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The first thing users of this freeware WordPad/Notepad replacement will notice is the unusual interface. Jarte actually uses a simple layout, with a default brushed-metal skin and mouse-over icons that reveal standard Menu bar drop-down menus, but this isn't your basic 1990s UI. Just the mere fact of having something different to look at is appealing, and generally it works well. The icons are a bit small, and there's a fair bit of empty space around them so they look somewhat bereft of context.
It turns out Jarte has two other interface schemes. One is an expanded "classic" layout, while the other is a minimalist and familiar Menubar. Behind these different approaches lies many familiar writing and note-taking tools bolstered by small tweaks that make Jarte's appeal obvious. A mouse-over chart icon gives you word, character, page, and line counts. Table, special character, and equation support make Jarte a good, lightweight editor, but the built-in scalable screen-capping utility push it towards greatness. The included spell-checker was adequate, but not great, although the clipboard can hold 25 items at once. DOC, RTF and TXT formats are supported, and there's an Export tool that converts documents into PDFs and HTML. Like other Notepad replacements, Jarte offers tabs for keeping multiple files open at once.
The stability issues and function failures of previous versions were non-existent in our latest test of Jarte. The clickless, mouse-over-based navigation may sound a bit intimidating, but it makes getting around in the app noticeably fast. If you're in the market for a Notepad or WordPad alternative, Jarte's mix of style and utility is about as different from the mainstream as you can get.
Publisher's Description
From Carolina Road Software:
Jarte is a free, tabbed word processor based on the Microsoft WordPad word-processing engine built into Windows. Like WordPad, Jarte is fast, easy to use, reliable, requires little screen space, and creates documents perfectly compatible with Word. But Jarte reveals the WordPad engine's true hidden power by adding many features Microsoft never made available in the WordPad program. Jarte can even be run directly from a USB flash drive.
What's new in this version: Version 4.1 has added quick bar, paste board, and line guide.
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 113 votes
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Current version:
3.7 starsout of 16 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Does what it promises"
Version: Jarte 4.1
Pros
After a few Installation Problems that were quickly solved through the Support of Jarte, it works great, the screen is not cluttered like in certain other Programs and the dropdown Menus are a great solution.
Cons
The only thing I can think of is that the Language option should include the possiblity to work on Documents in different languages without having to switch the Language back and forth to check the Spelling.
The Themes could be expanded.Summary
All in all, it is a good Program to get things done quickly without cluttering the taskbar.
Multi Language come with it, GREAT!!
can recommend this program, the first one I can say this about. -
"use it for every word processing need"
Version: Jarte 4.1
Pros
A couple of years ago, I replaced my old MS Word with OpenOffice but found OO to be slow and bloated, although not as bloated at MS Word, but the price was right
Cons
Obviously it doesn't offer as many options as larger programs. It saves letters in RTF - rich text not DOC or ODT but can convert those formats
Summary
If you're looking to reclaim your hard drive and want a word processor for light home office use, take a look at this program as it takes up less than 10% HD space than OpenOffice or MS Office
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"It is whaqt it is"
Version: Jarte 4.1
Pros
Well, I like word processors and the features are much better than the simplified applications offered by Microsoft here anyway. It may be a while for my level of appreciation to gel but it is a way to deviate from daily drudgery.
Cons
I cannot say but I'm sure there is always something to not like in any application. This is a basic application with added functionality and ease of use plus some well needed formating options not given with Word Pad, etc.
Summary
Why not give it a try? It may be just what you need!
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"Simple and easy to navigate.."
Version: Jarte 4.1
Pros
clean appearance, easy to navigate (don't know what these other peeps are talking about...f I can figure it out, anybody can..), great for converting older docs and copy/pasting.. as well as for everyday use.
Cons
menu buttons aren't labled but once you remember which is which you're gold.
Summary
All-in-all, I was looking for a simple program to convert a resume created on older software... it worked great for my purpose, and I soon found that it pretty much works efficiently as a word processor with some bells and whistles.. which is all I need... perfect for poor folks who need a program similar to word in function.
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"I wanted to like it, but..."
Version: Jarte 4.1
Pros
Small, pretty good complement of features, no bloat. Uses RTF that any word processor can read.
Cons
Terrible interface and menus. Crippleware with features that don't work unless you buy the paid version.
Summary
This _could_ have been just what I was looking for - a basic word processor without bloat, but there are too many things about it that are just outright irritating. Routine functions are buried a couple of levels down in the awkward, non-standard menus. Some functions only work in the paid version, and I don't see any added value in Jarte "Plus." The paid features are not that significant and the interface isn't any different.
I have little doubt that Jarte's programmer has the skills to make a really good simple word processor, but the choices she/he made in _how_ it works are just too odd. Instead, use WordPad, Google Docs, or both. Less frustration and free of charge. -
"Perfect in every day"
Version: Jarte 4.1
Pros
Everything is wonderful about this software
Cons
None that I can come up with after five years of use
Summary
If you need to write a book and simply need to write it, not have an office suite bother the hell out of you, this is your software. The free version is already great, but the premium version is well worth the investment.
Software for a serious writer who needs to simply get the words down and who can do any fancy typesetting or formatting in something else, later. -
"Although not used much it is harder then Notepad"
Version: Jarte 4.1
Pros
I have found none since I plan to use my sticky notes from 3m
Concerning the above . Error: Please enter no more than 55 characters
opinions are cut shortCons
I had trouble with the graphics interface . . . you also need to download a separate program to use your favorite fonts (mine in comic sans ms 11) NexusFont
Summary
It to me is not worth the learning curve, saying that I may use it and fall in love with this 'replacement'
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"Odd GUI makes for an interesting experience."
Version: Jarte 4.1
Pros
Is a basic text editor..
Cons
Though has an uncomfortable GUI, at least uncomfortable for me.
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"Havent used it much but it will be great."
Version: Jarte 4.1
Pros
seems very easy to use
Cons
nothing so far
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"The best small, easy word processor ever written!"
Version: Jarte 4.1
Pros
Ease of use, features spell check-word-web integration.
Cons
There isn't any.
Summary
Many years ago started using the free version, after a year it didn't seem right. So, bought the pro version.
This program has too many features to mention. Well, the 25 clipboard holdings sure made web browsing and copying articles simple. So is the select screen capture. Docx is a big one.
I have word, works you name it, but if it came down to one-----it would have to be Jarte!
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