosted or use existing instances)

Key Features:

  • Real-time collaborative document editing
  • Minimalist interface with basic formatting
  • Self-hosted instances for privacy and control
  • Chat functionality for collaboration

CryptPad

Developer: XWiki SAS

Platform: Web-based

Key Features:

  • Focus on privacy and security
  • Real-time collaboration on documents
  • Encrypted end-to-end, ensuring document privacy
  • Various collaborative tools (chat, polls, etc.)
  • No user data is stored on CryptPad servers

Quip

Developer: Salesforce

Platform: Web-based, iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • Collaboration-focused word processing
  • Real-time editing and messaging
  • Integration with Salesforce and other third-party apps
  • Task management features
  • Offline editing capabilities

Writer

Developer: Dropbox

Platform: Web-based

Key Features:

  • Simple and clean interface
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Version history and recovery features
  • Integration with Dropbox for cloud storage
  • Focus on distraction-free writing

Text Editors

There are various variants about text editors like as word processing software; below shown each one:

Notepad++

Developer: Don Ho

Platform: Windows

Key Features:

  • Syntax highlighting for various programming languages
  • Tabbed interface for working with multiple files
  • Extensive plugin support for additional features
  • Lightweight and fast

Visual Studio Code

Developer: Microsoft

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Open-source, feature-rich code editor
  • Integrated Git control and debugging support
  • Extensive extensions for various languages and tools
  • Developed by Microsoft with strong community support

Atom

Developer: GitHub

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Open-source and highly customizable
  • Integrated Git control and package manager
  • Built-in package manager for easy extension
  • Developed by GitHub, emphasizing community contributions

Sublime Text (Free Evaluation)

Developer: Jon Skinner

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Fast and feature-rich text editor
  • Multiple cursors for simultaneous editing
  • Supports various programming languages
  • Extensive package ecosystem for customization

GNU Emacs

Developer: Free Software Foundation

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Highly extensible and customizable
  • Supports multiple programming languages
  • Features a built-in text editor, email client, and more
  • Robust scripting support

Vim

Developer: Bram Moolenaar

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Advanced text editor in command-line interface
  • Modal editing with multiple modes (insert, visual, command)
  • Extensive customization through plugins and scripting
  • Powerful for programming tasks

Brackets

Developer: Adobe Systems

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Focused on web development
  • Live preview for HTML and CSS
  • Preprocessor support (Sass, Less)
  • Extension support for additional functionality

Gedit

Developer: GNOME Project

Platform: Linux (GNOME desktop environment)

Key Features:

  • Simple and lightweight
  • Supports syntax highlighting
  • Tabbed interface for multiple documents
  • Part of the GNOME desktop environment

Kate

Developer: KDE community

Platform: Linux (KDE desktop environment)

Key Features:

  • Advanced text editor for the KDE desktop
  • Syntax highlighting and code folding
  • Extensive plugin support
  • Tabbed document interface

Bluefish

Developer: Bluefish Dev Team

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Focused on web development
  • Supports many programming languages
  • Multiple document interfaces
  • Project support with site upload/download

Mobile Word Processors

Here, we will show you several word processing software that are using in your smart phones, including:

Microsoft Word for Mobile

Developer: Microsoft

Platform: iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • Full-featured mobile version of Microsoft Word
  • Real-time collaboration with others
  • Integration with Microsoft 365 for cloud storage
  • Extensive formatting options
  • Compatibility with desktop Word documents

Google Docs

Developer: Google

Platform: iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • Mobile version of Google Docs for on-the-go editing
  • Real-time collaboration with others
  • Cloud-based storage on Google Drive
  • Basic offline editing capabilities
  • Accessible on various devices

Apple Pages (iOS)

Developer: Apple Inc.

Platform: iOS

Key Features:

  • Mobile version of Apple’s word processing app
  • User-friendly interface with design-focused tools
  • Integration with iCloud for cloud storage
  • Compatibility with macOS Pages documents
  • Limited functionality compared to the macOS version

WPS Office

Developer: WPS Software

Platform: iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • Mobile word processor with Microsoft Office compatibility
  • Tabbed document editing for multitasking
  • Collaboration features
  • Cloud storage integration
  • Available for both iOS and Android

Google Keep

Developer: Google

Platform: iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • Note-taking app with basic word processing features
  • Integration with Google Workspace
  • Collaboration on notes
  • Supports text and multimedia content
  • Syncs across devices

Specialized Word Processors

Scrivener

Developer: Literature & Latte

Platform: Windows, macOS, iOS

Key Features:

  • Designed for authors and writers
  • Tools for organizing research and notes
  • Non-linear writing and structuring capabilities
  • Distraction-free writing mode
  • Export options for different file formats

LyX

Developer: The LyX Team

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Document processor that encourages structured writing
  • Uses LaTeX for document formatting
  • WYSIWYM (What You See Is What You Mean) approach
  • Suitable for academic and scientific writing
  • Cross-platform and open-source

LaTeX

Developer: LaTeX Project

Platform: Cross-platform

Key Features:

  • Typesetting system often used for scientific and technical documents.
  • Focuses on the structure and content of the document
  • Excellent support for mathematical equations
  • Allows precise control over document formatting
  • Widely used in academia and research

FocusWriter

Developer: Graeme Gott

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Distraction-free writing environment
  • Full-screen mode with customizable backgrounds
  • Daily goal-setting feature
  • Basic formatting options
  • Supports plain text and rich text formats

