A word processor is an application that allows you to type in, edit, format, save, and print text. The text shows on screen the same or very similar to how it will appear in hard copy format. Word processors are commonly used by students, writers, authors, desktop publishing professionals and layout artists. Before you purchase a word processor, try several out. Some can be downloaded for free, and other can be downloaded for a trial period.
Microsoft Word
One of the most well-known and widely used word processing applications on the market is Microsoft Word. Word has more than 90 percent of the word processing market and more than 450 million users. Microsoft Corp. first released this program to the market in 1989, and since then there have been a number of upgrades to the software. Word can be purchased as part of the Microsoft Office suite of programs, which include Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Publisher. Word can be used to format text and build layout documents.
WordPerfect
WordPerfect is a word processing application from Corel Corp.. WordPerfect was popular in the early 1990s. It is best for writing simple essays and articles. Though it isn't used as much today, WordPerfect is compatible with Microsoft Word, meaning that you can open and edit WordPerfect files in the Word program, then save them as WordPerfect files again. WordPerfect also can be used for formatting and laying out documents.
Lotus Word Pro
If you use Lotus Notes or Lotus 1-2-3--common in corporate environments--Lotus Word Pro is an ideal program for your word processing needs. This program works in concert with Lotus applications to allow you to create and distribute formatted text documents. It is produced and distributed by IBM Corp. Lotus Word Pro is also compatible with Microsoft Word and ideal for writing reports, memos and proposals.
iWork Pages
Pages is a word processing program offered by Apple Incorporated, so if you own a Mac computer this might be the ideal option for your needs. It is a part of Apple's iWork suite of programs. Pages allows you to perform basic word processing functions--writing and formatting--as well as more complex graphical layout actions. You can open and save Pages files in Microsoft Word.
And the Rest
There are dozens of word processors on the market. Other lesser-known word processors include OpenOffice Writer, Adobe InCopy, AbiWord, Microsoft Works and Scrivener. A growing number of online word processors are available and include Google Docs and Microsoft Office Web Apps.
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Online Drawing Tools for Illustrating Children's Books
By Jennifer Meyer
Updated September 22, 2017
Professional art software can be expensive, usually costing several hundred dollars. Many beginning book illustrators who cannot afford these programs are taking advantage of free downloadable art programs online. No single free program will meet all of your needs, but downloading several of these programs can create a robust toolset.
GIMP
GIMP is a powerful freeware bitmap art program. It duplicates many of the functions available in Photoshop, the art industry standard, and is available for Linux, Mac and PC. For those illustrators used to a Photoshop user interface, there is even a plug-in you can download to make GIMP’s layout similar to Photoshop. There are downsides, however. GIMP is not compatible with all digital tablets. Also, it cannot save files under a CMYK format, the print industry standard.
GIMP gimp.org/
Artweaver
Artweaver, an alternative to GIMP, features a more friendly user interface similar to Photoshop. Like Photoshop, it has support for layers, gradients and different types of brushes. It also offers CMYK support. But Artweaver is only available for Windows-based computers and is unavailable for Mac or Linux.
Artweaver artweaver.en.softonic.com/
Peacock Color Picker
The Peacock Color Picker program allows you to adjust the colors of your digital artwork. This is particularly important if you use freeware programs to create your artwork, as most of them save files in a RGB format. Printed artwork must be in CMYK format, which has a more limited color range. In particular, several bright hues are missing from CMYK. Because many children’s illustrations feature bright colors, a printed version of an RGB file will probably come out poorly unless you adjust it with a program such as Peacock Color Picker.
Reohix: Peacock Color Picker reohix.com/peacockcolorpicker.htm
Inkscape
Inkscape is the freeware equivalent of Adobe’s Illustrator. Most people use it for layout designs, but it also has a feature that allows you to turn a bitmap art image into a vector-based one. The program makes the lines of your artwork cleaner and smoother.
Inkscape inkscape.org/
PrimoPDF
PrimoPDF is a freeware PDF converter. It allows you to convert images and documents into Adobe Acrobat documents that are often used in the publishing industry. PrimoPDF is limited, but easy to use with a simple user interface. PrimoPDF is only available for PCs.
Microsoft Word
One of the most well-known and widely used word processing applications on the market is Microsoft Word. Word has more than 90 percent of the word processing market and more than 450 million users. Microsoft Corp. first released this program to the market in 1989, and since then there have been a number of upgrades to the software. Word can be purchased as part of the Microsoft Office suite of programs, which include Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Publisher. Word can be used to format text and build layout documents.
WordPerfect
WordPerfect is a word processing application from Corel Corp.. WordPerfect was popular in the early 1990s. It is best for writing simple essays and articles. Though it isn't used as much today, WordPerfect is compatible with Microsoft Word, meaning that you can open and edit WordPerfect files in the Word program, then save them as WordPerfect files again. WordPerfect also can be used for formatting and laying out documents.
Lotus Word Pro
If you use Lotus Notes or Lotus 1-2-3--common in corporate environments--Lotus Word Pro is an ideal program for your word processing needs. This program works in concert with Lotus applications to allow you to create and distribute formatted text documents. It is produced and distributed by IBM Corp. Lotus Word Pro is also compatible with Microsoft Word and ideal for writing reports, memos and proposals.
iWork Pages
Pages is a word processing program offered by Apple Incorporated, so if you own a Mac computer this might be the ideal option for your needs. It is a part of Apple's iWork suite of programs. Pages allows you to perform basic word processing functions--writing and formatting--as well as more complex graphical layout actions. You can open and save Pages files in Microsoft Word.
And the Rest
There are dozens of word processors on the market. Other lesser-known word processors include OpenOffice Writer, Adobe InCopy, AbiWord, Microsoft Works and Scrivener. A growing number of online word processors are available and include Google Docs and Microsoft Office Web Apps.
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