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WordPerfect Corporation

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WordPerfect Corporation
IndustrySoftware
Founded1979; 47 years ago (1979) in Orem, Utah
Founders
DefunctTemplate:End date and age
FateAcquired by Novell; majority of assets transferred to Corel in 1996

WordPerfect (abbreviated as WP) is a word processing software application with a longstanding presence on various PC systems, currently owned by Alludo. During the 1980s and early 1990s, it was the market leader in word processing, surpassing competitors such as WordStar.

The program was initially created under contract at Brigham Young University for a Data General minicomputer in the late 1970s. The creators retained ownership rights and established Satellite Software International (SSI) in 1979 to commercialize the product. It was first introduced as SSI*WP in March 1980.[1] The software was later ported to the MS-DOS environment in 1982, adopting the WordPerfect brand,[1] followed by rapid feature enhancements that outpaced rivals like WordStar. In 1985, SSI changed its name to WordPerfect Corporation.[1]

Known for its intuitive interface and robust functionality,[2] WordPerfect overtook most competitors after releasing version 4.2 (1986) and became dominant in the DOS market with version 5.1 (1989). Its early success was driven by wide platform compatibility and extensive complimentary customer support.

However, its market share declined following a problematic initial launch on Microsoft Windows, which was hindered by Microsoft’s withholding of API details that delayed optimization efforts. Simultaneously, Microsoft Word debuted with faster performance and aggressive bundling within Microsoft Office, capturing significant market share. By the mid-1990s, WordPerfect had lost its top position.

In 1994, WordPerfect Corporation was purchased by Novell, which subsequently sold most assets to Corel in 1996. Corel—now operating as Alludo—continues development of WordPerfect, frequently packaging it within office suites alongside Quattro Pro spreadsheet and Corel Presentations software.

The standard file extension for WordPerfect documents is .wpd. Earlier editions utilized extensions such as .wp, .wp7, .wp6, .wp5, .wp4, or sometimes none.[3]

WordPerfect for DOS

In 1979, graduate student Bruce Bastian and computer science professor Alan Ashton at Brigham Young University developed word processing software for a Data General minicomputer located in Orem, Utah. Retaining ownership rights, they founded Satellite Software International, Inc. to distribute the program commercially. The release of WordPerfect 1.0 represented a notable departure from the existing standards set by companies like Wang.

The IBM PC version was launched immediately after Thanksgiving in 1982 as WordPerfect 2.20, building upon the earlier Data General iteration. This was followed by multiple minor updates addressing bugs.

Due to the absence of IBM PC C compilers at the time, all versions up to 5.0 were developed using x86 assembly language. Starting with WP 5.1, development shifted to C to facilitate easier cross-platform porting beyond IBM systems. Utilizing assembly language and direct screen manipulation gave WordPerfect a speed advantage over competitors like WordStar, which depended on slower DOS API calls.

WordPerfect 3.0 (released in 1983) introduced compatibility with DOS 2.x features such as subdirectories and hard disk support, along with expanded printer compatibility through configurable printer driver files rather than fixed models. Initially supporting fifty printers, this number grew to one hundred within a year. Users could create or modify drivers via an included editor utility. A variant of version 3.0 was also used as the Editor component within WordPerfect Office.

The launch of WordPerfect 4.0 occurred in 1984; version 4.2 (1986) incorporated automatic paragraph numbering and management of footnotes/endnotes—capabilities essential for legal and academic users—helping it surpass WordStar on DOS platforms.

By 1987, Compute! magazine recognized WordPerfect as "a standard in the MS-DOS world" due to its comprehensive feature set. In November 1989, WordPerfect Corporation released its most successful DOS iteration yet: WordPerfect 5.1. This version added pull-down menus, table creation, spreadsheet-like functionality, enhanced typesetting options such as italics, redlining, strike-through text, and print preview—a foundation that enabled graphical editing introduced in version 6.0. Additionally, WordPerfect 5.1+ allowed older PCs to read WordPerfect 6 file formats and bundled third-party screen display and printing utilities.

