2019-7-16 Currently, Microsoft Office is most popular but ih becomes more expensive in recent years. You have to pay at least $69.99 per year for a single license on Mac. And a lot of people can not afford. Is there any free Microsoft Office alternative on Mac? The Office software can be very expensive depending on what type of package you opt for. Libre Office is the Free productivity Office suite, and it was forked from Openoffice.org in 2010. So one could say that it is the best alternative to Microsoft Office. Libre Office offers a word processor, a spreadsheet, a presentation application, a drawing tool, and a database application. Today we are focusing on the best Microsoft Office replacements on Mac. Well not everyone likes MS Office and it’s apps including Power Point, Excel or even Microsoft Word so for those people, and those who simply can’t afford Microsoft Office, we have decided to list some good alternatives for those of you running on OS X.
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.
If you wish to fully adapt to the Apple or Mac Interface, and abandon even Microsoft Office altogether, then one of the great alternatives for you to make use of is the iWork Suite. For Mac users, you need not look far as this is made by Apple itself, with the iWork Suite, consisting of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote being alternatives to Word. LibreOffice Writer is on the list of the greatest free alternatives to Word, as this program can work with DOC and DOCX files. It also contains various tools that are offered by Microsoft Word. Besides, LibreOffice is compatible with different OS, including Windows, Mac and Linux. The program is great for professional writers as.
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?
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. Does microsoft programs come with mac.
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. Microsoft sans serif font for mac. 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.
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.
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.
You don't have to leave Microsoft Office if you decide to switch from PC to Mac. Microsoft has a perfectly good version of Office 365 for Mac that comes with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, and more. If you've been thinking about switching away from the Office productivity suite, there are alternatives that offer many of the features you love in Microsoft's programs, plus some features you can't get anywhere else.
iWork Suite
Apple's alternative to Office is iWork. It's the most comparable alternative to Microsoft's productivity suite, only it comes free with every Mac. The interface is different, and will take some time to get used to, but if you're really interested in kicking Office to the curb, the iWork suite is the best alternative on Mac.
If you're ready for change, and Office's user interface, design, and tools aren't burned into your psyche, get Apple's iWork suite of apps. It comes preinstalled on new Macs, but you can also find it in the Mac App Store.
- Pages - Download now
- Numbers- Download now
- Keynote - Download now
OpenOffice
OpenOffice by Apache is probably the most similar to Microsoft Office in look and design. It comes with a word processor, a spreadsheet maker, and a presentation creator, all with many of the same features their Office counterparts have. Files are saved as open document format files, so they can be opened with any document viewer, including Office apps, without needing to be converted first. The best part is that OpenOffice is completely free.
If you're looking for an alternative to Microsoft Office that looks and works pretty much exactly the same, but doesn't cost a dime, OpenOffice is for you.
LibreOffice
LibreOffice is an open source productivity suite very similar to Microsoft Office that comes with a word processor, spreadsheet maker, and presentation creator. It also includes a vector graphics editor, a math formula editor, and a database manager. Files are saved as open document format files, so you can open them with any document viewer, including Office apps, without needing to be converted first, though it does provide tools for saving a document as an Office-specific file. LibreOffice is totally free. It is very similar in design to Microsoft Office, with some minor differences in the design.
LibreOffice is a solid replacement for the Office apps and includes some useful extra programs that Office doesn't even have.
Google Docs
Google Docs is the easiest replacement for Microsoft office because it's so accessible. If you have a Gmail account, or a Google Hangouts account, or a YouTube account, you have Google Docs. Just visit the web-based app from your browser and you can create word processor documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. There is a Google Drive app you can download onto Mac so you can work offline. The changes will be made when your Mac is back online. Google Docs doesn't look at all like Microsoft Office, and has a very different user interface, but it does have many of the same, familiar features you know from Office.
The thing that makes Google Docs so useful, however, is it's real-time collaboration, which works seamlessly with multiple users. I've worked alongside a dozen other people in one document. I am able to see where everyone is within the documents and can see exactly when changes are made.
If you're looking for a very easy to use Office replacement that is ideal for working with others in real-time, you'll be pleased with Google Docs.
Office Software For Mac
What's your pick?
Do you use a Microsoft Office alternative you'd recommend to our readers that are new to Mac or just want to switch from Microsoft? Put your suggestion in the comments below and tell us why its the one you chose.
