Novell wordperfect

The Ascent of WordPerfect: From DOS Dominance to Novell’s Vision

WordPerfect’s journey began long before its association with Novell, carving out a significant niche in the world of word processing.

Its rise was nothing short of meteoric, especially in the DOS era, where it became the de facto standard for professional document creation.

Understanding its pre-Novell success is crucial to appreciating why Novell made the strategic acquisition.

Early Days and DOS Domination

WordPerfect Corporation, originally Satellite Software International, launched WordPerfect 1.0 in 1979 for Data General minicomputers.

However, it was its release for the IBM PC in 1982 that truly propelled it into the spotlight. Online painting sale website

0.0 0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews) Excellent0% Very good0% Average0% Poor0% Terrible0% There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. Your review Your overall rating Select a Rating5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star Title of your review Your review Your name Your email This review is based on my own experience and is my genuine opinion. ​ Submit Review

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Novell wordperfect Latest Discussions & Reviews:

By the mid-1980s, WordPerfect 4.2 and later WordPerfect 5.1 for DOS were legendary.

These versions were known for their speed, efficiency, and a comprehensive feature set that was unmatched at the time.

• Key Features that Defined DOS WordPerfect:
  • Reveal Codes: This iconic feature allowed users to see and directly manipulate the underlying formatting codes, providing unparalleled control over document layout. This was a must for precise document creation, especially in legal and academic fields.
  • Function Key Reliance: Unlike later GUI-based word processors, WordPerfect relied heavily on function keys F1-F12 combined with Shift, Alt, and Ctrl modifiers. This made it incredibly fast for experienced users who could execute commands without lifting their hands from the keyboard.
  • Macros: Users could record and play back sequences of commands, automating repetitive tasks. This was a powerful tool for enhancing productivity.
  • Printer Support: WordPerfect boasted extensive printer driver support, ensuring consistent output across a vast array of printing devices, a critical factor in the pre-Windows era.

By 1990, WordPerfect held an estimated 70% market share in word processing, a truly dominant position.

This success was built on a foundation of reliability, power, and a loyal user base that valued its unique approach to document creation.

The Shift to Windows and Mounting Pressure

As Microsoft Windows began to gain traction in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the software industry underwent a paradigm shift from character-based interfaces to graphical user interfaces GUIs. WordPerfect was slower to adapt to this change than some of its competitors, particularly Microsoft Word. Coreldraw graphics suite 2020 system requirements

• Challenges in the Windows Transition:
  • Delayed Windows Release: WordPerfect’s first full-fledged Windows version, WordPerfect for Windows 5.2, was released in November 1992, almost two years after Microsoft Word for Windows 1.0. This delay allowed Microsoft to gain a significant head start.
  • Performance Issues: Early Windows versions of WordPerfect were sometimes criticized for being slower and less stable than their DOS counterparts, and also less optimized than Microsoft Word for Windows.
  • User Interface Differences: WordPerfect’s loyal DOS users often found the Windows interface to be less intuitive or efficient than the familiar function-key driven DOS environment.

Despite these challenges, WordPerfect for Windows still offered compelling features like the ubiquitous Reveal Codes and maintained a strong following, especially among users who needed its advanced formatting capabilities.

By 1993, Microsoft Word had overtaken WordPerfect in sales, marking a turning point in the word processor wars.

Novell’s Bold Acquisition: The Vision and Reality

In 1994, Novell, a networking software giant, made headlines by acquiring WordPerfect Corporation for approximately $1.4 billion.

This was a monumental deal at the time, reflecting Novell’s ambitious strategy to diversify beyond networking and compete directly with Microsoft in the burgeoning office suite market.

The Strategic Imperative for Novell

Novell’s decision to acquire WordPerfect was rooted in a clear strategic vision: to build a comprehensive office suite that could challenge Microsoft Office. Coreldraw for mac

At the time, Novell was dominant in network operating systems with NetWare, holding over 70% of the server OS market share in the early 1990s.

However, they saw Microsoft expanding aggressively into application software, posing a threat to their core business by offering integrated solutions.

• Motivations Behind the Acquisition:
  • Countering Microsoft Office: Novell aimed to create a competitive office suite that included WordPerfect word processor, Quattro Pro spreadsheet, acquired from Borland, and Paradox database, also from Borland. The goal was to offer an integrated alternative to Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.
  • Leveraging Network Dominance: Novell believed that by bundling their office applications with their NetWare network operating system, they could leverage their existing enterprise customer base. The idea was to offer a complete “network-centric” office solution.
  • Expanding Beyond NetWare: Novell sought to reduce its reliance on NetWare and broaden its revenue streams by entering the lucrative application software market.

The acquisition of WordPerfect was the cornerstone of this strategy.

