My New Favorite Writing Tool: Discovering This Minimalist Default App

Once regarded as a simple application akin to a digital sticky note, Notepad has evolved into a powerful writing tool, particularly with the integration of Copilot. This combination can transform Notepad into a significant ally in enhancing productivity. Below are some effective tips on how to maximize this duo.

Organize Your Notes with Ease

In my experience, rapid note-taking often results in chaotic entries filled with abbreviations and disordered thoughts. With the assistance of Copilot, I can efficiently convert these scattered notes into well-structured summaries. Simply highlight your arbitrary notes, prompt Copilot to rewrite them, and you’ll find clarity with minimal effort. I frequently transfer these organized notes to Slack or other collaboration tools for streamlined communication.

Additionally, exploring the technique of reverse outlining can uncover the underlying structure—or lack thereof—of your notes. For this, copy your unstructured text into Notepad and select Shorter along with the List format from Copilot’s menu to achieve a better-organized output.

Effortless List Formatting

Notepad has served as my go-to app for compiling task lists, grocery inventories, or logs effectively. Personally, I record my daily exercise metrics through quick entries in Notepad, which can sometimes appear haphazard.

Thanks to Copilot, I can easily convert these notes into well-structured bulleted lists, facilitating a more organized approach to my tasks in mere moments.

Swiftly Summarize Lengthy Texts

When pressed for time, I often copy lengthy documents or emails into Notepad and request Copilot to summarize them. This feature provides a distilled version with the essential points, significantly reducing my reading time.

Unlike other word processors, the Notepad and Copilot partnership doesn’t allow for complex text simplification. However, I select the Summarize feature and adjust the desired length of the summary to facilitate my understanding of the content.

Summarize Long Text with Copilot in Notepad

Adapt Tone on the Fly

Creating content for different platforms requires varying tones—what works on LinkedIn may not resonate on Twitter. With Notepad, I can effortlessly customize my content for different audiences on the spot.

To do this, paste your text into Notepad, select Customized re-write > Change tone, and choose the appropriate option. This method helps save time compared to switching between applications just to adjust tone or style.

If your platform has specific word count limits, you can use the shorter or longer rewrite options while monitoring the character count displayed at the bottom.

Enhance Your Writing Quality

Even if I believe my draft is solid, Copilot can refine it further. I often request adjustments in length or tone, transforming my writing into a more polished version suitable for my audience.

This feature can enhance anything from emails to sections of reports, allowing me to sound more professional without needing external applications.

Utilize Notepad’s Tabs function to review different iterations of the same content and decide which one aligns best with your objectives.

Maximize Notepad’s Potential

For more in-depth editing, I often merge the Rewrite and Summarize functionalities. I might paste a lengthy or intricate piece of text and first have Copilot summarize it, followed by a rewrite focused on style or clarity.

Employing the Try Again option generates various outputs to select from, making it easier to condense complex material.

Select Try Again in Notepad to make Copilot rewrite the text

Explore New Possibilities with Write

According to a Microsoft Support article, a new Write feature is being introduced, allowing users to generate content directly within Notepad using generative AI. This advancement could significantly broaden Notepad’s utility.

For example, I can swiftly create a checklist for various tasks by providing a prompt like “Generate a checklist for launching a new newsletter.”This update is available in Notepad version 11.2504.46.0 or higher for Windows Insiders across several channels in Windows 11.

Notepad-Copilot Write Feature — Microsoft

Keep in mind that the ability to use Notepad in conjunction with generative AI is subject to the number of available credits per month. For example, subscribers to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family receive 60 AI credits monthly, which can be utilized across Office applications, including Notepad. For further details, refer to Microsoft’s guide on AI credits.

The Unique Advantages of Notepad for Quick Tasks

Notepad launches swiftly and provides a simplistic interface that supports uninterrupted workflow. While applications like Word or Google Docs are excellent for extensive projects, they can be cumbersome for jotting down quick notes or making minimal edits. The straightforward nature of Notepad keeps my focus intact, and its Dark Mode is an added bonus.

Moreover, because of its lightweight design, I don’t have to worry about crashes or slowdowns. Notepad is always readily accessible, making it ideal for rapid notetaking, quick edits, or turning rough ideas into well-defined outputs without the hassle of heavier software.

Before the integration of AI, Notepad was already one of the most practical applications in the Windows suite boasting multiple tabs and auto-save features. While not everyone is keen on the incorporation of AI into every tool, with Copilot now a feature, we can leverage this technology for maximum benefit.

Ultimately, even with the enhancements brought by Copilot, Notepad remains a reliable and versatile text editor, offering countless ways to increase productivity.

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