In January 1993, WordPerfect acquired Reference Software International, known for the widely used DOS grammar checker Grammatik, for $19 million. RSI’s personnel were absorbed into WordPerfect’s Orem operations; both Grammatik and RSI’s spell checker were eventually integrated into WordPerfect products while continuing standalone availability for some years.

Released in 1993, WordPerfect 6.0 introduced the ability to toggle between traditional text mode and a graphical WYSIWYG mode that displayed documents as they would appear when printed—an improvement over version 5’s static graphic preview.

At this stage, WordPerfect held more than a 60% share of the word processing software market.

Key attributes

Among WordPerfect's primary attributes are:

  • extensive reliance on function key shortcuts, particularly under MS-DOS, enabling rapid feature access once learned;
  • its unique file format based on "streaming code";
  • the innovative Reveal Codes utility;
  • line numbering specifically designed for legal industry needs; and
  • macro and scripting functionality powered by PerfectScript.

Important business-oriented features include Mail Merge, the "Print as booklet" option, and tables equipped with spreadsheet capabilities and chart creation.

The document format of WordPerfect allows ongoing feature enhancements without sacrificing backward or forward compatibility. For more than twenty years, users did not need to upgrade solely for compatibility reasons, as newer releases like X5 remain fully compatible with documents created in WordPerfect 6.0a.

Streaming code framework

At the heart of WordPerfect's design lies the streaming code framework, akin to HTML and Cascading Style Sheets. Documents integrate text with embedded tags ("codes") that govern formatting until explicitly closed, permitting nested tag structures. Unlike HTML’s plain-text tags, WordPerfect employs hexadecimal codes, facilitating a continuous data stream that can embed objects such as footnotes and style definitions.

Styles and style libraries

Introduced in WP 5.0, styles and style libraries enhanced formatting flexibility while maintaining the streaming code structure. Styles—predefined settings for fonts, spacing, margins, and layout—can be created by users and saved to simplify document formatting. Earlier versions relied solely on an Opening Style for default configurations.

After Corel acquired desktop publishing software Ventura, WordPerfect’s styles editor incorporated Ventura’s advanced capabilities, improving the handling of graphical elements like text boxes and headers/footers.

The integration with the CorelDraw Graphics suite brought editable graphic styles into WordPerfect. The Graphics Styles editor enables customization of boxes, borders, lines, fills (including gradients and patterns), and stores these designs for reuse. Box styles can combine borders, fills, text, and captions with distinct styles per component—illustrating WordPerfect’s cascading style methodology.

Corel also included complete WordPerfect functionality within its CorelDraw Graphics Suite as a fully integrated text editor.

Reveal codes

A hallmark feature since early versions of WordPerfect, Reveal Codes exposes formatting codes for viewing and editing, minimizing retyping and easing formatting adjustments. Compared to Microsoft Word’s less robust counterpart, this tool offers a detailed diagnostic perspective by displaying formatting alongside location codes interspersed with named tokens representing tags and objects. Selecting these tokens opens the associated configuration editor, such as the style editor. This capability originates from WordPerfect’s DOS-era editions.

Macro languages

WordPerfect for DOS was distinguished by its robust macro system, which recorded sequences of keystrokes—including function codes—that could be assigned to any key. These macros had the ability to read system data, make conditional decisions, chain multiple actions, and execute recursively until specified stopping criteria were met. This enabled effective automation of repetitive formatting or data processing tasks, especially within tables. However, changes in key assignments between versions occasionally caused compatibility challenges, and macro editing was difficult prior to the introduction of a dedicated macro editor.

DOS macros depended on fixed screen text positions and were not easily adaptable to Windows’ WYSIWYG environment, which lacked consistent screen coordinates or mouse movement capture. With version 6.0 for DOS and Windows, WordPerfect introduced PerfectScript—a more sophisticated token-based macro language emphasizing functions rather than keystrokes. PerfectScript became the suite’s main scripting language but required users to rewrite existing DOS macros.

A significant benefit of WordPerfect macros is that they are stored separately from documents, reducing exposure to macro viruses common in MS Word files. Despite their name, these macros are full-fledged programs executed locally. In WPDOS 6, macro source code is edited through the document interface. Macros automate tasks such as calculations or content generation without changing the manual character of documents.

