May 30, 2017 Word vs Pages: Side-by-Side. For those who are MS Word power users, you may find the simplicity of Apple Pages a bit disconcerting. But for those who use MS Word every day without taking the time to learn some of the more advanced features, or those looking for a minimalistic interface, Pages might be a refreshing change of pace. A quick look at Apple Pages vs Microsoft Word. The New York Times has a fairly glowing review of Apple’s word processor, Pages in comparison with Microsoft Word. The review notes that Pages has a less cluttered interface which may suit some people with basic editing needs.
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.
Mac Microsoft Word Vs Pages 1
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.
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.
Create and collaborate on documents that are beautiful beyond words.
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.
Ms Word Vs Apple Pages
Download Pages for Mac from the Mac App StoreDownload Pages for iOS from the iOS App StorePreview Pages for iOS in the iOS App StorePreview Pages for Mac in the Mac App StoreStart using Pages at iCloud.com
A canvas
for creativity.
From the start, Pages places you in the perfect creative environment. It puts all the right tools in all the right places, so it’s easy to choose a look, customize fonts, personalize text styles, and add beautiful graphics. And everyone collaborating on a document has access to the same powerful features.
Start with a great‑looking template.
Choose from over 70 beautiful Apple‑designed templates, and customize your document any way you like.
See your progress.
Track changes, add highlights, and have threaded conversations with your team. Your edits are saved automatically.
Find and organize chapters easily.
Pages automatically creates a table of contents for you based on paragraph styles and updates it as you make edits. Just tap or click to find the content you want.
Communicate beautifully.
Liven up your text by filling it with color gradients or images. And take the entire page to the next level by adding photos, galleries, math equations, charts, or more than 700 customizable shapes. Add a drop cap to make a paragraph stand out with a large, decorative first letter.
Record and edit audio clips.
Add and adjust narration, notes, and sounds for people to play in your documents on iOS and Mac.
Create a book.
From travel books to fairy tales, it’s easy to make beautiful, interactive books with image galleries, audio clips, and videos right inside Pages. Built‑in tools let you copy and paste into different projects, create links to jump to other pages, and collaborate with friends, editors, colleagues, or classmates. And when you’re done, easily share them with others or publish them to Apple Books for download or purchase.
Edit on iPad like never before.
Use Pages with Magic Keyboard, a mouse, or a trackpad for a new way to work with your documents.
Pages and
Apple Pencil.
Sketch, illustrate, and create documents to express your ideas with Apple Pencil on your iPad.
Draw and modify
Sketch your idea, then press play to watch each stroke animate onto the page.
BetaEdits that stick.
With Smart Annotation, your edits stay with the marked-up text, making it easy for you and your team to incorporate changes.
Collaborate with anyone.
Anywhere.
Work together in the same document, from across town or across the world. You can see your team’s edits as they make them — and they can watch as you make yours, too. Just select a name on the collaborator list to jump to anyone’s cursor.
Work on any document. On any device.
You don’t work in one place on just one device. Store your documents on iCloud and you can easily access them whether you’re on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad or even on the web using Pages for iCloud.
Work together in real time on documents stored on iCloud or Box.
Everyone can collaborate — whether they’re on Mac, iPad, iPhone, or a PC web browser using Pages for iCloud.
Unlock documents with a touch or a glance.
Open password-protected files in a snap with Touch ID or Face ID on compatible devices.
Microsoft Word friendly.
Teaming up with someone who uses Microsoft Word? Pages makes it simple. You can save Pages documents as Word files. Or import and edit Word documents right in Pages. Most popular Word features are supported, too. Now it’s no problem to work on the same project. Even if you use different apps.
Learn more about Microsoft Word compatibilityLearn more about Microsoft Word compatibility
More ways to do stunning work.
Numbers
Create great-looking spreadsheets. Together.
Keynote
Easily build stunning, memorable presentations.