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Free Alternatives To Microsoft Office For Mac
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Without any doubt, Microsoft Office is a great package that comes with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and so many other tools. You can write your story, manage everything using Excel and create presentations using PowerPoint. If you can purchase one single package, it will offer every essential thing you need. That is a one-stop solution for any type of person. However, let’s assume that someone doesn’t want to pay that much of money every month as he/she doesn’t do much of work with those tools and he/she wants something more affordable. Therefore, check out these Microsoft Office alternatives for Mac. Not all of them come with all the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives. Sometimes, they do. But you can find single app alternatives most of the times.
Best Microsoft Office alternatives for Mac
1] Google Suite
Although this is not available as desktop software, you can still use it as the best Microsoft Office alternative for Mac. The Web version of Google Suite aka Docs, Sheets, and Slides are probably the best thing you can get for free. With tons of add-ons, options, and intuitive user interface, it has become probably the best alternative to Microsoft Office. To use all these three tools, you just need a Google account, which is common among every kind of people nowadays. You can either open different websites for different tools, or you can open your Google Drive account to access them all from one place. The best thing about this tool is you can save all your files in Google Drive and later, you can use them from any other device by signing into the same Google account. Like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps are available for mobile platforms; you can access them from mobile as well. For that, you need either Android or iOS device.
2] Microsoft Office Online
What can be better when you can use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, OneNote, for free? Apart from the paid desktop version, Microsoft offers a free Web version of those tools. Although they are not as good as the desktop version, they can fulfill your demands without any problem. Regarding available features, you cannot compare them with the desktop version. However, the user interface of those two tools is quite same. Therefore, you should not have any problem if you are about to use them for the first time. The best thing about these tools is you can edit a particular document or presentation or spreadsheet with other people. You can invite them to access your file and therefore, you can access them together. You can publish them online, download documents as a PDF, print files as you go, turn pages in a webpage and more.
3] LibreOffice
If you do not want to work online, but you want to get a desktop application that can do the job like Microsoft Word or Excel tools, here is the solution you need. Introducing LibreOffice, which is an awesome alternative to Microsoft Office package. Like Microsoft Office, you can find three tools, and they will let you create a document, spreadsheet, and presentation. The user interface of those tools is quite same as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Hence, you should not find any issue even when you are using them the first time. The best thing about these tools is you can find Google Fonts support, and that means you can find a lot more fonts than just system fonts. In the slideshow maker tool, you can create as many slides as you want. The same thing is possible with other tools as well. In case you are migrating from Microsoft Office to LibreOffice, you should know that it is completely compatible with Microsoft Office files. That means you can open various documents, PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets in those LibreOffice tools. Regarding compatibility, you should have macOS 10.8 or later version.
4] Apple iWork
iWork is a native office package for Apple computers. This package comes with three different apps, e.g., Pages, Keynote, and Numbers. The Pages app will let you create documents. The Keynote app is for making presentations, and the Numbers app will help you create spreadsheets. Like Microsoft Office 2016, you can find a lot of templates in those apps, and therefore, it would be very easy to create beautiful documents, and presentations without any problem. The best thing about these tools is you can export files to make that compatible with Microsoft Office tools. The user interface of those apps is pretty good, and you should not find any problem while utilizing them to get your work done. However, one thing might give your problem, and that is the size of those apps.
5] Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice is a free alternative to Microsoft Office package. It doesn’t matter what you want to do; you can do so with the help of OpenOffice package since it comes with six different tools, e.g., Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base, and Math. The user interface of those tools is quite same as Microsoft Office. The Calc tool looks quite same as Microsoft Excel, and the Writer app looks similar to Microsoft Word. As usual, if you have a document or spreadsheet or presentation that you created in any Microsoft Office tool and you want to open it with OpenOffice tools, you can do that without any error. Regarding compatibility, you should have macOS 10.7 or later version.
Apple Office Programs
6] Dropbox Paper
Microsoft Access Alternative For Mac
If you are a writer and you need a distraction-free alternative to Microsoft Word, you can start using Dropbox Paper, which is a free tool and you can use it with your Dropbox account. You know that Dropbox is a popular cloud storage service. This same cloud storage service has released an app called Dropbox Paper, which will let you write a document as you go. Like Google Docs and Microsoft Word Online, you can invite other people so that you can work together. The file browser window looks pretty good, and you can find all the documents based on various categories such as Recent docs, Created by me, Shared with me, Deleted, and Archived. This is meaningless to mention that you can import Microsoft Word document into this tool and keep editing that on the go. All the documents you have created are saved in your Dropbox account. Hence, you would be able to access them from any other device.