PerfectScript spans across the entire office suite—including WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, and Presentations—offering extensive capabilities through a macro development wizard. It also allows creation of custom dialogs and forms featuring widgets like buttons and input fields to build user-friendly office applications; for instance, a Dutch housing corporation utilized it to manage thousands of apartment records.

Starting with WordPerfect Office 10, support for Microsoft Office’s Visual Basic macros was added to improve interoperability with MS Office documents.

Macros enable the development of data-entry applications that directly input information into documents, boosting productivity by eliminating redundant typing.

Support for European languages

WordPerfect accommodated numerous European languages by utilizing the Language Resource File (WP.LRS), which established formatting standards for elements such as Date, Sort, Footnote, and Tables.

To strengthen its foothold in the European market, WordPerfect Corporation pursued an assertive marketing approach. In January 1993, it entered into a three-year sponsorship agreement valued at $16 million with the WordPerfect cycling team, overseen by Dutch manager Jan Raas. This initiative aimed to enhance brand recognition across Alpine nations including France, Switzerland, and Italy, targeting young cycling enthusiasts whose profile closely matched WordPerfect’s American user demographic. Following Novell’s acquisition of WordPerfect in 1995, it took over the sponsorship responsibilities.

Function keys

WordPerfect featured a comprehensive array of function key shortcuts employing Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and their combinations—surpassing rivals like WordStar. Key assignments included F3 for Help, F1 for Cancel, and Esc for Repeat, with later editions enabling users to personalize these bindings.

This extensive keyboard customization remains a valued attribute among advanced users in specialized professions such as legal secretarial roles, paralegal work, and law firms.

Printer drivers

An important contributor to WordPerfect for DOS’s popularity was its broad selection of printer drivers. It came equipped with PTR, a printer driver editor that incorporated a versatile macro language allowing technically proficient users to modify or create printer drivers.

Version 4.2 for DOS introduced a Type-Through mode permitting certain compatible printers to function with WordPerfect similarly to a traditional typewriter. This capability was discontinued in version 5.1 for DOS.

WordPerfect Library/Office utilities

WordPerfect Corporation offered various supplementary products. Launched in 1986 and later renamed WordPerfect Office (not to be confused with Corel’s Windows suite), WordPerfect Library was a collection of DOS-based network and standalone utility software designed to complement the WordPerfect suite. It featured a DOS menu shell, a file manager capable of editing binary files and macros, a calendar application, and a flat file database utilized for mail merges and contact management.

Following Novell’s takeover of WordPerfect Corporation, many of these utilities were merged into Novell GroupWise.

LetterPerfect

In 1990, WordPerfect Corporation introduced LetterPerfect, a streamlined variant of WP-DOS 5.1 tailored for less powerful machines such as laptops and entry-level users. The name originated from a small Missouri-based company that had created an early word processor for Atari 8-bit systems. LetterPerfect omitted support for tables, labels, sorting functions, equation editing, and styles. Priced near US$100, it failed to attract significant user adoption and was discontinued shortly thereafter.

DataPerfect

Distributed initially by WordPerfect Corporation and subsequently by Novell, DataPerfect for DOS was a rapid hierarchical database management system (DBMS) requiring as little as 300 KB of DOS memory. Developed by Lew Bastian, Novell released it as copyrighted freeware in December 1995, permitting continued updates that extended until at least 2008.

DataPerfect is capable of managing up to 99 data files ("panels"), each accommodating as many as 16 million records with 125 fields plus unlimited variable-length memo fields capable of storing up to 64,000 characters each. Network deployment supports up to 10,000 concurrent users.

PlanPerfect

PlanPerfect was a spreadsheet software developed by WordPerfect Corporation. Its debut version received coverage in InfoWorld magazine in September 1987.

History

WordPerfect was a late entrant into the Windows software arena. The initial Windows release, WordPerfect 5.1 for Windows, launched in 1991, required installation through DOS and experienced stability problems. The first reliable version, WordPerfect 5.2 for Windows, was released in November 1992, followed by WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows in 1993. By that time, Microsoft Word for Windows version 2 had been available for over a year and had undergone several updates.

