Excel is a popular spreadsheet software many use on Microsoft Windows devices. Apple has also developed a spreadsheet software called Numbers, which can be used on Mac and iOS devices. Excel is compatible with both Windows and Mac devices. However, Numbers is only available for Apple devices.
What is the Apple version of Excel, and how to open Numbers files in Excel? This article will help you understand the Apple version of Excel - known as Numbers.
Part 1: The Apple Version of Excel - Numbers
A spreadsheet program is used for data manipulation and analysis. Many spreadsheet software are available in the market. Apple Numbers is a popular spreadsheet program developed by Apple in 2007. It is available for all Apple devices, i.e., Mac, iPhone, iPad, etc. Numbers has a beautifully designed user interface and is popular among Apple users.
You can add illustrations, diagrams, and shapes on your iPad using Apple Pencil in Numbers. Numbers also has powerful collaborative features that help you to easily communicate with your teams and work on the same file from different devices and locations.
Part 2: Key Features of the Apple Version of Excel
Numbers - The Apple version of Excel, is a powerful and modern spreadsheet application with many features. Numbers enables users to insert impressive images and tables, draw illustrations and diagrams using Apple Pencil on iPad, create a spreadsheet from ready-to-use templates, easily record and play audio in the spreadsheet, and many more functions. Some of the key features of Numbers are listed below.
Beautifully Designed User Interface
The best feature of Numbers is its unique and stylish interface. You can find all the features and functions from easily accessible tabs and menus. Using Numbers, you can add impressive tables, charts, images, diagrams, and illustrations to the spreadsheet.
Real-time Collaboration
Numbers let you collaborate with your teams in real time. You and your team can work on the same document accessible from multiple devices simultaneously. You can quickly contact your team in Numbers using Messages and FaceTime features. Numbers also help you to stay up-to-date when people join, edit, or comment on the workbook.
Find Trends with Pivot Tables
Exploring patterns and trends is simple and attractive with the help of this robust and easy-to-use data analysis tool. Even Microsoft Excel files with pivot tables can be opened directly in Numbers. Additionally, pivot tables don't just operate on Mac; they also perform well on iPad and iPhone.
Turn Handwriting into Text
Your handwritten numbers and data will be automatically converted to typed text using Scribble for iPad and Apple Pencil. You can enter information, complete forms using Apple Pencil, and watch it transform into text immediately.
Work Smarter With New and Powerful Functions
Numbers include potent functions to make data analysis easy and quick. You can find values in columns and rows using XLOOKUP. You can also compare values and combine text with functions, including SWITCH, BITAND, CONCAT, TEXTJOIN, and more. RegEx functions provide impeccable text matching. You can quickly modify the text, match patterns in your data, and create adaptable formulas using the RegEx function in Numbers.
Part 3: Comparison with Microsoft Excel
Both Excel and Numbers are spreadsheet programs. Excel is developed by Microsoft, while Apple develops Numbers. Here is a comparison table of Apple Numbers vs. Excel.
Features |
Microsoft Excel |
Apple Numbers |
|---|---|---|
Developed By |
Microsoft in 1987 |
Apple in 2009 |
Support for different languages |
91 different languages |
31 different languages |
Functions |
400 different functions |
262 built-in functions |
Operating System support |
Windows and Mac |
Mac, and iOS |
Pricing |
Excel is part of Microsoft 365, which costs approx. $69/year |
Free on Apple devices |
Part 4: Guide to Download Excel for Apple Version on Mac
Numbers is installed on all Mac devices by default. If you are unable to find Numbers on your Mac device, you can follow the below steps.
Step 1: Visit the Mac App Store on your device.
Step 2: Click the Download button and download from the next page.
The Numbers app is free on the Mac App store, and it is available for macOS 11.0 or later.
Part 5: Best Free Alternative to Excel and Numbers - WPS Office Spreadsheet
Numbers by Apple is only available for Mac and iOS devices. Microsoft Excel is available for both Mac and Windows devices. However, it costs about $69/year. The best alternative to both these spreadsheet programs is WPS Office. It is available on Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux platforms and is free to use. WPS Office is a modern and powerful office suite with having word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, and PDF tools. WPS Office Spreadsheet is a unique and rich feature spreadsheet program.
Features of WPS Spreadsheet
Here are some of the primary and advanced features of the WPS Spreadsheet.
Free and Professional Data Analysis Tool
WPS Spreadsheet is a free and powerful data visualization and manipulation software. It includes different built-in templates to perform the tasks quickly. You can easily make visual charts and trends, get insights, and analyze personal and business finances.
Compatible with Multiple Formats
WPS Spreadsheet is compatible with all file formats of Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc, and Google Sheets. You can easily open .xls, .xlsx, .xlsm, .xlt, and .csv files using WPS Spreadsheet. You can also use WPS Spreadsheet on multiple platforms, e.g., Windows, Mac, iOS, etc.
Free Conversion Between Excel and PDF Files
You can quickly convert your Excel files to PDF using WPS Office. There is no need to use third-party software apps or online conversion tools for converting your Excel files. You can use WPS Office to increase your work efficiency.
Tabbed Viewing Interface
The tabbed viewing interface helps open multiple files in a single window. You can easily switch between different opened documents in a single window. You can also use Ctrl + Tab shortcut to switch between other tabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the disadvantages of Excel for Mac?
You cannot use some of the advanced functions and features in Excel for Mac. Excel for Mac does not include Power Pivot, quick access toolbar, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Data connections, and Page Break View features.
2. Do you need a subscription to use Excel on iPad?
You can open and view Excel files on iPad for free using Excel for iPad. However, to edit Excel files on an iPad, you will need an active Microsoft 365 subscription
3. Can I use WPS Office on a Mac device?
You can use WPS Office on Mac and iOS devices for free. You can visit the official website of WPS Office to download WPS Office for free on Mac and iOS devices.
Apple Version of Excel - Key Points
The Apple version of Excel is known as Numbers. You can easily create, open, edit, and design your spreadsheets using Numbers on Apple devices. Apple Numbers offers a unique and stylish interface with the feature of a tabbed view to switch between documents in a single window quickly. You can also create charts, trends, graphs, tables, and illustrations using Numbers. It also offers a unique feature of automatically converting your hand drawings to text.
However, Apple Numbers are only supported on Apple devices. You can use WPS Office on all platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. Create unique Excel spreadsheets using WPS Office for free by downloading it from its official website.