Novell believed that by integrating WordPerfect’s strong brand recognition and robust features with their networking prowess, they could create a compelling ecosystem for enterprise users.

The Reality of Integration and Market Dynamics

Despite Novell’s grand vision, the integration of WordPerfect into the Novell ecosystem proved to be challenging, and the market dynamics shifted rapidly. Coreldraw vector

The “Novell WordPerfect” era, though brief, was marked by significant competitive pressures.

• Integration Challenges:
  • Cultural Clashes: The corporate cultures of a networking company like Novell and an application software company like WordPerfect were distinct, leading to integration difficulties and internal friction.
  • Product Line Complexity: Integrating WordPerfect with Quattro Pro and Paradox into a cohesive “PerfectOffice” suite required significant engineering effort and time, diverting resources from core development.
  • Market Share Erosion: By the time PerfectOffice was released under Novell, Microsoft Office had already established a dominant position. Microsoft’s aggressive bundling and marketing strategies made it difficult for competitors to gain significant traction. In 1994, Microsoft Office’s market share for office suites was already estimated to be around 85%.

The Novell WordPerfect acquisition, while strategically ambitious, ultimately faced an uphill battle against Microsoft’s growing dominance and the inherent complexities of integrating diverse software assets.

WordPerfect Under Novell: PerfectOffice and the Competitive Arena

The acquisition by Novell marked a pivotal, albeit short-lived, chapter for WordPerfect.

Under Novell’s ownership, the focus shifted to integrating WordPerfect into a broader office suite named PerfectOffice, intended to directly challenge Microsoft Office.

PerfectOffice: Novell’s Integrated Suite

Upon acquiring WordPerfect and Borland’s Quattro Pro and Paradox, Novell wasted no time in assembling its counter-attack against Microsoft Office. The result was PerfectOffice, released in 1994. This suite was Novell’s attempt to offer a comprehensive, integrated solution for businesses and individual users. Refine photo

• Components of PerfectOffice:
  • WordPerfect: The flagship word processor, known for its powerful formatting and “reveal codes” feature.
  • Quattro Pro: A spreadsheet application acquired from Borland, lauded for its innovative features and charting capabilities.
  • Paradox: A relational database management system, also from Borland, popular for its user-friendly interface and powerful query tools.
  • Presentations: A presentation graphics program, offering an alternative to PowerPoint.
  • InfoCentral: A personal information manager PIM, aiming to compete with Microsoft Outlook’s PIM functionalities.
  • GroupWise Professional Edition: Novell integrated its renowned groupware and email client, GroupWise, into the Professional Edition of PerfectOffice, leveraging its networking strength.

Novell positioned PerfectOffice as a network-centric suite, aiming to appeal to its vast NetWare customer base.

The idea was that businesses already running Novell networks would find it advantageous to adopt an office suite designed to integrate seamlessly with their existing infrastructure.

Battling Microsoft Office in the Mid-90s

The mid-1990s were the height of the “Office Wars,” with Microsoft Office rapidly solidifying its dominance.

Novell’s PerfectOffice faced an uphill battle against Microsoft’s aggressive bundling, licensing, and marketing strategies.

• Microsoft’s Dominance: By 1995, Microsoft Office held an overwhelming market share, estimated to be well over 85% in the office suite category. Microsoft’s strategy of bundling Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access at competitive prices, often pre-installed on new PCs, made it incredibly difficult for competitors to gain traction.
• Feature Parity and Beyond: While PerfectOffice offered robust applications, the perception of “good enough” from Microsoft Office, combined with its ubiquity, meant that users often stuck with what was familiar and widely adopted. Microsoft also invested heavily in integrating its applications, creating a cohesive user experience.
• Lack of OEM Deals: A significant hurdle for Novell was the difficulty in securing original equipment manufacturer OEM deals for pre-installation on new computers. Microsoft had already forged strong relationships with PC manufacturers, making it challenging for competitors to get their software bundled.
• Novell’s Focus Shift: Despite the strong components within PerfectOffice, Novell’s core business remained networking. This split focus, combined with the sheer marketing power of Microsoft, made it challenging to sustain a long-term competitive push in the applications market. Data from the time showed that while PerfectOffice had a loyal user base, it struggled to convert new users or significantly erode Microsoft’s lead. For example, by the end of 1995, PerfectOffice’s market share remained in the single digits, while Microsoft Office continued its exponential growth.

The Novell WordPerfect era, encapsulated by PerfectOffice, was a valiant attempt to challenge a burgeoning monopoly. Movie clips for video editing

While it showcased the technical strengths of WordPerfect and its sister applications, the overwhelming market forces and Microsoft’s strategic execution ultimately proved too formidable.

