Before running out to buy Microsoft Word (or another industrial-strength and expensive) word processing program for your Mac, remember that Apple includes a respectable word processor with OS X. The program is TextEdit, and it call s the Applications folder home. Microsoft Word for Mac Word for Mac is now available. It's not a free word processor for Mac users, of course, but it's worth mentioning. So, if you do happen to be an MS Word lover, you can subscribe to Office 365 for a low monthly fee of $9.99 month.
| Version (as of 8/1/2019) | 2019 |
| Platform | |
| License | Commercial |
| Category | Productivity |
Rating: |
Software Overview
Main Features
- Industry standard, widely-used word processing program
- Support for the DOCX, DOC, and ODT formats
- Customized application workspace toolbar layouts
- Focus View for maximizing space for writing and reading documents
- Reorder Objects for rearranging layers of text, graphics, and photos
- Mail merge document generation and database integration
- Advanced macro scripting support
Microsoft Word for Mac is an industry-standard word processing program included in the Microsoft Office for Mac suite along with Excel for Mac and PowerPoint for Mac. It was originally developed for only Windows but is now available for macOS, as well.
Word is used to create documents for personal and business use, such as reports, essays, resumes, posters, brochures, and newsletters. The word processor includes basic and advanced page and text formatting capabilities. Some advanced features include a Focus view for maximizing space for writing and reading documents, coauthoring for simultaneous collaborating, and Reorder Objects for rearranging layers of text, graphics, and photos. Word saves documents in the Office Open XML .DOCX format, while still supporting the old .DOC format. The application also provides support for the OpenDocument (.ODT) format.
Once you begin creating or editing your document, the word processor gives you ribbon-style toolbars and other document authoring and styling options. The Word user interface lets you manipulate text, pictures, shapes, SmartArt, and charts included in your document. Word includes thousands of downloadable online document templates, which serve as a starting point for creating new documents. Templates are available for several types of documents, including brochures, business forms, labels, envelopes, menus, newsletters, and planners. Custom templates, which are saved as .DOTX files, can also be created for company letterheads and other types of documents that require a consistent appearance.
Word for Mac brings Microsoft Word to the macOS platform. Its word processing features, support of popular office productivity file formats, and wide use set the application apart from the rest of the pack. If you are able to afford the Office 365 annual subscription, Microsoft Word for Mac is a great solution for all of your word processing needs.
Supported File Types
Primary file extension
Other file extensions used by Microsoft Word for Mac 2019
| Supported File Types | |
|---|---|
| .BMP | Bitmap Image File |
| .CRTX | Office 2007 Chart Template File |
| .DOC | Microsoft Word Document |
| .DOC | WordPad Document |
| .DOCHTML | Microsoft Word HTML Document |
| .DOCM | Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document |
| .DOCMHTML | Microsoft Word MIME HTML Document |
| .DOT | Word Document Template |
| .DOTHTML | Microsoft Word HTML Document Template |
| .DOTM | Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document Template |
| .DOTX | Word Open XML Document Template |
| .EFTX | Office 2007 Theme Effect File |
| .GIF | Graphical Interchange Format File |
| .JPG | JPEG Image |
| .ODT | OpenDocument Text Document |
| Portable Document Format File | |
| .PICT | Picture File |
| .PNG | Portable Network Graphic |
| .PSW | Pocket Word Document |
| .PWI | Pocket Word Document |
| .RTF | Rich Text Format File |
| .TXT | Plain Text File |
| .WBK | Word Document Backup |
| Additional Related File Formats | |
|---|---|
| .BPS | Works Document Backup |
| .DIC | Dictionary File |
| .EDRWX | XPS Drawing Document |
| .EPS | Encapsulated PostScript File |
| .GLY | Word Glossary File |
| .GRA | Microsoft Graph File |
| .MHT | MHTML Web Archive |
| .MHTML | MIME HTML File |
| .OXPS | OpenXPS File |
| .RELS | Open Office XML Relationships File |
| .THMX | Office 2007 Theme File |
| .TXTRPT | CommScope Teletilt Control System Report |
| .WPF | WordPerfect Form |
| .WRI | Microsoft Write Document |
Updated: August 1, 2019
Looking for some of the Best Microsoft Word Alternatives for Mac? Well, there are so many users out there who often leave Windows and switch to the Mac environment. Even it is extremely easy to do so. Just buy a Mac Desktop and Laptop, and you are all done.
However, switching to Mac from Windows sometimes becomes a pathetic job for many. Because they are not used to the Mac environment. The experience becomes worst when you do not get your favorite applications like Microsoft Word on Mac.
No, we are not saying that you cannot get Microsoft Word on your Mac computer. Of course, you can, Just purchase Microsoft word for Mac and install it.
But yes, That is a paid task. However what if we tell you that, there are some of the best Microsoft Word Alternatives for Mac are available on the internet?
Would not you want to try them out?
