Problem with Notepad

I need an expert with Notepad to help me with this issue. The example is using Notepad++, but it the same happens if I use regular notepad. I created a check register (see photo) and then tried to save it as a text file. When it's saved as a text file, the data is all jumbled and skewed (see photo). Same thing happens if I go to print. Now, if I were to do that same form in Word, it would save and print correctly so it's a problem with notepad. I think my problems started after I tried to change the font in notepad. Anyway, please let me know if anyone has any thoughts. The top is the jumbled text and bottom photo is as it should be.

Regular Note Pad isn't recognizing the spaces between the values and it could be due to the font.. I'll try it out and report back

Ok.. I just tried creating a txt doc and the spacing held when I put spaces between the values. Using a tool like note pad to print a doc like that is difficult and I would suggest using a spreadsheet tool. That way the columns stay the same regardless of the font.

HTH

Thanks, BunnyJ. Not sure how to put spaces between the values, but I'll give it a try. I think my best bet though as you said is to use a different tool.

nitewulf said:

Thanks, BunnyJ. Not sure how to put spaces between the values, but I'll give it a try. I think my best bet though as you said is to use a different tool.

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Text files can be very fickle at best and I hate using them in general for things like that.
Jeff

I agree with @BunnyJ Notepad is only good for simple jobs, you need a proper spreadsheet app because of embedded things

I agree with not using Notepad, it is much better for programmers and basic HTML creating/editing, doesn't have much support for formatting. Even WordPad doesn't have as much formatting choices as Word. If possible it's best to use a spreadsheet program such as Corel Quattro Pro, Lotus 1-2-3, Excel, or LibreOffice Calc. LibreOffice is free and there are others available. Could even download a check register template from microsoft office check register templates at DuckDuckGo.

Thanks too Berton. I'll give one of those templates a try.

This looks to me like word wrap is on.
As soon as the window width is changed or the document is opened in a different width window your layout get messed up.
Turning word wrap off might work - but you may find yourself having to horizontally scroll a lot and remembering to enter line breaks.

As stated above Notepad is not the right tool for making tables.

Thanks Tabyo for your reply. Word wrap is definitely off. I think the best solution as you and others have said, is to use another tool for linear charts. I was trying to take the easy way out with Notepad. I'll probably just use a template or an excel spreadsheet.

Notepad is a simple basic editor, maybe these tasks are too much for it
That's when a more sophisticated editor is needed

The-Hive said:

Notepad is a simple basic editor, maybe these tasks are too much for it
That's when a more sophisticated editor is needed

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Agreed, it's mostly a GUI interpretation of the DOS Copy Con command that can be used to write text to a file [which does still work].

Maybe use .rtf (WordPad), instead of .txt (Notepad). WordPad has a LOT more formatting controls.
It does remember the spacing.

Normally, regular notepad does as well.