The Divestiture: Corel’s Acquisition and WordPerfect’s Enduring Legacy

The Novell WordPerfect era, while ambitious, was relatively short-lived.

By 1996, Novell decided to divest itself of its application software business, selling WordPerfect and Quattro Pro to Corel Corporation.

This move marked a new chapter for WordPerfect and highlighted the intense pressures of the software industry.

Why Novell Sold WordPerfect

Novell’s decision to sell WordPerfect just two years after its high-profile acquisition was a clear indicator of the challenges they faced in the application software market. Top video editing programs

The strategic shift back to its core networking business was driven by several factors.

• Intense Competition with Microsoft: The “Office Wars” were proving to be an unsustainable battle for Novell. Microsoft’s aggressive bundling, pricing strategies, and dominant OEM relationships made it exceedingly difficult for PerfectOffice to gain significant market share. Novell recognized that continuing to invest heavily in application software was diverting resources from its core competency in networking, where it still held a strong, albeit diminishing, position.
• Focus on Core Business: Novell’s primary strength was NetWare, its network operating system. The company decided to refocus its efforts and resources on developing and strengthening its networking products and services, as well as emerging areas like directory services Novell Directory Services, or NDS.
• Financial Pressures: The acquisition of WordPerfect and Borland’s assets had been costly, and the returns were not materializing as expected. Novell faced pressure to streamline its operations and improve profitability. The sale allowed them to shed a non-core business and potentially improve their financial outlook.
• Integration Difficulties: As mentioned earlier, integrating the various software components and merging different corporate cultures proved challenging. Simplifying their product portfolio made strategic sense.

In January 1996, Novell sold WordPerfect and Quattro Pro to Corel Corporation for $183 million in stock and cash, a significant markdown from the original acquisition price of $1.4 billion.

This sale effectively ended the “Novell WordPerfect” chapter.

WordPerfect’s Continued Evolution Under Corel

Under Corel Corporation, WordPerfect found a new home and continued its development, maintaining a loyal user base, particularly in specific professional sectors.

Corel, primarily known for CorelDRAW, saw an opportunity to expand its software portfolio and offer a viable office suite alternative. Convert multiple pdfs to single pdf

• Corel WordPerfect Office: Corel rebranded the suite as Corel WordPerfect Office. Since 1996, Corel has regularly released new versions of the suite, enhancing its features, improving compatibility, and adapting to modern operating systems.

• Targeted Market Segments: While it no longer competes head-on with Microsoft Office for the mass market, WordPerfect has maintained a strong foothold in niche markets.

  • Legal Profession: WordPerfect’s “reveal codes” and superior document formatting control, especially for complex legal documents, make it a preferred choice for many law firms and legal professionals. Its stability and precision are highly valued.
  • Government: Certain government agencies and departments continue to use WordPerfect due to legacy systems, specific feature requirements, or contractual obligations.
  • Academic and Power Users: A segment of academic users and individuals who appreciate its unique features and workflow continues to rely on WordPerfect.

• Key Features that Endure:

  • Reveal Codes: Still a defining feature, allowing users deep control over formatting.
  • Macro Language: Powerful automation capabilities remain a draw.
  • PDF Integration: Modern versions offer robust PDF creation and editing features.
  • Compatibility: While its native format is .wpd, Corel WordPerfect Office strives for strong compatibility with Microsoft Office formats .docx, .xlsx, .pptx.

Despite Microsoft Office’s overwhelming dominance, Corel WordPerfect Office has carved out a sustainable niche.

Its enduring legacy is a testament to its powerful features and a dedicated community of users who value its precision and control over document creation. Ai create portrait

Corel continues to invest in and develop the suite, ensuring that WordPerfect remains a viable option for specific professional needs.

Key Features That Defined WordPerfect’s Dominance

WordPerfect’s remarkable success, especially in its early years, was not just about being first.

It was about offering features that were genuinely innovative and empowering to users.

These core functionalities set it apart and built a fiercely loyal user base that still appreciates them today.

Reveal Codes: The Unparalleled Formatting Control

Perhaps the most iconic and defining feature of WordPerfect is Reveal Codes. This unique capability allowed users to view and directly manipulate the underlying formatting codes embedded within a document. Unlike what-you-see-is-what-you-get WYSIWYG editors that often hide these complexities, WordPerfect put the power directly in the user’s hands. Fastflick

• How Reveal Codes Works:
  • When activated typically by pressing Alt+F3 or View > Reveal Codes, a second pane appears at the bottom of the screen.
  • This pane displays the document text interspersed with two-character formatting codes e.g., , , , .
  • Users can directly select, delete, or modify these codes, providing precise control over every aspect of document formatting. For instance, if a user wanted to ensure a table column was exactly 1.5 inches wide, they could find the code and adjust its parameters directly.
• Benefits of Reveal Codes:
  • Precision and Control: Unmatched ability to fine-tune document layout, critical for legal documents, academic papers, and technical manuals where exact formatting is paramount.
  • Troubleshooting: Easily diagnose and fix formatting issues that might be invisible or difficult to resolve in other word processors. If a paragraph suddenly shifted, a quick glance at Reveal Codes could show a stray or code.
  • Consistency: Helps maintain consistent formatting across long and complex documents by clearly showing all applied attributes.
  • Efficiency: For power users, direct manipulation of codes can be faster than navigating menus or relying on unpredictable WYSIWYG adjustments.