Microsoft Word Editor For Mac
Of course, you will. Hence we have made a list of the Best Microsoft Word Alternatives for Mac users. So let's just go ahead and head into the topic
10 Best Microsoft Word Alternatives for Mac Users
1. Google Docs
First of all, we have Google Docs, and we are sure you have heard about it. It is one of the free Microsoft word alternatives that you can try out.
The user interface of the Google Docs looks quite similar to Microsoft Word and comes with lots of features.
The Google Docs allows you to share your docs with your co-workers and let them make changes. Also, you will be able to work offline.
Moreover, you can even import your existing Word files to Google Docs. Plus you can export Google Docs file to .doc format and use them on Microsoft Word without any issues.
Even in a few cases, Google Docs is far better than Microsoft Word. Like it offers you lot's of readymade templates for you which you can use to make your projects instant ready and so on.
2. LibreOffice
You can also try using LibreOffice for Mac. LibreOffice is one of the popular yet the best open-source office for Mac and other operating systems.
LibreOffice comes with a friendly user interface which will not take you too long to understand. Also, the best part of the software is that it is extremely lightweight compared to Microsoft Word.
Furthermore, unlike Google Docs it offers you a completely offline solution. Just download and install the application on your Mac and you are good to go.
Also, you can easily import your Microsoft Word Files to LibreOffice and get your done job. There is even an online sync feature included in the LibreOffice which lets you sync your files to Google Drive or One Drive.
However, like Google Docs, there is no collaborating feature included in the LibreOffice. But the software does have an amazing LibreOffice help forum.
3. Office Online
Just in case, if you cannot think about any other alternatives than Microsoft Word. Then you can try out the Office Online.
Office Online is similar to Google Docs, and it comes with the same user interface as Microsoft Word. This means that instead of installing Microsoft word on your Mac you are going to use it online.
You can easily import your offline docs to office online and export them. As well as you can share them with co-workers, or save it in the One Drive.
However Office Online has only limited features, and it is not as functional as the Google Docs. But as long as your main needs are to creating and editing a doc. This will definitely make your job easy.
4. Quip
If your only goal is to edit your Doc files with ease. Or you just want to create a Doc file. Then Quip can be a great option for you.
Quip is not a fully functional alternative to Microsoft Word. But it will do some of the basic jobs easily. It is an online platform something similar to Google Docs and Office online. But it does not offer too many features.
Overall, the user interface of the app is pretty amazing and user friendly. It does not have any advanced tools though, so office users may not like it.
But Quip allows you to collaborate with, and it is absolutely free to use.
5. WPS Office 2016
The WPS Office 2016 is also one of the best Microsoft office alternatives for mac. This application is completely free to use also it looks like the Microsoft Word.
Hence, as a result, you do not have to struggle in understanding how to use WPS Office 2016. With the help of this application, you will easily be able to use all the features that Microsoft Word has.
Plus you can even import Microsoft Word Files to this software and edit them. As well as files exported from WPS Office 2016 can be used on the Microsoft word.
Also, it comes with the WPS cloud which is also a free service provided by the software. The WPS cloud comes with 1GB of storage space and lets you sync your doc files.
6. ThinkFree Office
ThinkFree Office is also a best free word processor for Mac. However, this one is not free, but you can get a trail for 2 months.
Talking about the ThinkFree Office, well it looks exactly like the Microsoft Word and comes with all the features. Hence, as a result, you do not have to struggle to understand the application.
Furthermore, the app also offers a solution for your smartphone devices, or you can try out ThinkFree online. Also, the ThinkFree office is cost-effective compared to the other office solutions available in the market.
7. NeoOffice
The NeoOffice is also one of the Best Microsoft Word Alternatives for Mac that you can try out. This application is based on OpenOffice and LibreOffice which makes it the best open source office for mac.
With the help of the NeoOffice, you will be able to edit, view and save your Doc files. Also, it is completely free to use.
However, this tool lacks some of the advanced features. But as long as your main purpose is to get done with the basic jobs. The software will be the best option that you can try out.
8. Apple iWork
Why are you looking for Best Microsoft Word Alternatives for Mac?
When Apple is offering its own solution which is the Apple iWork. With the help of the iWork, you will be able to do all the task that you usually do with Microsoft Word.
It offers you a wide range of features that you can try out. Also, it offers you iCloud Integration. Moreover, iWork can easily read and edit your Microsoft word docs as well as it can export the files into Doc File.
9. ONLYOFFICE
No, we are not saying that you cannot get Microsoft Word on your Mac computer. Of course, you can, Just purchase Microsoft word for Mac and install it.
But yes, That is a paid task. However what if we tell you that, there are some of the best Microsoft Word Alternatives for Mac are available on the internet?
Would not you want to try them out?
Microsoft Word Editor For Mac
Of course, you will. Hence we have made a list of the Best Microsoft Word Alternatives for Mac users. So let's just go ahead and head into the topic
10 Best Microsoft Word Alternatives for Mac Users
1. Google Docs
First of all, we have Google Docs, and we are sure you have heard about it. It is one of the free Microsoft word alternatives that you can try out.
