Mac Pages Versus Microsoft Word

You can convert and open documents in Pages on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac. If you don't have an Apple device, you can use Pages online at iCloud.com.

  1. Mac Pages Versus Microsoft Word 2013
  2. Mac Pages Versus Microsoft Word List

Convert and open documents in Pages on iPhone or iPad

I use Word for work. Change tracking is a big reason why but surprisingly, Google Docs has gotten much better at this. Pages works if you're mainly writing for yourself or you're in a mac-only environment. May 30, 2017 Microsoft Word vs Pages: The Ultimate Word Processing Battle In this comparison of Microsoft Word vs Pages, we’ll show you the basic requirements and features of both programs. We’ll give you a side-by-side look at the programs and give you a picture of what reviewers are saying about the latest trends for each. Pages is a powerful word processor that lets you create stunning documents. You can even use Apple Pencil on your iPad to add comments and illustrations by hand. And with real-time collaboration, your team can work together, whether they’re on Mac, iPad, or iPhone, or using a PC.

Mac Pages Versus Microsoft Word 2013

Differences Between Win and Mac Word. Contributed by John McGhie and Jim Gordon. Mac to Mac, and Mac to PC. Microsoft Word is a word processor that has text that flows, unlike a PDF or page layout program. Any difference in font or printer driver from one machine to another has the potential to affect spacing, breaks, window & orphans. May 18, 2017 If someone has sent you a Pages document or Word document, you can convert them using either the Pages app, or Pages on iCloud. However, Microsoft Word does not open Pages files or convert Word files to Pages files. Today we will show how to convert Apple Pages to Word, and vice-versa. Jan 01, 2017  The better program is the one you find most useful. I used to swear by Microsoft Office, and particularly Microsoft Word. But even when I used the program, I acknowledged that 99% of users only use about 20% of the program. I switched to Apple Pag. For me, Pages, without a doubt, beats Word. I used Pages (and Numbers) exclusively for four months after getting my Mac Mini, and it works really well. That said, the university where I work got us a Office 365 subscription, so I have Office 2016, and I use it very reluctantly.

You can work with a variety of file formats in Pages on your iPhone or iPad. Check which formats are compatible with Pages on iPhone and iPad.

Convert a Pages document in Pages on iPhone or iPad

If you want to open a Pages document in another app like Microsoft Word, use Pages to convert the document to an appropriate format.

  1. Open the document that you want to convert, then tap the More button .
  2. Tap Export.
  3. Choose a format for your document.
  4. If you chose EPUB, set any additional options.
  5. Choose how you want to send your document, like with Mail or Messages.

Open a file in Pages on iPhone or iPad

To open a file like a Microsoft Word document in Pages on iPhone or iPad, tap the file in the document manager. If you don’t see the document manager, tap Documents (on iPad) or the back button (on iPhone), then tap the file that you want to open. If a file is dimmed, it’s not in a compatible format.

You can also open a file in Pages from a different app like the Files app, or from an email:

  1. Open the other app, then select the document or attachment.
  2. Tap the Share button .
  3. Tap Copy to Pages. The original file remains intact.

When the file opens, you might get a message that the document will look different. For example, Pages notifies you when fonts are missing. Tap Done to open the document in Pages.

Convert and open documents in Pages for Mac

You can work with a variety of file formats in Pages for Mac. Check which formats are compatible.

Convert a Pages document in Pages for Mac

If you want to open a Pages document in another app like Microsoft Word, use Pages to convert the document to an appropriate format.

  1. Open the Pages document that you want to convert.
  2. Choose File > Export To, then select the format.
  3. In the window that appears, you can choose a different format or set up any additional options. For example, you can require a password to open an exported PDF, choose to use the table of contents in an exported EPUB book, or choose the format for the exported Word document.
  4. Click Next.
  5. Enter a name for your file, then choose a location for the file.
  6. Click Export.

To send a file in a specific format through Mail, Messages, AirDrop, or Notes, choose Share > Send a Copy, choose how you want to send the document, then choose a format.

Open a file in Pages for Mac

You can open a file from the Finder or from the Pages app:

  • From the Finder, Control-click the file, then choose Open With > Pages. If Pages is the only word processor on your Mac, you can just double-click the file.
  • From the Pages for Mac app, choose File > Open, select the file, then click Open. If a file is dimmed, it’s not a compatible format.

When the file opens, you might get a message that the document will look different. For example, Pages notifies you when fonts are missing. You might see also see warnings when you open documents created in older versions of Pages.

Open and convert documents in Pages for iCloud

Pages for iCloud lets you open, edit, and share your files from a supported browser on a Mac or PC. Microsoft office need to be update mac 2017. Check which file formats are compatible with Pages for iCloud. If you don't have an Apple device, learn how to create an Apple ID.

Convert a Pages document in Pages for iCloud

  1. Sign in to iCloud.com with your Apple ID.
  2. Click Pages.
  3. In the document manager, click the More button on the file you want to convert, then choose Download a Copy. If you have the document open, click the Tools button in the toolbar, then choose Download a Copy.*
  4. Choose a format for the document. The file starts begins to download to your browser’s download location.