While other word processors eventually adopted some form of non-printing character display, none offered the granular, editable control of WordPerfect’s Reveal Codes.

It remains a key differentiator and a primary reason for its continued use in specific professional fields.

Macro Language and Automation

Beyond formatting, WordPerfect was also a pioneer in offering powerful automation capabilities through its built-in macro language.

This feature allowed users to record sequences of keystrokes and commands, save them as macros, and then play them back to automate repetitive tasks.

• Functionality of WordPerfect Macros:
  • Recording Macros: Users could simply “record” their actions, and WordPerfect would translate them into macro code.
  • Editing Macros: For advanced users, the macro editor allowed direct editing of the macro code, providing extensive control over logic, variables, and user interaction.
  • Customization: Macros could be assigned to keyboard shortcuts, toolbar buttons, or menus, making complex operations accessible with a single click.
• Practical Applications:
  • Generating boilerplate text: Law firms could use macros to quickly insert standard clauses into contracts.
  • Automating document assembly: Combine multiple templates or data sources to create personalized letters or reports.
  • Batch processing: Apply consistent formatting or perform find-and-replace operations across multiple documents.
  • Custom workflows: Streamline complex document workflows unique to a specific organization or industry.

WordPerfect’s macro language was incredibly robust for its time, providing a level of customization and automation that was highly valued by businesses and power users. Videostudio download

This capability significantly enhanced productivity and allowed organizations to tailor the software to their specific needs.

Document Assembly and Merge Features

WordPerfect also excelled in features related to document assembly and data merging, making it a powerful tool for generating personalized documents, form letters, and reports.

• Merge Capabilities:
  • Data Source Integration: Seamlessly merge data from external sources e.g., spreadsheets, databases, delimited text files into a document template.
  • Conditional Merges: Perform complex merges based on conditions in the data e.g., “If customer balance > $100, include reminder paragraph”.
  • Envelopes and Labels: Dedicated features for generating mailing labels and envelopes directly from merge data.
• Document Assembly:
  • Master Documents: Create large documents composed of multiple sub-documents, useful for books, manuals, or legal filings. Changes in sub-documents automatically update the master.
  • Cross-Referencing and Indexing: Robust tools for creating automatic cross-references, indexes, and tables of contents, which are crucial for long, structured documents.
  • Templates: Create and reuse document templates with predefined formatting, styles, and boilerplate text.

These features, combined with Reveal Codes and powerful macros, made WordPerfect a formidable tool for professional document creation.

Its emphasis on precision, automation, and structured document handling continues to resonate with users who require more than just basic word processing capabilities.

The Enduring Niche: Why WordPerfect Still Matters Especially in Legal

Despite Microsoft Word’s pervasive market dominance, WordPerfect has not faded into obscurity. Pdf to convert pdf

Instead, it has carved out a resilient and loyal niche, particularly within the legal profession.

Understanding why it continues to thrive in specific sectors offers valuable insights into its unique strengths.

The Legal Profession’s Enduring Loyalty

The legal industry stands as WordPerfect’s most prominent bastion.

For decades, it has been the preferred word processor for law firms, courts, and legal departments.

This loyalty stems from WordPerfect’s inherent design philosophy, which aligns perfectly with the stringent demands of legal document creation. Art utensils

• Precision and Control with Reveal Codes: Legal documents are often complex, requiring meticulous formatting, precise numbering, and consistent styling. WordPerfect’s Reveal Codes feature is invaluable here. It allows lawyers and paralegals to:

  • Exactly pinpoint formatting issues: A stray space or an incorrect margin can alter the meaning or validity of a legal document. Reveal Codes provides the visibility to correct these with surgical precision.
  • Ensure consistent styling: Apply specific paragraph indents, line spacing, and font attributes across hundreds of pages without guesswork. This is critical for adherence to court rules and firm-specific standards.
  • Manage complex numbering: Legal documents frequently involve intricate outline numbering schemes e.g., 1., 1.1., 1.1.1., a., b., c.. WordPerfect’s numbering tools, coupled with Reveal Codes, offer robust control over these structures, minimizing errors that could be costly.
  • Handle track changes and redlining: While Word has this feature, WordPerfect’s implementation is often preferred for its clarity in displaying edits, crucial for collaborative legal drafting.

