I use a lot of software, and as a programmer myself, I totally understand the need for programmers to make a living from their work. But, I don't like the new trend toward subscription-based software. I prefer to purchase software and use it until it no longer works (due to operating system upgrades usually) or there is some new feature that I need or want. At that time, I will willingly pay for an upgrade. Some people obviously disagree with me. I like it when software companies offer both options - outright purchase and subscriptions.
Microsoft Word, one of the most popular programs to create, view, edit, share, and manage Word documents, is available for your Mac device. With a simple and clean interface, the program lets you manage everything easily and quickly. Whether you’re a student, journalist, blogger, columnist, writer, or project manager, you'll find Microsoft Word will be an excellent choice. So is Microsoft Word for Mac free? But you can get a lot of the same features from MS Word online, sign up for the Microsoft Word free trial, take a look at Google Docs or LibreOffice Writer, and use Microsoft Word free on iPad. Even better, give a wealth of more specialized apps a try.
When my copy of Microsoft Word 2007 continually crashed in Windows 10, I began looking for alternatives. I've listed eight programs below that I looked at, in my order of preference. LibreOffice Writer and SmartEdit Writer are programs I personally use on nearly a daily basis.
LibreOffice Writer
- Totally Free
- Full-featured word processor
- Fully compatible with Word formats - can read and write both .doc and .docx files
- Provides for collaboration using the Track Changes and Comments features
- You must download the entire suite of products, Writer is not available separately
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux
SmartEdit Writer
This isn't your typical word processing software. It's kind of a cross between a word processor and notes application. Aimed primarily at authors and creative writers, I use it for a variety of purposes myself and believe it has a wider range of users, including: bloggers, students taking class notes or researching and writing reports or other written assignments, teachers organizing material for courses, etc.
SoftMaker FreeOffice/TextMaker
- I had to register on their website in order to download the program. A software key was sent to the registration email address. An internet connection was required to unlock the software using that key.
- TextMaker is the word processing component of this suite. There are limitations on the free version as listed on their website, but it's suitable for basic needs. And the purchased version makes a nice replacement for Word.
- Has subscription-based or outright purchase options.
- Free version can open and save .docx files, but can only open .doc files
- TextMaker does not use document tabs in the free version, the documents open in separate windows. A tabbed interface is available in the paid versions - a handy feature if you work with multiple documents..
- Developed in Germany
- Works on: Windows, Linux, Mac (however no free version for the Mac)
Zoho Docs
- Zoho offers many applications, including Zoho Docs, an online word processor similar to Google Docs.
- The free version is very generous with its features.
- Some free features: up to 25 invited collaborators, desktop synchronization, 5GB storage space with 1GB file upload limit, and more...
- Zoho Docs is primarily an online service, however it is possible to work offline as well. Changes made while offline, sync automatically the next time you connect to the internet
- Works on: All OS - through web interface
OpenOffice
- Another free, open source application suite
- LibreOffice branched off from OpenOffice
- The interface of LO and OO are so similar, that if you know one, you shouldn't have any trouble using the other
- Currently, LibreOffice is more actively developed. As of this writing, the last OpenOffice update was 8 months ago, while LibreOffice had an update 2 weeks ago.
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Linux
OnlyOffice
- OnlyOffice primarily offers online software, however they do have a free desktop version. It has a nice, modern interface. I tried using it for a while. Once, for no apparent reason, the entire white editing window turned black, and the program froze on me. The file I was editing wasn't damaged, although unsaved changes were lost. I don't know if that was just a fluke or what.
- OnlyOffice also includes spreadsheet and presentations
- U.S. and Latvia offices
- Works on: Windows, Linux, Mac
WPS Office 2016 Free
- Like LibreOffice, this is also a suite. The Word Processor, also called Writer, is one component. Others include Presentations and Spreadsheet.
- The free version displays small ads
- Two additional levels (which remove the ads and offer more features) are paid upgrades
- WPS has a nice, sleek interface and allows multiple documents to be opened in tabs rather than separate windows
- * WPS Office Software is based in California, however the product was initially developed in China. WPS is still a subsidiary of Kingsoft Corp with headquarters in China. In an age of concern about internet privacy, spying, etc. I wanted to include that info. Some users have complained of suspicious activity after installing the software. It's enough to make me not want to use it. It's a shame, because it does appear to be nice software.
- Works on: Windows, Linux, IOS, Android
Google Docs
- Google Docs is certainly a capable, widely-used option. I'm just not personally a Google fan, so I prefer to use the similar product, Zoho Docs.
