Archive · 9 Jun 2025
Bill Atkinson, Macintosh Pioneer, Dies at 74
Bill Atkinson was a brilliant man who helped make computers easy to use.
He created important things like the pictures you see on your computer screen, and ways to click on them with a mouse, using his QuickDraw technology.
He also invented the double-click and menu bar.
He built MacPaint, a program where people could draw pictures on their computer.
Atkinson also came up with HyperCard, which let people make their own interactive media.
His work made computers more friendly for everyone.
Bill Atkinson, a key figure in the development of the Macintosh, passed away at age 74.
He was the programmer of QuickDraw, a foundational software for the Lisa and Macintosh.
Atkinson invented the double-click gesture and menu bar.
He created MacPaint, a pioneering software for creating art on the Mac.
Atkinson also developed HyperCard, a precursor to the World Wide Web.
- Who
- Bill Atkinson, influential computer programmer and Apple employee.
- What
- The death of Bill Atkinson.
- When
- June 5, 2025
- Where
- Portola Valley, California
- Why
- Pancreatic cancer.
- Full Name
- Bill Atkinson
- Age
- 74
- Cause of Death
- Pancreatic cancer
- Date of Death
- June 5, 2025
- Residence
- Portola Valley, California
- Notable Contributions
- QuickDraw, MacPaint, HyperCard, double-click gesture
