Working with a top-class document processor like Microsoft Word is an amazing experience for a writer like myself. However, this stalwart tool does not come without its hassles, like figuring out how to save Word documents on Mac.
Instances where your Word documents end up in OneDrive without your consent can be annoying, to say the least. Luckily for you, this guide will demystify the downloading process and allow you to store Word documents on Mac easily.
Step 1: App Choosing
To learn how to download a Word document on Mac for free, you must first cross the bridge of choosing the ideal word processor. For Mac users, there's a plethora of available options, such as Pages, WPS Office, and Microsoft Word.
Since Pages is Apple's original word processor (app) and Apple produces the Mac brand, it's only fair that I start with Apple's Pages.
Pages
Pages is a powerful word processor that comes with Apple devices, including Mac, and lets you create stunning documents. Whether you write for fun or create Word documents for professional purposes, Pages has something to offer you – only if you use an Apple device.
Its interactive and user-friendly interface, creative modern tools, and collaboration feature are among Pages' strongholds, making it one of the most popular word processors available.
Key features:
Easy-to-use interface.
A comprehensive set of formatting options.
Availability of a variety of pre-designed templates.
Seamless integration with other Apple devices.
Safe, fast, and effective collaboration with other users on all documents.
Pricing:
As aforementioned, Pages is a built-in package for Mac and Apple users, so it is incredibly affordable. At its inception, Apple charged users certain amounts to access Pages; however, since 2017, the suite has been entirely free to use across multiple Apple devices, including Mac.
Suitability for Different Users:
Pages is a versatile tool that caters to a wide range of users. Essentially, if you operate an Apple device, Pages is among the best word processors you can dream of.
Casual writers, students, and professionals alike can use this tool anytime. The only condition is that you must operate an Apple device. Nonetheless, we think Mac users are those who can harness Pages' best potential, thanks to their device's sophistication.
WPS Office
A product of Kingsoft Office, WPS Office is a "freemium" office suite that offers a variety of productivity tools, including a word processor. Now, the beautiful thing about WPS Office is that, despite housing a perfect word processor tool, it also incorporates other tools like a spreadsheet editor, PDF reader, and presentation maker—to say the least!
Key Features:
Free version with essential features.
Compatibility with numerous platforms (e.g., Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS)
User-friendly interface.
Diverse file formats
Rich formatting options.
Pricing:
Personally, I love this tool for its affordability. The truth remains that you can create professional Word documents and presentations with the free version of the WPS Office because you have access to the essential features. However, if you need the premium version, you can get it at an affordable rate between $20 and $30 per year.
Suitability for Different Users:
The answer to the question of suitability regarding WPS Office is simple: It's perfect for all! Regardless of your device's operating system, editing purposes, file format, or, most importantly, budget, WPS Office is ideal for you.
Whether you're a student, business person, or home user, I strongly recommend this tool if you need a professional word processor at a cheaper rate.
How to Download the WPS Office Suite on Mac:
Step 1: Visit the WPS office website at https://www.wps.com/.
Step 2: Click the "Free Download" button and choose the Mac version. Click "Download".
Step 3: After the download, open the installer and follow all prompt instructions to install the app on your device.
Microsoft Word
Many believe that Microsoft Word's functionality led to the creation of the term "word processor." That is to say that MS Word has long been the go-to word processor for billions of users worldwide.
MS Word has many sophisticated features, high compatibility with numerous devices, including Mac, and a user-friendly interface, among other perks.
Key Features:
Comprehensive word processing tools.
Rich formatting options.
Real-time collaboration and easy file-sharing features.
Seamless integration with other MS applications.
Crisp UI.
Pricing:
The pricing for Microsoft Word starts at $5.00 per user per month. Microsoft Word has 7 different plans:
Business Basic [$5.00/month].
Personal (For Home) [$5.83/month].
Apps [$8.25/month].
Family (For Home) [$8.33/month]
Business Standard at [$12.50/month].
Business Premium at [$20.00/month].
Office Home & Student 2019 (For Home) [$149.99].
Suitability for Different Users:
MS Word is ideal for a vast majority of users worldwide. In summary, Word creates astounding results! However, if you're a student or have a tight budget, I recommend you try a different app (preferably WPS Office) because MS Word does not offer a free plan.
How to Download Microsoft Word on Mac:
Step 1: Visit the Microsoft Office website at https://www.office.com/.
