TextPad is a text editor for Microsoft Windows developed by Helios Software Solutions. It is currently in its ninth major version. TextPad was initially released in 1992 as shareware, with users requested to pay a registration fee to support future development. As of 1996 the company was an associate member of the Association of Shareware Professionals. By 1998 the company was pointing out that the editor was "shareware " and payment was necessary to continue to use it.