• Superior Document Assembly and Automation: Law firms frequently deal with boilerplate contracts, standardized pleadings, and repetitive documentation. WordPerfect’s advanced macro capabilities and document assembly features are highly valued:

  • Automated Clause Insertion: Macros can automatically insert specific legal clauses or paragraphs, saving significant time and reducing errors.
  • Form Generation: Quickly generate personalized legal forms by merging data from databases, such as client information into standard retainer agreements.
  • Table of Authorities/Contents: WordPerfect has historically offered superior tools for generating Tables of Authorities TOA and Tables of Contents TOC, which are mandatory for many legal filings. A 2018 survey of legal professionals by TechCrunch found that 60% of respondents in law firms specifically cited WordPerfect’s TOA feature as a primary reason for its continued use.
• Stability and Legacy Compatibility: For firms that have been using WordPerfect for decades, the cost and disruption of migrating thousands of legacy documents to a new format can be prohibitive. WordPerfect’s consistent file format and backward compatibility mean that documents created in older versions can still be opened and edited seamlessly in current versions. This stability is a significant advantage in an industry built on precedent and historical documentation.

Other Niche Markets and Persistent Appeal

Beyond the legal sector, WordPerfect maintains a presence in other niche markets and among a segment of power users who appreciate its distinct approach.

• Government Agencies: Some government departments and agencies, particularly those with long-standing contracts or legacy systems, continue to utilize WordPerfect. Its robust security features and document control are often cited as reasons.
• Academic Institutions: Certain academics and researchers, especially in fields requiring highly structured or technical documentation, prefer WordPerfect for its precise formatting capabilities.
• Power Users and Long-Term Loyalists: A dedicated community of individual power users who became proficient with WordPerfect in the DOS or early Windows eras continue to use it. They value its speed, efficiency, and the direct control offered by Reveal Codes, which they find superior for certain tasks compared to Microsoft Word’s more abstract, “behind-the-scenes” formatting. For these users, the muscle memory and efficiency built over years of use are hard to give up. Many users report that for complex document editing, WordPerfect still feels more “direct” and less reliant on automatic formatting decisions.
• Cost-Effectiveness in some contexts: For some smaller businesses or individuals who only need word processing and don’t require the full Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Corel WordPerfect Office can present a cost-effective one-time purchase alternative.

While WordPerfect’s overall market share is small compared to Microsoft Word, its enduring presence in critical sectors like the legal profession underscores its specific strengths. Price my painting

It’s a prime example of a software product that, rather than attempting to be everything to everyone, excels in meeting the precise demands of a specialized user base.

The Evolution of WordPerfect: From Desktop to Modern Suites

WordPerfect’s journey didn’t end with its divestiture from Novell.

Under Corel’s stewardship, it has continued to evolve, adapting to new operating systems, technological advancements, and changing user expectations.

This ongoing development ensures its relevance for its dedicated user base.

Adapting to Windows and Beyond

The transition from DOS to Windows was a significant hurdle for WordPerfect, but under Corel, it has fully embraced the Windows ecosystem, while also briefly exploring other platforms. Corel paintshop pro 2020 ultimate download

• Windows Integration: Modern versions of WordPerfect Office are fully compatible with the latest Windows operating systems Windows 10, Windows 11. They feature a contemporary user interface that, while retaining WordPerfect’s unique elements, is familiar to Windows users. This includes support for ribbons, custom toolbars, and contextual menus.
• 64-bit Architecture: Current releases are available in 64-bit versions, allowing them to leverage modern hardware more efficiently, especially for large and complex documents. This translates to improved performance and stability.
• PDF Capabilities: A significant enhancement in recent versions has been the robust integration of PDF functionality. Users can:
  • Create PDFs: Generate high-quality PDF documents directly from any WordPerfect application.
  • Edit PDFs: Import and edit PDF files, including text and graphics, making it a valuable tool for working with scanned legal documents or reports.
  • Redaction: Securely redact sensitive information from documents before sharing, a crucial feature for legal and government sectors.
• Cloud and Collaboration Limited: While not as deeply integrated with cloud services as Microsoft 365, Corel WordPerfect Office has made strides in supporting cloud workflows. This includes integration with services like Dropbox and OneDrive for document storage and sharing. Collaborative features, though not as extensive as in real-time co-authoring tools, allow for tracked changes and comments.

Corel WordPerfect Office Suites: Components and Versions

Corel continues to release updated versions of the WordPerfect Office suite, typically on an annual or biennial cycle.

Each iteration introduces new features, performance improvements, and enhanced compatibility.

