Each file opened can have a separate support file associated with it, called the "Pad". This is a plain text file that can be used for any purpose you like: "to do" lists, plot outlines, character details, etc. The Pad is automatically loaded and saved whenever its associated main file is loaded or saved. The filename used for the Pad is the same as the main file, but with "_Pad" added and a ".txt" extension. So, for example, the Pad for the file "Story.rtf" will be called "Story_Pad.txt".
A Pad file is only created when something is typed into the Pad's text area - if nothing exists here, there will be no associated Pad file. Likewise, if all text is removed from a Pad, the Pad file will be deleted, since it is no longer of any use.
Since the Pad is a plain text file, most of the functions normally available are disabled when typing text into it. However, the following functions still work:
Most of these options are available by clicking the right mouse button over the Pad to bring up a context menu.
The Pad is also sensitive to internet links: if you type the name of a site beginning with "http://" or "www" it will become a link to that site - clicking on it will start your browser and connect to the site. This makes the Pad useful for research purposes. Similarly, you can put in e-mail addresses if you use the phrase "mailto:" beforehand (e.g. mailto:fred@smith.com). Clicking on this will start your e-mail program, ready to send a message.
At the bottom of the Pad tab is a combo box for setting the magnification factor of your documents - it begins at 100% and can be changed by selecting a new size or typing one in.
Note: while the cursor is positioned in the Pad, the menu items and toolbar buttons that don't apply to it are greyed out and unavailable. If you need to use one of these options, you will have to switch back to the main text area first (try Ctrl+J).