- You must be online and have a Google account to use
- It works with Google Drive cloud storage
- You may invite others to view, comment, or collaborate on a document
- Integrates with Google Slides and Sheets
- Full integration with other Google products is only available through G Suite, a monthly subscription
- Works on: All OS - through web interface
/Mac Tips /Top 10 Word Processors for Mac in 2021 (Free & Paid)
The majority of the reasons why people purchase a Machine whether it’s windows or Mac, that’s because work or school-related you might be confused to choose from a lot of options. And that’s why we have the list of top Word processor for Mac to guide you. There are paid applications and some you can download for free. We will also show its features and benefits and all you have to do is to select what’s best for your needs
Article GuidePart 1. Is There a Free Word Processor for Mac?Part 2. Best Paid Word Processors for MacPart 3. Bonus Tips: How to Deal with Your Messy Word DocumentsPart 4. Conclusion
Part 1. Is There a Free Word Processor for Mac?
LibreOffice Writer
This word processor for Mac tool offers features what Microsoft office has. You can use it in almost all document files that you may need like .docx and .doc that is what makes them more accessible.
Wizards permit you to immediately set up notices and letters. It also has styling tools and formatting. What's cool about it has a prediction text feature it makes suggestions as you go along in typing. Its tools could also help you to make indexes and tables of contents for lengthy writing. Its website also contains a template that is available for download if you would like to add some tools on this writer you can just visit their website.
LibreOffice comes up short on the clean of Office 2019 and doesn't have similar highlights to permit you to effectively take a shot at archives on an iOS gadget just as your Mac. Be that as it may, as a free application pretty much it's a good application to use.
Google Documents
Google spearheaded the electronic application technique for working, so you can take your work at any time and anywhere as long as you have a Machine and internet connectivity. It's a nice alternative for taking a shot at documents all alone, with the principal advantage being that you can chip away at them any place you're signed in to your Google account, be it on your own Mac, an iOS gadget, or anyplace you approach an internet browser.
Multiple users can also access the document since you can share it with them, but of course, you have to allow permission to have access to a particular user. It is anything but an instrument we'd decide for writing however as a method for sharing thoughts, making records and reports, drawing up records, or sharing content utilized by various individuals from a group - state, standard duplicate for stories on a site, or posts on a blog - it's magnificent, particularly as staying up with the latest is so natural.
Pages
Every innovation the goal is to make your writing look extraordinary as it has been tied in with giving you incredible composing instruments. The most recent form, notwithstanding, is an exceptionally capable composing application without a doubt. Just as help for advances, for example, Force Touch and Split View on MacBook. Pages make exchanging among macOS and iOS as simple as it could be. The utilization of iCloud as a capacity for records implies you can take a shot at them any place you have a Mac, iOS gadget, or access to an internet browser.
Be that as it may, what separates Pages from others is its help for Handoff, which means you don't need to spare and close a report on one gadget before shifting forward. There are numerous augmentations to Pages in late forms, the one that did not change is their powerful templates that are very easy to use. They made it more accessible through you can insert images from your photo library or in any location on your Mac. You can also customize the color schemes or fonts that are in the template.
Pages is a completely included, current word processor for Mac tool, what really makes it good it is actually for free.
Part 2. Best Paid Word Processors for Mac
MS Word 2019
This is the most popular word processor for Mac so far; Microsoft has already proven its competency for a long time. They get to innovate applications and tools that they have a reason behind they already have a version for 2019. Through continuous innovation MS Word with its wide-ranged capability, you can use it whether you are just doing a simple letter construction up until you can even use it as a reporting material since it has charts and graphical representation capability.
One of its newest update that it has Smart Look Up in a way that it's connected to the internet. For example, you are reading a document and there are words that are jargon for you, you can select those words or phrases and get a better understanding through the internet which word can do for you automatically. Also, the 2019 package includes Translator in which it can translate different languages, plus you can customize the texts on how you would like your screen to look like. The coolest thing is that since Microsoft already launched the Microsoft Office 365 you can access and work on your files via web browser even you are in your iOS version.
The range of the cost can go from $6.99/per month or $69.99/per year, MS Home and Student package that has PowerPoint and Excel can cost $149.00/per year, though we highly recommend for you to get Microsoft Office 365.
iA Writer
If you are passionate about writing, or the nature of your work is mainly on writing then you might like this word processor for Mac application. This was launched back in 2010 and was created for iPad, then they launched the next versions also included with Windows, Mac, and Android, the most recent application is already the Third Generation released and had about three updates.
It will allow you to focus on what you are writing due to some of its features are when you start writing the toolbar or menu bars will disappear though it looks very minimalistic since its goal is for you to enjoy writing. The background of the app is colored light-gray, single-spaced, and a cursor. Has also the capability to do some color coding when you use adjectives, nouns, verbs, and adverbs also conjunctions.
It can cost you $29.99 but it’s a one-time payment only.
Byword
This is another minimalist word processing tool, its main feature is its utilizing Markdown to help you create an internet-friendly content, some of the ad ins can be cross-references, tables, and footnotes. Other features include full-screen, Handoff, and Split View. It can also be connected to your iCloud storage directly to save your files using their App.
This word processor for Mac tool also works like an old school typewriter in which the text scrolls whenever you write it makes you see the passage that you are typing. It has a connection with WordPress, Blogger, Evernote, and Tumblr in which whatever you write can be published directly.