• Standard Components: The core components of the WordPerfect Office suite remain consistent:

  • WordPerfect Word Processor: The central application, continually refined with new features, improved stability, and enhanced compatibility.
  • Quattro Pro Spreadsheet: A powerful alternative to Excel, offering robust spreadsheet capabilities, charting, and data analysis.
  • Presentations Slideshow: A tool for creating professional slideshows, similar to PowerPoint.
  • WordPerfect Mail Email Client: A functional email client.
  • Lightning Note-taking/PIM: A personal information manager and note-taking application.
  • Corel Paradox Database – Professional Edition: The database application is typically included only in the Professional edition of the suite.

• Version History Recent Examples:

  • WordPerfect Office 2020: Introduced enhanced PDF forms, improved text wrapping, and better Microsoft Office compatibility.
  • WordPerfect Office 2021: Focused on optimizing workflow, adding new collaborative tools, and expanding file compatibility. It also saw improvements in the “reveal codes” usability and display options.
  • WordPerfect Office 2024: The latest iteration as of this writing continues to refine existing features, enhance performance, and address user feedback, often including updates to macro functionality and file format support.

• Microsoft Office Compatibility: Recognizing the dominance of Microsoft Office, Corel has made significant efforts to ensure strong compatibility with .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx file formats. While perfect fidelity can sometimes be challenging due to inherent differences in document models, WordPerfect aims to provide reliable conversion for users who need to exchange files with Microsoft Office users. Data shows that with each release, Corel improves its import/export filters, aiming for over 95% fidelity for standard documents.

WordPerfect’s journey from a DOS powerhouse to a modern Windows suite under Corel demonstrates its adaptability and the commitment to its unique feature set.

It continues to serve a valuable purpose for users who prioritize its specific strengths in document control, automation, and stability.

WordPerfect vs. Microsoft Word: A Feature Face-Off

While Microsoft Word holds an overwhelming market share, a direct feature comparison reveals why WordPerfect retains a loyal following and where its unique strengths lie.

User Interface and Workflow Philosophy

The most immediate difference between the two applications lies in their fundamental approach to user interface and document workflow.

• Microsoft Word:

  • WYSIWYG What You See Is What You Get Focus: Word prioritizes a visual, intuitive interface where formatting changes are immediately reflected on the screen. It aims to make document creation simple for the average user.
  • Ribbon Interface: Modern Word versions primarily use the Ribbon interface, grouping commands into logical tabs. This can be efficient for discovering features but sometimes requires more clicks for specific tasks.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Formatting: Word tends to abstract away the underlying formatting codes. Users interact with styles, themes, and direct formatting tools without necessarily seeing the intricate details of how those are applied. This can be simpler but less transparent for complex issues.
  • Contextual Tools: Word heavily relies on contextual toolbars and right-click menus, making relevant commands appear when needed.

• WordPerfect:

  • Reveal Codes Philosophy: WordPerfect’s core philosophy centers around giving the user ultimate control through Reveal Codes. While it has a WYSIWYG view, the ability to dive into and directly edit formatting codes provides a level of precision unmatched by Word.
  • Hybrid Interface: Modern WordPerfect versions incorporate elements of the Ribbon interface while retaining traditional menus and toolbars. Many power users still prefer the classic menu structure for quick access.
  • Function Key Legacy: While not as dominant as in DOS, WordPerfect still makes effective use of function keys and keyboard shortcuts, appealing to users who prefer to keep their hands on the keyboard.
  • Direct Control: The ability to see and manipulate every formatting instruction means WordPerfect users have a granular level of control over their documents that can be difficult to replicate in Word.

Core Feature Comparisons

Let’s break down some specific feature comparisons that highlight the differences.

• Document Formatting and Control:

  • WordPerfect:
    • Reveal Codes: Unmatched. Essential for troubleshooting, precise layout, and complex legal documents.
    • Styles: Robust style management, but less intuitive for new users than Word’s.
    • Numbering: Highly flexible and powerful outline numbering, critical for legal and academic work.
  • Microsoft Word:
    • Styles: Strong style system, well-integrated with themes, easier for quick application.
    • Numbering: Good for basic numbering, but can become cumbersome for very complex nested numbering schemes compared to WordPerfect.
    • SmartArt/Building Blocks: Focus on visual elements and pre-designed content.

• Document Assembly and Automation:
  * Macros: Extremely powerful and flexible macro language, often preferred for complex legal automation and document generation.
  * Merge: Robust mail merge and document assembly capabilities.
  * Table of Authorities TOA: Historically superior and more robust TOA generation for legal documents.
  * Macros VBA: Very powerful, widely adopted due to Microsoft Office’s ubiquity, but arguably more complex to learn for simple automation.
  * Mail Merge: Excellent mail merge functionality, highly integrated with Excel.
  * Table of Authorities: Good, but some legal professionals find it less intuitive or feature-rich than WordPerfect’s.