Step 2: Create a Microsoft account if you have any.
Step 3: Click Download MS Word for Mac.
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Step 4: Install the application to your preferred destination folder once the download ends.
Step 2: Open and Edit Your Word Document on Mac
Once you've chosen the best Mac Word processor, you can move on to the next step. This stage is crucial to understanding how to download Word documents on a Mac instead of one drive—because there won't be anything to save without editing.
Therefore, we'd learn the diverse ways to open a Word Document and get acquainted with MS Word editing tools. So sit back and understand these easy steps to open and edit your Word document. To aid your understanding, we will focus on opening and editing Word documents on Mac using both the WPS Office Suite and MS Office.
Opening a Word document on WPS Office
Step 1: Launch the WPS Office application on your desktop.
Step 2: Click the "Home" tab in the top menu bar.
Step 3: In the Home tab, select the "Open" button
Step 4: Navigate to the Word document that you want to open
Step 5: Double-click on the document to open.
How to Edit a Word Document in WPS Office
The point of all editing is to be able to use the available tools on WPS Office to create your perfect Word document. So, in this section, I will explain the basics of the most common editing tasks in WPS Office;
Making Text Changes: To edit the text, you can:
Click and drag your cursor over a word or sentence to highlight it. Highlighting a text makes it easier to edit all the texts at once rather than individually.
Use keyboard shortcuts to edit the text. The basic keyboard shortcuts for editing texts include Command+C (Copy), Command+X (Cut), Command+V (Paste), Command+Z (Undo), and Command+Y (Redo).
Formatting: You can access the formatting options in the toolbar to change font styles, alignments, colors, and other formatting elements.
You can also use the Insert option to add images, shapes, and charts to your document.
WPS Office also has numerous templates for editing Word documents. These templates will help you create professional Word documents within seconds!
Opening Word document in Microsoft Word
Step 1: Launch the MS Word app.
Step 2: Click on the "File" option in the top menu bar.
Step 3: Select the "Open" option from the file menu.
Step 4: Navigate to the Word document that you want to open.
Step 5: Double-click on the document to open.
How to Edit a Word Document in Microsoft Word
Like in WPS Office, you can make text changes to your document in MS Word using the available options on the toolbar and keyboard shortcuts.
Apply formatting elements to the document.
The Insert option is always available for you to add images, charts, and shapes to your Word document.
MS Word has templates for creating and editing Word documents. Microsoft Word templates give you a one-touch outline for all kinds of written documents.
Step 3: Save Your Word Document
Imagine going through all the processes and steps stated above only to end up unable to save your masterpiece, or maybe the file saved in OneDrive rather than your preferred location. Ouch, right?
Fear not, for we have gotten thus far, and it is time to reveal how to download Word documents on Mac for students, professionals, and other Mac users worldwide with two easy methods.
Method 1: Use the File Menu
Step 1: Access and click the "File" menu at the top of your Word application.
Step 2: Select "Save".
Step 3: A dialogue box will appear where you must enter the name of your Word document in the name field.
Step 4: Then click the "Where" drop-down to select your preferred destination for the file.
Step 5: Click "Save" to finalize the download process.
Method 2: Use Keyboard Shortcut Keys
Step 1: On your keyboard, simultaneously press the Command+S keys. It opens a Save File menu.
Step 2: Enter your file name in the "Name" box.
Step 3: Click the "Where" drop-down menu and choose your preferred location to save the file.
FAQs
Why Can't I Save My Word Document on Mac?
If your Word file isn't saving on your Mac device, you may be having the following issues: poor connectivity, low storage, or having the same Word account logged in on multiple devices.
How Do I Download Word Documents As PDFs?
You can use MS Office or WPS Office Suite to convert Word files into other formats. Also, while trying to save the file, select PDF as the file format.
Summary
In this article, we have learned how to open, edit, and download Word documents in three easy steps. Also, we addressed the two easy methods of downloading Word documents on your Mac device. After choosing the ideal application/word processor, you can open and edit the file, then download the file to your preferred location on the Mac device.
My pro advice for Mac users searching for the perfect word processor to edit their written documents is that you should try the WPS Office suite. It offers the best documenting services for free, is compatible with several devices, and can open, share, and edit files in all formats. Get yourself a copy of the WPS Office suite today!