It's more affordable and you can get it for $10.99, if your works are mostly online then this could be a fair deal for you.
Scrivener
If you write novels or screenplays, also do some blogging then you might like this word processor for Mac application, people who are in the same industry are using Scrivener. About 7 years ago they launched this for free with paid upgrades, then it became successful that’s why they integrate the application and made it a paid app. It has a lot of templates that you can use whether you choose to write short stories, poetry, and screenplays. It helps you organize your writings as well due to it has a collection of your documents and sub-documents, it also has resources for your research.
Scrivener has a dual-screen option, wherein you can write on one of the screens and the other screen could be your sources or references. You can make a summary for records just as including watchwords and other metadata. Another board permits you to include references and another makes it direct to take a preview of an archive and move back to it later, on the off chance that you need.
When you're prepared, the Compile highlight makes it simple to pull all the archives and sub-reports in an undertaking together prepared for printing or fare, including to the Kindle eBook group. There's likewise an iOS rendition, as well, so you can make in a hurry.
You can get this word processor for Mac application for $45.00.
Ulysses
In the event that Scrivener is too much for your writing needs, Ulysses offers a less difficult alternative. It joins components of iA Writer, for example, Markdown backing and uninterrupted writing, with a record library like that in Scrivener. What's more, it has an iOS application, so you can swap effectively among iOS and MacOS when you're writing a document.
Though in Scrivener, you make another file for each document you are doing. Ulysses works somewhat in an unexpected way. Its interface looks similar to macOS's Finder and, similar to the Finder it gives access to every one of your documents, however from inside the application. You can adjust the brightness of the screen automatically since its built-in, for instance, shading palettes. Ulysses has a typewriter looking over mode like those in Byword and iA Writer and furthermore has a part screen see like the one in Scrivener.
Though this word processor for Mac app just had minimal updates since it was launched but improved with new capabilities every update.
The cost is $4.99/per month or $39.99/per year.
Slugline
The Mac has a few decent screenwriting applications; however, the default decision has consistently been the Final Draft. At a fifth of the cost of Final Draft, Slugline has bounty to offer. It's intensely centered around composing and utilizing the keyboard, instead of using a mouse, to design for your content.
Along these lines, for instance, type a name and it's shown in capital letters, and the content designed for scripts. You may start another scene by composing INT. or on the other hand EXT. also, Slugline knows you're going to compose activity. Organizing is additionally utilizing keyboard one reference bullet either side emphasizes content, two and the content is made strong. You can insert notes to contents, make traces, and cover-up, instead of erasing pieces of duplicate.
Slugline records are spared as plain content so you can chip away at them on a word processor on any stage. Also, when you're prepared to send out, you make a PDF fit to be shared or printed.
The cost of this word processor for Mac app is $39.99.
Blogo
It is a good application in the event that you need to draft blog entries on your Mac and submit it to the web straight. It has the advantage of closely resembling an advanced Mac application on account of its plan and is likewise accessible for iOS with help for Handoff. You can utilize Blogo with self-facilitated or Wordpress.com websites, just as with Blogger and Medium. It helps Markdown for composing and altering, however, you can likewise work in rich content. On the off chance that you like, be that as it may, you can utilize the inline HTML mode.
There's a fundamental picture editorial manager worked in and the Preview permits you to perceive how your post will look when you present it on your blog. You can plan posts and a program augmentation makes it simple to include web content posts. The essential rendition, which is all that numerous clients will require, is free of charge. A membership-based Pro form is likewise accessible, and that includes support for numerous web journals and highlights like adjusting drafts with Evernote and directing remarks.
Its cost is also minimal you can get it for $2.99/per month or $24.49/per year.
Part 3. Bonus Tips: How to Deal with Your Messy Word Documents
If you are working on a lot of articles, documents or projects there is always a possibility that you’ll have numerous drafts, and some of the unusable files you tend to forget to clean up your storage. Especially when you write or work on such big documents it could take up space on your storage.
When your system's performance becomes slower it might affect the cool features of the writing app that you are using let’s say the predictive text might not work due to a slow computer. It's always best to have iMyMac PowerMyMac handy to help you get rid of large files that you no longer need.
How to Use iMyMac PowerMyMac
- Visit our website imymac.com then download and launch iMyMac PowerMyMac
- On the left side of the screen select on Master Scan or Large & Old Files
- Press Scan then it will display all of the files that are trash on your system, then select on the ones that you want to remove
- At the bottom right of the screen click on the Clean button
- It will display the amount of storage that was cleaned and the remaining storage of your Mac
Part 4. Conclusion
It is indeed always important to have a word processor for Mac, and its best to consider first if it will cost you or if it's for free. If your nature of work is writing then its very good to invest in great writing platforms which could really help you and work as an assistant, but if you just needed for simple documents then you can get the free ones.
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