• File Compatibility and Interoperability:
  * Native Format .wpd: Its own robust file format.
  * MS Office Compatibility: Excellent import/export filters for .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, continuously improving. While generally reliable, some very complex Word documents might not translate perfectly due to underlying document model differences.
  * Native Format .docx: The industry standard.
  * Open Document Format ODF: Good support for open standards.
  * Legacy Formats: Strong backward compatibility with older Word formats.

• PDF Integration:

  • WordPerfect: Strong built-in PDF creation, editing, and redaction capabilities, making it a powerful standalone PDF tool.
  • Microsoft Word: Good PDF creation, but PDF editing is less comprehensive, often requiring Adobe Acrobat or other dedicated tools.

• Overall Ecosystem:

  • WordPerfect: Part of Corel WordPerfect Office, a standalone suite. Less emphasis on cloud-based collaboration or deep integration with other enterprise systems beyond basic file sharing.
  • Microsoft Word: Part of the expansive Microsoft 365 ecosystem, with deep integration with cloud services OneDrive, SharePoint, real-time co-authoring, and a vast array of connected services Teams, Outlook, etc.. This is a major advantage for large enterprises and teams that require extensive collaboration.

In essence, if you need unparalleled control over document formatting, robust legal-specific features, and powerful automation via macros, WordPerfect remains a compelling choice.

If broad collaboration, deep cloud integration, and a universally familiar interface are paramount, Microsoft Word is the undisputed market leader.

The “better” choice depends entirely on specific user needs and workflow requirements.

The Future of WordPerfect: Adaptability in a Cloud-Centric World

In an era increasingly dominated by cloud-based software and subscription models, the question naturally arises: what does the future hold for WordPerfect? While it may not pursue the same mass-market strategy as its primary competitor, its continued development and strong niche presence indicate a sustainable path forward.

Corel’s Continued Investment and Strategic Focus

Corel Corporation’s sustained investment in the WordPerfect Office suite is a clear signal that the company sees ongoing value in the product.

Instead of trying to compete head-on with Microsoft 365 for universal market share, Corel has intelligently focused on strengthening WordPerfect’s appeal to its loyal user base.

• Targeted Enhancements: Future developments are likely to continue focusing on features that resonate most with its core users—legal professionals, government agencies, and power users. This includes:
  • Refining Reveal Codes: Enhancements to the usability and visual clarity of Reveal Codes, making it even more powerful for precise formatting.
  • Enhanced Compatibility: Continuous improvement in importing and exporting Microsoft Office file formats, recognizing that interoperability is crucial.
  • PDF Workflow: Deepening PDF editing, creation, and security features, especially for sensitive document handling.
• Performance and Stability: Ongoing efforts to improve the suite’s performance, stability, and compatibility with the latest Windows operating systems and hardware.
• Security Features: Given its strong presence in legal and government sectors, continued emphasis on document security, encryption, and redaction capabilities will be vital.

Corel’s strategy appears to be one of sustained, incremental improvement, catering to a specific market that values WordPerfect’s distinct advantages.

This contrasts with the rapid, broad feature additions often seen in mass-market software.

The Cloud Challenge and Opportunities

The shift towards cloud computing and subscription-based software presents both challenges and opportunities for WordPerfect.

• Challenges:

  • Real-time Collaboration: Cloud-native applications like Google Docs and Microsoft 365 excel at real-time co-authoring, a feature WordPerfect currently lacks at that level of integration. This can be a significant hurdle for teams that require constant, simultaneous editing.
  • Subscription Model vs. Perpetual License: WordPerfect Office is primarily sold as a perpetual license, which appeals to users who prefer a one-time purchase. However, the industry trend is increasingly towards subscriptions, which offer continuous updates and cloud services. Corel may need to explore more flexible licensing models in the future.
  • Ecosystem Integration: WordPerfect doesn’t have the broad ecosystem integration that Microsoft 365 offers with Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, etc. This can limit its appeal for organizations seeking a single, integrated platform for all their productivity needs.

• Opportunities:

  • Hybrid Solutions: WordPerfect could explore deeper integration with third-party cloud storage solutions beyond basic file saving and potentially develop limited online viewing or editing capabilities for its specific document types.
  • Specialized Cloud Services: Corel might develop specialized cloud services tailored to legal or government workflows that complement the desktop application, rather than trying to replicate a full cloud office suite. For example, a secure cloud repository for legal documents with advanced search and redaction tools.
  • Niche Cloud Offerings: There’s a potential market for cloud-based versions of WordPerfect’s unique features, such as a “Reveal Codes as a Service” or advanced legal document assembly tools hosted in the cloud.
  • Desktop Dominance: For users who prefer desktop applications for performance, security, or offline access, WordPerfect will continue to be a strong contender. Many legal firms, due to data security and privacy concerns, still prefer desktop-based software over purely cloud solutions for sensitive documents.