The interface of WordPerfect, heavily reliant on function keys, did not adapt smoothly to the mouse-centric Windows environment with its drop-down menus. Numerous keyboard shortcuts conflicted with Windows commands—for instance, Alt-F4 closed the application instead of preventing text deletion. Moreover, WordPerfect's large collection of DOS printer drivers became redundant due to Windows’ integrated printer driver system.

WordPerfect Office Suite

In 1993, WordPerfect entered the office suite market through a co-licensing partnership with Borland Software Corporation. This collaboration produced Borland Office, which bundled Windows versions of WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, Borland Paradox, and a LAN-based groupware product named WordPerfect Office. Initially derived from the DOS-based WordPerfect Library, Novell/WordPerfect Office utilized middleware for integration. The primary middleware components still present in current WordPerfect Office editions include PerfectFit (developed internally by WordPerfect) and Novell’s AppWare.

Novell buys WordPerfect Company

Although initially resistant to acquisition offers, WordPerfect was acquired by Novell in June 1994 for $1.4 billion. Novell subsequently sold the product line at a considerable loss to Corel in January 1996 but retained the underlying WordPerfect Office technology, incorporating it into its GroupWise collaboration and messaging system.

Microsoft vs Novell

Competition escalated following the launch of WordPerfect 7, the first 32-bit edition designed for Windows 95. Released in May 1996—nine months after both Windows 95 and Microsoft Office 95—this version faced stability challenges and lacked Microsoft’s "Designed for Windows 95" certification, which hindered its acceptance in the market. Additionally, it was initially incompatible with Windows NT, restricting its use in professional settings. The "NT Enabled" variant, regarded as Corel’s Service Pack 2, appeared in early 1997—well after Windows NT 4.0, Office 95, and shortly following Office 97—further diminishing its competitive standing. In the legal case 'Novell v. Microsoft', Novell alleged these difficulties were caused by anti-competitive actions from Microsoft.

Market share

By 1993, WordPerfect Corporation confronted three significant obstacles limiting growth beyond word processing: an image of arrogance, being perceived as a single-product DOS firm, and delayed product launches. Although WordPerfect dominated the DOS word processor segment, Microsoft’s emphasis on developing Word for Windows after the release of Windows 3.0 rapidly increased its market penetration. WordPerfect’s Windows version appeared nearly two years later and received unfavorable critiques. Microsoft also gained an edge by incorporating Word into an office suite earlier than WordPerfect.

In 1987, Computer Intelligence estimated that WordPerfect held an 11% share of the Fortune 1000 PC word processor market, trailing Ashton-Tate’s 18% and both IBM and MicroPro at approximately 25%. Around this time, Computerworld identified WordPerfect as the top-selling word processor brand, surpassing competitors such as Microsoft, Lotus Development, and Ashton-Tate. By the early 1990s, WordPerfect’s market share expanded to roughly 60%; a consultant in 1990 estimated that about 70% of law firms used it, while a survey indicated that 46% of certified public accountants relied on the software. It controlled more than half of the worldwide word-processing market in 1995. Nevertheless, by the year 2000, Microsoft Word held up to a 95% market share, compelling WordPerfect leadership to concede that compatibility with Microsoft Word documents was vital for continued relevance.

Middleware and Application Integration

Microsoft delivered a fully unified suite with Microsoft Office, whereas earlier Windows editions of WordPerfect Office faced criticism for functioning as distinct programs with inconsistent user interfaces. Novell’s approach centered on facilitating cross-platform compatibility by enabling software from diverse developers to operate seamlessly. Following its acquisition of WordPerfect for Windows, Paradox, and other tools, Novell advanced its middleware platform, Appware, designed to run applications independently of operating systems such as Microsoft's, thereby contesting their market control.

Conversely, beginning with WordPerfect Office 9, Corel attained almost flawless integration among WordPerfect Office components through the use of PerfectScript and the PerfectFit middleware. Incorporating elements from CorelDraw and Ventura desktop publishing further enriched the document formatting capabilities.