* To convert your document to an EPUB book, open the document, click the Tools button in the toolbar, then choose Download a Copy.

Open a file in Pages for iCloud

  1. Sign in to iCloud.com with your Apple ID.
  2. Click Pages.
  3. Drag the file you want to upload into the Pages document manager in your browser. Or click the Upload button , select the file, then click Choose.
  4. Double-click the file in the document manager.

Check file format compatibility

Formats you can open in Pages

You can open these file formats in Pages on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and online at iCloud.com:

  • All Pages versions
  • Microsoft Word: Office Open XML (.docx) and Office 97 or later (.doc)
  • Rich Text Format (.rtf/.rtfd)
  • Plain Text files (.txt)

Formats you can convert Pages documents into

Pages on iPhone or iPad:

  • Microsoft Word: Office Open XML (.docx)
  • Rich Text Format (.rtf/.rtfd)
  • PDF
  • EPUB

Pages for Mac:

Mac Pages Versus Microsoft Word List

  • Microsoft Word: Office Open XML (.docx) and Office 97 or later (.doc)
  • Rich Text Format (.rtf/.rtfd)
  • Plain Text files (.txt)
  • PDF
  • EPUB
  • Pages ‘09

Pages for iCloud:

  • Microsoft Word: Office Open XML (.docx)
  • PDF
  • EPUB

Learn more

  • Pages on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and online at iCloud.com use the same file format. If you create or edit a document in Pages on one platform, you can open it in Pages on any of the other platforms.
  • You can update to current versions of Pages on your iPhone or iPad from the App Store. To update Pages on your Mac, use the App Store app on your Mac.
  • If you convert a Pages document into Pages ’09-compatible document, learn more about changes that happen when you export to iWork ’09.

For years Apple’s iWork suite was something you paid for. While it wasn’t as expensive as Microsoft Office, at $80 it also wasn’t cheap enough to make it an afterthought. In 2014 Apple dropped the price to $20 per app on the Mac. That was a better deal if you only needed Pages, but it was still enough of a barrier that most people wouldn’t bother with it. Finally, in 2017, Apple dropped the price tag altogether, making the apps free for anyone who had ever bought a Mac or iOS device.

If Apple is giving the apps away, they can’t possibly hold a candle to the venerable Microsoft Office, can they? You might be surprised. While they aren’t as feature-packed as Word or Excel, Pages and Numbers are more than capable enough for plenty of use cases.

Apple Pages vs. Microsoft Word

In a lot of cases you’ll find you already know if you need Microsoft Word. If you’re aren’t positive you do need Word, then Pages might be perfect for you.

Pages does most everything you’d expect a word processor to do. It lets you create and edit documents, as well as other basic functions. Pages even has a whole range of templates to make it easy to get started on whatever you need. The app includes templates for school reports, resumes, newsletters, and even books. Once you get started, you can change fonts, add images, and check your spelling and grammar, just as you would expect.

One area where Pages doesn’t hold up as well as Microsoft Word is interoperability. Word has become an industry standard, and many people have come to rely on the “docx” format. This is especially true in industries like publishing. Pages can export documents in this format, but if you’re working with someone and going to be sending .docx files back and forth, you’re probably going to need Word. If you’re not sure, Apple has information on what Word and Excel features are supported in Pages and Numbers on its website.

Related: How to Convert Pages Files to Microsoft Word Format

Apple Numbers vs. Microsoft Excel

When it comes to Numbers and Excel, the differences are greater. Pages is basically a stripped down version of Word, but Numbers and Excel take different approaches to working with spreadsheets.

When you launch Excel, you’ll see a grid that extends essentially infinitely in any given direction. Numbers, on the other hand, starts you off with something more defined. With the default “Blank” spreadsheet, you get columns labeled from A through G and rows labeled 1 through 22. Handles let you extend the grid in either direction, if you need to. This different approach gives you a glimpse of the difference between the two programs. Excel is packed with more features than most of us will ever use, while Numbers takes a more basic approach.

Pages

Excel also seems to be built for people who work with spreadsheets day-in and day-out and know exactly what features they need. Numbers takes an approach that spreadsheet novices will find less intimidating. Neither of these approaches is the “right” way to do things – they’re just different. If you’re not even sure why you’d ever need a spreadsheet program, Numbers is the safer bet.

Which is best for you?

In the end, it all comes down to what you’re using a given app for. If you’re just writing the occasional letter or creating a simple spreadsheet to keep track of your budget, Pages and Numbers will be more than enough for your needs. If you’re frequently working on documents with other people or if you make a living as an accountant, you’re probably going to need to spring for Microsoft Office. Fortunately, if you only find you need Word or Excel occasionally, there are a few ways you can use Office for free.

That said, both Pages and Numbers are free from the outset now. If you’re not sure what you need, your best bet is to use Pages and/or Numbers until you run into their limitations. If you never do hit those limitations, you’ll be glad you saved the money.