Manuskript

Developer: Michael Volz

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Open-source tool for writers
  • Story planning and outlining features
  • Manuscript organization with chapters and scenes
  • Character and location management
  • Export options for various formats

Scribus

Developer: The Scribus Team

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Desktop publishing software
  • Used for creating documents with complex layouts
  • Supports professional publishing features
  • Suitable for designing brochures, magazines, and books
  • Open-source and cross-platform

Sigil

Developer: Strahinja Markovic

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Key Features:

  • Open-source eBook editor
  • WYSIWYG editing for EPUB format
  • Multi-platform and cross-platform
  • Advanced features for eBook creation
  • Supports import from other eBook formats

yWriter

Developer: Spacejock Software

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux (using Wine)

Key Features

  • Specialized for novel writing
  • Organizes writing into chapters and scenes
  • Tracks characters, locations, and items
  • Goal-setting features for word count targets
  • Helps authors manage and track their writing projects

Applications of Word Processing

Word processing is a versatile tool with numerous applications across various sectors. Here are some key word processing applications, including:

Also Read: What is MS Access? Uses, Applications, Examples, & Components

Document Creation and Editing

  • Creating and editing letters, reports, essays, and other written documents.
  • Drafting and editing content for various purposes.

Business Correspondence

  • Writing and formatting business letters, memos, and emails
  • Generating professional documents for communication within an organization

Academic Writing

  • Drafting academic papers, research reports, and essays
  • Formatting documents according to academic standards

Resume and Cover Letter Writing

  • Creating and formatting resumes and cover letters for job applications
  • Tailoring documents to specific job opportunities

Publication and Printing

  • Designing and formatting content for publications, newsletters, and brochures
  • Preparing documents for printing with proper layout and formatting

Collaborative Writing

  • Collaborating on documents with multiple authors in real-time
  • Tracking changes and managing feedback during the collaborative writing process

Legal Documentation

  • Drafting legal documents such as contracts, agreements, and briefs
  • Formatting legal documents according to established conventions

Educational Materials

  • Creating teaching materials, lesson plans, and educational resources
  • Designing worksheets and instructional documents

Book and Novel Writing

  • Writing and formatting fiction and non-fiction books
  • Organizing and structuring chapters and sections

Technical Writing

  • Preparing technical documents, manuals, and user guides
  • Creating documentation for software applications and hardware

Desktop Publishing

  • Designing and formatting content for print publications
  • Creating visually appealing documents with images, charts, and graphics

Form Creation

  • Designing and creating forms for surveys, feedback, or data collection.
  • Formatting forms with fields for easy data entry.

Meeting Minutes

  • Recording and formatting meeting minutes for documentation
  • Distributing minutes to participants and stakeholders

Data Analysis Reports

  • Incorporating tables, charts, and graphs into reports for data analysis
  • Creating visual representations of data findings

Personal and Creative Writing

  • Keeping personal journals and diaries
  • Engaging in creative writing, such as poetry and short stories

Accessibility Documents

  • Creating accessible documents with features like alt text and proper heading structure
  • Ensuring documents are accessible to individuals with disabilities

Job-Related Documents

  • Writing and formatting various job-related documents, including proposals and project reports
  • Preparing documentation for project management

Communication Planning

  • Drafting communication plans and strategies
  • Preparing communication materials for stakeholders

Functions of Word Processing

Some of the basic functions of word processing software include:

Also Read: Advantages and Disadvantages of Microsoft Access | Features & Benefits

Text Manipulation: Word processors allow users to insert, cut, paste, copy, and move text within a document. They also offer word wrapping, which automatically moves to the next line when the current one is filled with text.

Font Specifications: Users can change the look of fonts within a document, including the ability to bold, italicize, underline text, and change the font size. Different typefaces are usually available, helping create a more uniform and readable document.

Page Layout: Most word processing software allows users to change the layout of the document they are creating, including features such as margins, orientation, and page size.

Spelling and Grammar Check: Many word processors provide built-in dictionaries to check spelling and grammar, improving the quality of the written content.

Inserting Visual Content: Word processors allow users to add content such as pictures, tables, and charts to documents, as well as decorative items including borders and clip art.

Templates: They typically provide templates for common document types, such as letters, memos, and resumes, which can save time and ensure a consistent format.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is word processing software used for?

Word processing software is the most essential tool that are going to use for creating, editing, formatting, and printing text-based documents such as letters, resumes, reports, and essays. It also provides the features like as spell-checking, formatting options, and having the ability to insert images and other media that making it easier to make professional-looking documents.

Is Google sheet an example of word processor?

Google Docs is an online word processing program that allowing you creates and format documents and works with other people.

What are the top list 10 examples of word processor?

Here are top 10 examples of word processors, including:

  • Microsoft Word
  • Google Docs
  • LibreOffice Writer
  • WPS Office Free Writer
  • OnlyOffice Document Editor
  • Apple Pages
  • AbiWord
  • FocusWriter
  • FreeOffice TextMaker
  • Nifty Docs

What is the role of word processing in document management?

Word processing allows you for creation, organization, and storage of documents. It also helps to manage and retrieve information efficiently as well as improving the overall document workflow.

How has cloud computing impacted word processing?

Cloud-based word processing example is Google Docs that allows users to create and edit documents online, facilitating real-time collaboration and providing easy access to documents from multiple devices.

Final Thoughts

From this article, you have been completely educated about what is word processing software and its types; as well as remarkable applications and examples of word processing with ease. If this article is useful for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

Also Read: What is MS-DOS? Commands, Types, Functions, & Uses of DOS

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