Dedicated User Base

WordPerfect maintained a steadfast following within law firms and governmental agencies, which prized features like macros, reveal codes, and direct keyboard shortcuts to extensive formatting options—offering a distinct advantage over Microsoft Word’s predominantly mouse-driven interface. Users who typed rapidly valued the ability to keep their hands on the keyboard, utilizing customizable key sequences for common phrases or macros. The consistent interface from WPWin 6 through WP X5 (2010), along with stable file formats, minimized compatibility challenges and reduced reliance on outdated hardware or software.

Corel effectively targeted these sectors, exemplified by a substantial contract with the United States Department of Justice in 2005. The WordPerfect Corporation was notably attentive to feature requests from legal professionals, many of which remain accessible via keyboard commands. The software continued to hold a presence in these markets into the 2020s. As of 2024, the French judiciary still employs WordPerfect and provides training in its use, highlighting its enduring significance in specialized fields.

Novell versus Microsoft Antitrust Litigation

In November 2004, Novell initiated an antitrust suit against Microsoft, accusing the company of anti-competitive tactics such as bundling Word with Windows and discontinuing support for APIs—actions Novell argued led to a decline in WordPerfect’s market share. After numerous postponements, the case was dismissed in July 2012. Novell filed an appeal in November 2012; however, the Tenth Circuit Court upheld the dismissal. Pursuing further legal recourse, Novell petitioned the US Supreme Court, which declined to review the case in 2014, bringing an end to the nearly ten-year dispute.

Acquisition of WordPerfect by Corel

In November 1995, Novell declared its intention to divest its personal productivity software line. By January 1996, an agreement was reached to sell WordPerfect and Quattro Pro to Corel for $186 million—a substantial loss relative to its original purchase price. Novell retained strategic assets such as the GroupWise collaboration suite.

The transaction closed in March 1996 with Corel headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario. Corel’s CEO, Michael Cowpland, initially expressed confidence that Corel WordPerfect could compete with Microsoft Word in business environments, comparing it to a Coke versus Pepsi rivalry. Nevertheless, widespread preinstallation of Microsoft Word alongside Windows on new PCs weakened Corel’s market position. In 1997, Corel reported losses exceeding $230 million.

In 1998, Corel shut down the WordPerfect development center in Orem, Utah—affecting over 500 employees—and centralized software engineering efforts at its Ottawa location.

Corel WordPerfect

Following Corel's acquisition in 1996, WordPerfect for Windows was renamed Corel WordPerfect.

On January 17, 2006, Corel introduced WordPerfect X3. As an original participant in the OASIS Technical Committee for the OpenDocument Format, Corel played a role in shaping open standards. The X3 edition brought new capabilities including PDF import functionality, tools for removing metadata, integrated search features, and access to online resources.

CNET described X3 as a "feature-packed productivity suite" that stood as a strong competitor to Microsoft Office 2003, though dedicated Microsoft users awaited forthcoming Office releases. Initially, X3 did not support OOXML or OpenDocument formats; however, a beta version enabling compatibility with both was subsequently made available.

Early 2006 industry research ranked WordPerfect as the second most popular office suite after Microsoft Office, holding approximately 15% of the consumer and business market share.

In April 2008, Corel launched WordPerfect Office X4, which introduced PDF editing and added support for OpenDocument and OOXML formats, albeit with some restrictions regarding certain PDF image types.

The March 2010 release of WordPerfect Office X5 enhanced PDF functionalities, improved interoperability with Microsoft Office 2007 and OpenDocument standards, and incorporated integration with Microsoft SharePoint aimed at government and corporate users.

April 2012 marked the debut of WordPerfect Office X6, featuring support for multiple documents and monitors simultaneously, new macro capabilities, compatibility with Windows 8 previews, and an eBook publishing tool.

In May 2021, Corel unveiled WordPerfect Office 2021, replacing versions X7 through X9 as well as the 2020 edition. Notable additions included fillable PDF forms, embedded Bates numbering, continued support for OpenDocument and ePub formats (introduced in version 2020), along with enhanced compatibility with Microsoft Office OpenXML files.

