Posted on 04-07-2025 | Category: General | Views: 6
Before the rise of graphical user interfaces, word processors played a crucial role in shaping the digital writing experience. Starting from DOS-based text editors to today’s cloud-powered applications like Google Docs, word processors have been instrumental in creating, formatting, and editing text documents efficiently.
Here’s a comprehensive historical overview of word processor software, including DOS-based versions, release years, developers, and unique features.
| Software Name | First Release | DOS Version | Developer / Company | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WordStar | 1979 | Yes | MicroPro International | First widely used word processor, plain text |
| WordPerfect | 1980 | Yes | Satellite Software Intl. / Novell | Reveal codes, macros, formatting control |
| Microsoft Word for DOS | 1983 | Yes | Microsoft | Menu-driven interface, early formatting tools |
| DisplayWrite | Early 1980s | Yes | IBM | IBM PC-compatible, used in businesses |
| Volkswriter | 1982 | Yes | Lifetree Software | Simple layout, affordable for home users |
| Multimate | 1982 | Yes | Softword Systems | Emulated Wang word processor UI |
| Professional Write | 1984 | Yes | Software Publishing Corp. | Simple UI with built-in spell checker |
| WordMarc Composer | 1980s | Yes | MARC Software | Used in academia, supported scientific text |
| XyWrite | 1982 | Yes | XyQuest Inc. | Fast, keyboard-centric, used by journalists |
| Lotus Manuscript | 1986 | Yes | Lotus Development Corp. | Scientific/technical writing features |
| Software Name | Windows Start | Notes / Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Word for Windows | 1989 | WYSIWYG editor, part of Microsoft Office |
| WordPerfect for Windows | 1991 | Continued from DOS, included reveal codes |
| Lotus Word Pro | 1994 | Successor to Ami Pro, part of SmartSuite |
| Ami Pro (originally Samna Word) | 1988 | Acquired by Lotus, graphical editing tool |
| OpenOffice Writer | 2000s | Open source, full-featured alternative |
| LibreOffice Writer | 2010 | Forked from OpenOffice, modern UI and tools |
| Google Docs | 2006 | Cloud-based collaboration, autosave, sharing |
| WPS Office Writer | 1988 (as Kingsoft Writer) | Lightweight, MS Word-compatible |
1970s–80s: Command-line and text-based editing (WordStar, WordPerfect)
Late 80s–90s: GUI-based editing begins (Word for Windows, Ami Pro)
2000s: Rise of open-source and free office suites (OpenOffice, LibreOffice)
2010s–Now: Cloud-based word processors dominate (Google Docs, Office 365)
WordStar was used by George R.R. Martin to write Game of Thrones.
WordPerfect was dominant in the legal sector due to its precision and reveal codes.
Microsoft Word overtook WordPerfect by the mid-1990s due to better GUI and integration.