How does WordPerfect X4 stack up to Microsoft Word? If you’ve never tried WordPerfect before, you may just be surprised at how powerful this word processing application really is.
Overview
The release of WordPerfect X4 reinforces the fact that one of the oldest and most respected word processing applications on the market is not just an alternative to Microsoft Word, but it’s also a force to be reckoned with in its own right.
WordPerfect X4 is capable of performing all of the major functions of Word 2007 and then some. Seasoned users of the software still attest that the unrivaled document formatting controls are one of WordPerfect’s best features, but new users may be more impressed with the application’s unparalleled PDF editing capabilities and almost universal document format support which recognizes over 60 formats including the new OOXML used by Word 2007.
| Ease of Use | Rating  |
If you’ve used any modern word processor, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding your way around WordPerfect X4. However, if you’ve used Microsoft Word at any time in the past, the transition should be even easier. One of the features that makes WordPerfect so easy to work with is that users actually have a choice over the appearance of the user interface.
With the WordPerfect Workspace Manager, not only can you choose between various styles of WordPerfect interface layouts, but you can also pick the Microsoft Word option that mimics the traditional toolbar menu of Word 2003 and earlier. (Click any image for a larger view.)
How close to MS Word does this mode look? It’s basically identical – the only differences you’ll really see are due to the additional features present in WordPerfect that aren’t found in Word.
The only thing that makes me lower my rating here is that the sheer volume of tools available in WordPerfect will have new users spending some time learning where everything is and how to access some of the lesser known features. This learning curve is mitigated by the number of tutorials and videos supplied by Corel. In addition to the basic video training that comes on an extra CD included with the purchase of the office suite, more advanced topics are addressed on Corel's web site.
| Features | Rating  |
WordPerfect X4 is definitely not short on features. In fact, the sheer volume of functionality included in the application would almost be overwhelming if the user interface were not so easy to navigate. Since the strong PDF capabilities and increased file format support are new highlights to the X4 release, I’m going to wait and address each of those separately below. Still, in addition to these items, there are a few others worth mentioning.
The Reveal Codes functionality may not be new to the X4 release of WordPerfect, but it’s something that’s probably very new to users who have just recently tried out the product. When enabling this tool, your document will be split into two screens – the main editor and a separate editor where you view and edit format controls.
Unlike other word processing applications where you have to guess a little about what’s going on behind the scenes, WordPerfect lays the whole thing out in front of you. Being able to make changes directly to the formatting controls in this manner can save hours of headaches and frustration.
Redaction is another nice feature that’s build right into WordPerfect X4. This tool allows you to mark and hide confidential information in a document, effectively allowing you to have two versions of the document – one for public eyes and one for private – without creating an entirely new document from scratch. Microsoft Word does have redaction capabilities, but currently they’re only available through add-ons and are not part of the base application.
Although templates are common to any word processing application, WordPerfect categorizes these layouts based on project type.
The variety in this list of project templates is just another demonstration of WordPerfect’s versatility. You can choose from business layouts such as annual report and fax templates, creative projects like making a greetings card, or more specific designs that include templates for exams and checklists.
Next Up: Continue on to page 2 where we conclude this review of WordPerfect X4 with a look at the word processor's PDF capabilities, compatibility with other applications, and price to value.
Review of Corel WordPerfect Office X4
This series takes a look at the features available in each of the major applications that make up Corel’s latest release of WordPerfect Office X4. Can this suite give Microsoft Office some good, solid competition?