A PC Magazine evaluation emphasized WordPerfect Office’s distinctiveness as a Windows office suite offering detailed document control. The review highlighted its strong foothold in legal sectors due to sophisticated formatting options and document management independent from Microsoft’s network infrastructure. Nonetheless, it also noted the software’s outdated interface design, absence of real-time collaboration features, and its limitation to the Windows platform.[4]

WordPerfect Suite and WordPerfect Office

WordPerfect Suite and WordPerfect Office is an office suite created by Corel Corporation. Its origins trace back to Borland Software Corporation's Borland Office released in 1993 to rival Microsoft Office and AppleWorks. This suite bundled together WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, and Paradox. In 1994, Borland sold the suite to Novell, which expanded it by adding Novell Presentations and InfoCentral (now discontinued). Corel took ownership in 1996.

Corel WordPerfect Suite 7 and Office 7 Professional

Corel WordPerfect Suite 7 comprised WordPerfect version 7, Quattro Pro, and Presentations, while Office 7 Professional expanded the package by including Paradox. Both collections incorporated CorelFLOW 3, Sidekick, Dashboard, and Envoy 7. This Windows-based suite was introduced to the retail market in 1996.

Corel WordPerfect Office 2000

Corel WordPerfect Office 2000 offered WordPerfect version 9 alongside Quattro Pro, Presentations, Paradox, and CorelCentral. The suite also contained Trellix 2 and Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications. Initially released as a preview for Windows in November 1998, it reached retail shelves by May 1999. Different editions were available: the Home and Student and Family Pack editions did not include Presentations or Paradox; the Small Business edition, launched in January 2000, excluded Paradox.

There were discounted Family Pack versions (2 and 3) tailored for non-commercial users. Additionally, three voice recognition variants were provided: the Voice Powered Edition featuring Dragon Naturally Speaking 3 for North America; an international edition with Philips FreeSpeech; and WordPerfect Law Office 2000 equipped with NaturallySpeaking Standard 4 plus specialized legal tools. In March 2000, a Linux edition was released targeting Corel Linux users, compatible with various distributions and bundled with the Corel Linux OS.

Latest version

The most recent iteration is WordPerfect Office 2021, which debuted in May 2021. This suite is offered in three editions: Home and Student, Standard, and Professional. Paradox is included exclusively in the Professional edition.

Quattro Pro

Quattro Pro serves as Corel’s spreadsheet solution, historically competing with Lotus 1-2-3 and currently rivaling LibreOffice Calc, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Apple’s Numbers. It is developed solely for the Windows platform.

Presentations

Presentations is Corel’s software for creating slide shows, positioned against competitors such as LibreOffice Impress, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Apple Keynote.

WordPerfect Lightning

WordPerfect Lightning is a note-taking application designed to compete with Evernote, Microsoft OneNote, Google Keep, and Apple Notes.

Other desktop applications

Paradox functions as a relational database manager on Windows systems, competing with LibreOffice Base and Microsoft Access.

"Classic Mode"

Introduced in WordPerfect 11, "Classic Mode" recreates the traditional cyan Courier text on a blue background experience but does not fully replicate the DOS version. It supports WPDOS versions 5.1 and 6.1 keyboards while maintaining the WPWin macro system and menu layout, which restricts complete compatibility.

Summary

Since version 9, WordPerfect has been available only as part of the WordPerfect Office Suite rather than as an individual product.

Operating system Latest stable version Support status
Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10 (32/64-bit), 11 2021 Supported from 2018 to present
XP SP3 / 2003 SP2, Vista X7 Supported between 2001 and 2015
2000 / 98 SE / Me X3 Supported from 1998 until 2008
NT 4 12 Supported between 1996 and 2006
95 OSR2 10 Supported from 1995 to 2003
3.1x 7 Supported between 1991 and 1997

Earlier discontinued editions supported additional platforms such as Linux (via CorelWine), DOS, Classic Mac OS (System 7 through Mac OS 9), Unix, Java (beta), OS/2, NeXTSTEP, OpenVMS, Data General systems, Amiga, Atari ST, Apple II, and Apple IIGS.

