- Word Processing Programs For Mac
- Best Word Processing For Mac
- What Word Program Is On Mac
- Free Word Programs For Mac
- Word Program For Apple
Microsoft Word is usually the first name in modern word processing. Available as part of the Microsoft Office software suite or as its own standalone application, the process of downloading and installing Word typically comes with a price tag attached to it.
Unmistakably Office, designed for Mac. Get started quickly with new, modern versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote—combining the familiarity of Office and the unique Mac features you love. 5 Mac Word Processors To Help You Write That College Paper. Matthew Hughes. The Best Word Processor You've Never Used iA Writer for Mac & iOS: The Best Word Processor You've Never Used Be it a school paper or a blog post, all of us at some point find ourselves in the position of having to dump a bunch of characters into a text file.
If you need to edit or view a file that has a DOC (the default file format used in Microsoft Word 97-2003) or DOCX (default format used in Word 2007+) extension or if you need to create a document from scratch, there are ways to use Microsoft Word or a similar application for free.
Word Online
Word Online offers what is almost a full-fledged version of the popular word processor from right within your browser window, providing viewing and editing features for new or existing documents. While not all features found in the desktop version are in this browser-based app, it lets you store edited files in your cloud-based OneDrive repository as well as on your local disk in DOCX, PDF, or ODT formats.
Word Online also allows you to invite other users to view or even collaborate on any of your active documents. In addition, the app includes a feature that embeds documents directly into a blog post or onto your personal website. Part of the Office Web Apps suite, Word Online runs in the latest versions of most well-known browsers on Linux, Mac, and Windows operating systems.
Microsoft Word App
Word Processing Programs For Mac
The Microsoft Word mobile app is available as a free download for Android and iOS devices through Google Play or Apple's App Store.
The app requires an Office 365 subscription if you want to create or edit documents on an iPad Pro. However, the core functionality is accessible for free on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad Air and iPad mini devices and includes the ability to create, edit, and view Word documents. There are some advanced features that can only be activated with a subscription, but for the most part, what you probably need is available in the free edition.
Similar limitations are found on the Android version of the app, where authenticating with a free Microsoft account will unlock the ability to create and edit Word docs on devices with screens 10.1 inches or smaller. What this means is Android smartphone users are in luck, while those running on tablets will need a subscription if they want to do anything other than view a document.
Office 365 Home Trial
If you're looking for some of Word's advanced features not available in the aforementioned options, Microsoft offers a free trial of Office 365 Home which lets you install the complete version of its word processor along with the rest of the Office suite on up to five PCs or Macs as well as the full version of its app on five tablets and phones. This free trial requires you to provide a valid credit card number and lasts for a full month, at which point you will be charged a yearly fee if you have not canceled the subscription. You can register for this trial subscription on Microsoft's Office Products portal.
LibreOffice
While not actually a Microsoft product, the LibreOffice suite offers a free alternative that also supports Word document formats. Writer, part of the open-source package available for Linux, Mac and Windows users, provides an easy-to-use word processor interface that allows you to view, edit or create new files from over a dozen formats including DOC, DOCX, and ODT.
Kingsoft Office
Yet another multi-platform word processor, Kingsoft's WPS Writer supports documents in Word format and also provides some unique features including an integrated PDF converter. Downloadable for free as part of the WPS Office Software package, WPS Writer can be installed on Android, Linux, and Windows devices. A business version of the product is also available for a fee.
Google Docs
Google Docs is a full-featured word processor which is compatible with Microsoft Word file formats and can be used free of charge with a Google account. Docs is completely browser-based on desktop platforms and accessible through native apps on Android and iOS devices. Integrated with Google Drive, Docs allows for seamless document collaboration with several users.
Word Viewer
Microsoft Word Viewer is a free application that runs only on older versions of the Windows operating system (Windows 7 and below). It helps people to view, copy, or print documents saved in one of the multiple Word formats (DOC, DOCX, DOT, DOTX, DOCM, DOTM). If you are running an old operating system and cannot locate Word Viewer on your PC, it can be obtained from Microsoft's Download Center.
Find your best office software suite productivity solution for Mac by investigating these popular options.
This list takes you through several alternatives, because you have other options than just Apple's iWork or Microsoft's Office for Mac, though those popular options are available as well.
Free Versus Premium Options
This list begins with free options then moves to premium alternatives if you have a little money to invest in your productivity software. Many free suites offer plenty of tools for some users, so you may be able to save money.
That said, keep in mind that premium office software suites may offer the additional features you may need, so for some users, the value can be worth the cost.
OpenOffice for Mac (Desktop) - FREE
The Apache Software Foundation administers an open source software suite that is one of the most popular worldwide, in part because it is compatible with so many operating systems.
What We Like
Free.
Capably tackles most common Microsoft Office tasks.
What We Don't Like
Installation occasionally glitchy.
Intuitive interface, but not as sleek as Microsoft Office.
Best Word Processing For Mac
LibreOffice for Mac (Desktop) - FREE
LibreOffice was voted by this site's community to be the 2013 Readers' Choice Award Winner of Favorite Office Software for Mac.
A free office suite, LibreOffice is nonetheless a powerful rival to more expensive office software suites.
What We Like
Open-source, with frequent updates.
Extensive help through documentation and large community.
Reliably compatible with Microsoft Office formats.
What We Don't Like
No integrated cloud storage.
No real-time collaborative editing.
iWork for iCloud (Online) - FREE
You can also check out iWork for iCloud, the free online version of iWork. This requires an online account, which implies needing an internet connection.
This can be a great option for someone who wants to stay within the Apple lineup of products.
What We Like
Free.
No Apple device necessary, enabling cross-platform collaboration.
Documents accessible from anywhere.
What We Don't Like
Requires internet connection.
Not as fully featured as Apple’s desktop versions.
Google Docs / Apps for Mac (Online) - FREE
Access the free web-based Google Docs and mobile Google Apps by signing up for Google Drive.
Google's online suites are not as function-rich as iWork or Microsoft Office but are still robust and very popular as accessible, user-friendly versions of tasks for the average user. You will find free and business versions.
What We Like
What Word Program Is On Mac
Free.
Widely used.
Accessible from anywhere.
What We Don't Like
Lacks a few features of Microsoft Office.
Docs aren’t always mirror images of Office versions.
Microsoft Office for Mac - Varies
Microsoft has traditionally offered a separate Mac version for Office.
Find desktop versions, 2016 and earlier, by visiting Office for Mac News & Tips.
Free Word Programs For Mac
Office 2016 is the latest version of the traditional desktop suite and a subscription-based Office 365 is available for Mac.
Word Program For Apple
What We Like
Familiar, intuitive interface.
Robust set of features.