The user interface of the Google Docs looks quite similar to Microsoft Word and comes with lots of features.
The Google Docs allows you to share your docs with your co-workers and let them make changes. Also, you will be able to work offline.
Moreover, you can even import your existing Word files to Google Docs. Plus you can export Google Docs file to .doc format and use them on Microsoft Word without any issues.
Even in a few cases, Google Docs is far better than Microsoft Word. Like it offers you lot's of readymade templates for you which you can use to make your projects instant ready and so on.
2. LibreOffice
You can also try using LibreOffice for Mac. LibreOffice is one of the popular yet the best open-source office for Mac and other operating systems.
LibreOffice comes with a friendly user interface which will not take you too long to understand. Also, the best part of the software is that it is extremely lightweight compared to Microsoft Word.
Furthermore, unlike Google Docs it offers you a completely offline solution. Just download and install the application on your Mac and you are good to go.
Also, you can easily import your Microsoft Word Files to LibreOffice and get your done job. There is even an online sync feature included in the LibreOffice which lets you sync your files to Google Drive or One Drive.
However, like Google Docs, there is no collaborating feature included in the LibreOffice. But the software does have an amazing LibreOffice help forum.
3. Office Online
Just in case, if you cannot think about any other alternatives than Microsoft Word. Then you can try out the Office Online.
Office Online is similar to Google Docs, and it comes with the same user interface as Microsoft Word. This means that instead of installing Microsoft word on your Mac you are going to use it online.
You can easily import your offline docs to office online and export them. As well as you can share them with co-workers, or save it in the One Drive.
However Office Online has only limited features, and it is not as functional as the Google Docs. But as long as your main needs are to creating and editing a doc. This will definitely make your job easy.
4. Quip
If your only goal is to edit your Doc files with ease. Or you just want to create a Doc file. Then Quip can be a great option for you.
Quip is not a fully functional alternative to Microsoft Word. But it will do some of the basic jobs easily. It is an online platform something similar to Google Docs and Office online. But it does not offer too many features.
Overall, the user interface of the app is pretty amazing and user friendly. It does not have any advanced tools though, so office users may not like it.
But Quip allows you to collaborate with, and it is absolutely free to use.
5. WPS Office 2016
The WPS Office 2016 is also one of the best Microsoft office alternatives for mac. This application is completely free to use also it looks like the Microsoft Word.
Hence, as a result, you do not have to struggle in understanding how to use WPS Office 2016. With the help of this application, you will easily be able to use all the features that Microsoft Word has.
Plus you can even import Microsoft Word Files to this software and edit them. As well as files exported from WPS Office 2016 can be used on the Microsoft word.
Also, it comes with the WPS cloud which is also a free service provided by the software. The WPS cloud comes with 1GB of storage space and lets you sync your doc files.
6. ThinkFree Office
ThinkFree Office is also a best free word processor for Mac. However, this one is not free, but you can get a trail for 2 months.
Talking about the ThinkFree Office, well it looks exactly like the Microsoft Word and comes with all the features. Hence, as a result, you do not have to struggle to understand the application.
Furthermore, the app also offers a solution for your smartphone devices, or you can try out ThinkFree online. Also, the ThinkFree office is cost-effective compared to the other office solutions available in the market.
7. NeoOffice
The NeoOffice is also one of the Best Microsoft Word Alternatives for Mac that you can try out. This application is based on OpenOffice and LibreOffice which makes it the best open source office for mac.
With the help of the NeoOffice, you will be able to edit, view and save your Doc files. Also, it is completely free to use.
However, this tool lacks some of the advanced features. But as long as your main purpose is to get done with the basic jobs. The software will be the best option that you can try out.
8. Apple iWork
Why are you looking for Best Microsoft Word Alternatives for Mac?
When Apple is offering its own solution which is the Apple iWork. With the help of the iWork, you will be able to do all the task that you usually do with Microsoft Word.
It offers you a wide range of features that you can try out. Also, it offers you iCloud Integration. Moreover, iWork can easily read and edit your Microsoft word docs as well as it can export the files into Doc File.
9. ONLYOFFICE
The ONLYOFFICE is another open source office for mac that you can try out. The application is free to download and use.However, the ONLYOFFICE is made for the Bussiness users who basically deals with SAAS application. But it can also be used for basic jobs.
Moreover, the ONLYOFFICE has some limited features which let you edit, view and do some other jobs. Plus you will get the cloud option.
Buy Microsoft Word For Mac
10. ZOHO
In the end, we have the Zoho. This one is also one of the Best Microsoft Word Alternatives for Mac. However, this application is completely cloud-based and made for the SAAS applications. Also, most of the features of the platform are paid.
With the help of the Zoho, you will be able to do all the basic jobs easily. As well as it offers you lots of other features that you can to get done with your job.
Word Program For Mac Free
So that was all for the Best Microsoft Word Alternatives for Mac. Now it's your call to go ahead and have a look at these alternatives Microsoft Office and see which one is working the best. Also for any questions, feel free to comment below.