Versions were also developed for specialized hardware including Apricot Computers, Tandy 2000, TI Professional, Victor 9000, Zenith Z-100, IBM System/370 (version 4.2 released in 1988), and DEC Rainbow 100 (circa November 1983).

Unix

WordPerfect was once compatible with approximately 30 Unix variants, including AT&T, NCR, SCO Xenix, SCO OpenServer, UnixWare, Microport Unix, DEC Ultrix, Pyramid Tech Unix, Tru64, IBM AIX, Motorola System V/88, HP-UX, SGI IRIX, and Solaris.

In July 2022, Tavis Ormandy successfully adapted "WordPerfect for Unix" version 7 for contemporary Linux distributions, creating a fully operational deb package. This version supports printing through CUPS printers utilizing ghostscript.

Macintosh

The development trajectory of WordPerfect for Macintosh diverged significantly from the DOS and Windows editions, featuring distinct version numbering.

Originally planned for release in early 1987, the initial version was delayed and regarded as vaporware. By early 1988, a beta version was marketed at $99 with a commitment to deliver the final release, priced at $395, in spring of that year. Version 1.0 officially launched in April 1988, followed by three rapid bug-fix updates; it became a bestseller by the end of the year. Version 2 underwent a complete overhaul to better conform to Apple's user interface standards. Version 3 further incorporated Apple System 7–7.5 features while preserving performance on older hardware. Corel issued version 3.5 in 1996 and an enhanced 3.5e in 1997 before ceasing further development. By 2004, Corel confirmed no intentions to produce a native Mac OS X edition.

Corel offered free downloads of version 3.5e for several years, and it remains in use among some Mac users. This download is still accessible through the Mac IO group along with an OS 8/9/Classic Updater to maintain functionality. Running WordPerfect requires the Classic environment on PowerPC Macs; Intel-based Macs lack Classic support but can operate WordPerfect via emulators such as SheepShaver, Basilisk II, or vMac. Users seeking up-to-date versions typically run the Windows edition using Boot Camp or virtualization solutions like Darwine or CrossOver Mac, with varying degrees of success.

Atari ST

WordPerfect's development for the Atari ST did not coincide directly with DOS versions; however, its version numbering matched that of contemporary DOS releases. In 1987, WordPerfect Corp. launched version 4.1—the sole Atari release—supported by multiple patches ensuring compatibility across all Atari ST, Atari STe, TT, and Falcon models.

The Atari ST variant distinguished itself from its DOS counterpart by offering enhanced speed and multitasking capabilities, supporting up to four windows simultaneously compared to two on DOS, and operating three to five times faster depending on applied updates. This improved performance resulted from its ground-up design tailored for the Motorola 68000 processor and Atari's GEM (Graphics Environment Manager) operating system.

Priced at US$395, WordPerfect ST was offered at discounted rates of $155 to registered Atari user groups and $99 for students—significantly above competing Atari word processors like Microsoft Write at US$129.95, which challenged WordPerfect’s dominance in the Atari word processing market.

Consistent with other editions, WordPerfect for the ST lacked copy protection. In 1988, despite piracy concerns following unauthorized copies appearing on pirate bulletin board systems, support from the Atari community convinced WordPerfect to continue development, although only one developer remained assigned to bug fixes thereafter.

Ian Chadwick of ST-Log emphasized WordPerfect Corp.'s dedication to the Atari platform despite piracy issues, appealing to users to honor the product by refraining from unauthorized copying.

Eventually, strong sales in Europe and worldwide eased piracy worries. According to Atari ST User, WordPerfect’s sales justified ongoing support with plans for updates and new features.

Between 1987 and 1991, WordPerfect maintained full support for version 4.1 across all Atari ST models through bug fixes, patches, system compatibility improvements, and substantial customer service.

A WordPerfect 5.1 edition was under development for the Atari ST but was ultimately cancelled.

Amiga

WordPerfect was adapted for the Amiga 1000 in 1987 and continued to receive updates up to version 4.1 on the Amiga platform, despite speculation about its discontinuation. Nevertheless, it faced commercial challenges due to limited adoption among Amiga users. Although accessible through the Workbench or the CLI, WordPerfect maintained a text-based, DOS-style command format, which drew criticism for its absence of a graphical user interface on a system known for its graphical capabilities.

