Word processor having a keyboard including standard typewriter keys and additional user keys including a plurality of function keys for implementing word processing. A CRT simulates and electronic sheet of paper with margins on four sides and an index scale for a selected typing pitch. The electronic blank sheet of paper is scrolled and displays a space between the bottom of the sheet and the top of the next sheet of paper. The characters can be horizontally scrolled and wrapped around during typing. Row address tables in the display controller dynamically store strings of information for each 85 character row of the screen by linking of rows through tables. The display controller board also provides for an enhanced display of character attributes on a character by character basis where a character is retrieved from memory fourteen times for display.The word processor includes logic hardware which generates 85 columns across the CRT screen and 57 lines down the screen where each character is in an 8.times.14 field. A three-line message including a dimmed video block cursor about the typing line, a margin line including small margin numbers, and an information dialogue line is movably positioned below the electronic sheet of paper. Additional lower space below the 3-line message provides a menu and help area including options or instructions for selected features. The logic in the system also provides a page break in between each sheet of paper as the paper is scrolled on the screen.