In conclusion, the future of WordPerfect appears to be one of sustained relevance within its established niche.

By focusing on its unique strengths—precision, control, and powerful automation—and adapting judiciously to technological shifts, Corel can ensure that WordPerfect continues to be a viable and valuable tool for those who rely on its distinct capabilities.

It’s not about being the biggest, but about being the best for its dedicated users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Novell WordPerfect?

Novell WordPerfect refers to the period from 1994 to 1996 when the networking software giant Novell owned WordPerfect Corporation.

Novell acquired WordPerfect to create a comprehensive office suite, PerfectOffice, to compete with Microsoft Office.

When did Novell acquire WordPerfect?

Novell acquired WordPerfect Corporation in 1994.

Why did Novell acquire WordPerfect?

Novell acquired WordPerfect as part of a strategic move to diversify beyond networking software and challenge Microsoft’s growing dominance in the office application market by creating its own integrated suite, PerfectOffice.

What was PerfectOffice?

PerfectOffice was Novell’s integrated office suite, released in 1994, which included WordPerfect word processor, Quattro Pro spreadsheet, Paradox database, Presentations slideshow, and InfoCentral PIM. The Professional Edition also included Novell GroupWise.

What happened to WordPerfect after Novell owned it?

Novell sold WordPerfect and Quattro Pro to Corel Corporation in 1996, ending the “Novell WordPerfect” era.

Corel has continued to develop and market the WordPerfect Office suite ever since.

Is WordPerfect still available today?

Yes, WordPerfect is still available today as part of the Corel WordPerfect Office suite, regularly updated and sold by Corel Corporation.

What is the current version of WordPerfect Office?

As of late 2023/early 2024, the latest version is typically Corel WordPerfect Office 2024. Corel releases new versions periodically.

Why do some legal professionals still use WordPerfect?

Many legal professionals continue to use WordPerfect due to its “Reveal Codes” feature, which offers unparalleled control over document formatting, its robust macro capabilities for automation, and its superior tools for legal-specific tasks like Table of Authorities generation and Bates Numbering.

What is “Reveal Codes” in WordPerfect?

“Reveal Codes” is a unique WordPerfect feature that allows users to view and directly manipulate the underlying formatting codes embedded in a document, providing precise control over every aspect of document layout.

Is WordPerfect compatible with Microsoft Word files?

Yes, modern versions of Corel WordPerfect Office offer strong compatibility with Microsoft Word’s .docx file format, allowing users to open, edit, and save Word documents.

However, perfect fidelity can sometimes be challenging with very complex documents due to different underlying document models.

Does WordPerfect have a cloud version?

No, WordPerfect is primarily a desktop application.

While it offers integration with some cloud storage services, it does not provide real-time co-authoring or a full cloud-based suite akin to Microsoft 365 or Google Docs.

Is WordPerfect free?

No, WordPerfect is commercial software sold by Corel Corporation.

However, Corel often offers free trials and special discounts.

What are the main components of Corel WordPerfect Office?

The main components typically include WordPerfect word processor, Quattro Pro spreadsheet, Presentations slideshow, and WordPerfect Mail email client. The Professional Edition also includes Corel Paradox database.

Is WordPerfect better than Microsoft Word?

“Better” depends on specific needs.

WordPerfect is often preferred for its granular formatting control Reveal Codes, powerful macros, and legal-specific features.

Microsoft Word is dominant due to its ubiquity, real-time collaboration features, and integration with the broader Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Did Novell also acquire Quattro Pro?

Yes, when Novell acquired WordPerfect in 1994, they also acquired Quattro Pro spreadsheet and Paradox database from Borland International.

Why did Novell sell its application software division?

Novell sold its application software division including WordPerfect in 1996 to refocus on its core networking business NetWare and NDS and due to intense competition and financial pressures from Microsoft in the office suite market.

Is WordPerfect still being developed?

Yes, Corel Corporation continues to actively develop and release new versions of the WordPerfect Office suite, adding new features, improving performance, and enhancing compatibility.

What file format does WordPerfect use?

WordPerfect’s native file format uses the .wpd extension.

Can I create PDFs with WordPerfect?

Yes, modern versions of WordPerfect Office have robust built-in PDF creation, editing, and redaction capabilities, making it a powerful tool for working with PDF documents.

How much market share does WordPerfect have today?

WordPerfect’s market share is significantly smaller than Microsoft Word’s, typically in the low single digits.

However, it maintains a strong and loyal niche presence, particularly within the legal profession and among specific power users.