By 1989, WordPerfect Corporation halted all development efforts for the Amiga, including a planned PlanPerfect release, after incurring losses totaling $800,000 and citing insufficient funds to support Amiga-specific enhancements. Following feedback from customers who preferred a DOS-like word processor experience, development briefly resumed but was ultimately discontinued in 1992.

Linux

In 1995, WordPerfect 6.0 was introduced for Linux as part of Caldera’s Internet office suite. A subsequent version appeared in 1997 that required activation via purchase. In 1998, Corel launched WordPerfect 8.0 for Linux, which was available in both fully licensed and limited free editions.

Corel sought to enter the growing commercial Linux market by creating its own Linux distribution, which included WordPerfect 8.1 for Linux. While the distribution itself received positive feedback, WordPerfect's reception was mixed; some users appreciated having a mainstream word processor on Linux.

The arrival of OpenOffice.org in 1999 reduced interest in proprietary applications like WordPerfect. WordPerfect 9.0, included in WordPerfect Office 2000 for Linux, shifted away from native Linux builds to a Windows-based version running under Corel’s customized Wine environment, leading to notable performance drawbacks.

Unable to secure a substantial user base and influenced by strategic decisions following Microsoft's investment, Corel ceased WordPerfect development for Linux and sold its Linux distribution business to Xandros. In April 2004, Corel reissued an updated version of WordPerfect 8.1 as a "proof of concept" to gauge market interest; however, by 2011, WordPerfect for Linux was no longer commercially offered.

As of 2023, WordPerfect for Linux (xwp) remains functional on current distributions. Additionally, many Linux applications utilize the libwpd library to convert WordPerfect files, enabling compatibility with office suites such as LibreOffice and OpenOffice.org.

iOS

The WordPerfect X7 application released for iOS in 2014 operated solely as remote desktop software connecting users to a Corel-hosted Windows instance of WordPerfect. Marketed under the label "Limited Free Trial," this app was eventually withdrawn by Corel.

Unicode and Asian language editing

The absence of Unicode support in WordPerfect restricts its usability beyond North America and Western Europe. Despite numerous user requests, this capability has not been implemented, complicating the handling of complex scripts like those used in Asian languages. Later editions improved compliance with interface standards, enhanced file compatibility, and provided an option to emulate Microsoft Word’s interface.

WordPerfect X4 introduced the ability to import IPA characters with copy-paste functionality accessible via Paste Special > Unicode. Additionally, PDF exports embed WP-phonetic fonts alongside Unicode-compatible typefaces.

Reception

In its March 1983 issue, PC Magazine recognized WordPerfect as a comprehensive word processing solution, featuring advanced tools such as mail merge, footnotes, macros, find-and-replace functions, and automatic paragraph reformatting, which set it apart from rivals like WordStar. Byte (December 1984) praised its print buffering, text styling options, and mathematical capabilities, while pointing out limitations in spell checking and tabulation settings; nonetheless, the magazine concluded that its advantages significantly outweighed these drawbacks.

The Orlando Sentinel (August 1985) described WordPerfect as an affordable and effective choice, highlighting its rapid performance, user-friendly learning curve, autosave feature, modest hardware demands, and competitive pricing around $219 via mail order. Although it mentioned the absence of features like split screen and undo functionality, the overall evaluation was positive. Similarly, Compute! (August 1985) applauded the software’s intuitive interface and speedy spell checker. By May 1988, Antic regarded WordPerfect as the most robust word processor available for the ST platform despite its complexity, emphasizing Corel’s reputation for reliable software support.

See also

Further reading

  • Foster, Ed (December 28, 2007). "How Did WordPerfect Go Wrong?" Infoworld
  • Karsmakers, Richard (February 16, 1988). "Word Perfect. Word Perfect?" st-news.com
  • Peterson, W. E. "Pete" (2012). Almost perfect: how a bunch of regular guys built WordPerfect Corporation. Must Read Summaries. ISBN 9782806235107

External links

Download sites

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