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First introduced for Mac in 2005, Apple Pages is marketed as an easy-to-use word processor that serves as the standard desktop publishing solution. Apple Pages for iPad was released in 2010 with a handheld version that was released a year later for iPhone and iPod touch.

Over the years, Apple Pages has taken on several functions, such as more templates, inserting objects like charts, and the ability to play video and audio files straight from the document. The latest software update in September 2021 added instant translation into up to 11 languages, more collaboration tools, and more.

Apple Pages: Plans and Pricing

It wasn’t long ago that Apple started billing the iWork suite, including Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. However, as of 2017, the suite is completely free to use on multiple devices including Mac, iPhone, iPad, and the web. Also, Apple’s iMovie and GarageBand went free at the same time.

Apple Pages: Features

Word processing apps are the same in many ways. They all make it possible, for example, to write documents with fonts and page sizes of the user’s choice. Most solutions also do an impressive job of allowing end users to insert various objects such as pictures, shapes, diagrams, and others into documents.

Go beyond the interface and the unique capabilities of Apple Pages will become apparent. Four different features stand out in particular, from the long list of available templates to the conversion tools.

Since its inception over 15 years ago, Apple Pages has always been known for its beautifully designed templates. The template selection is organized into several categories, highlighting the many models including letters, stationery, resumes, and others. These templates are easy to customize and are often updated with each new app version. You can use any of these templates to start a new document or start over. It is also possible to create templates that will serve as a starting point for future documents. In fact, you can access it on any device using iCloud.

Apple’s flair for creativity isn’t just limited to its Pages templates. The app also has incredible ways to make the text your own by filling it with gradients or pictures. For a document as a whole, consider adding photos, galleries, videos, charts, audio clips, math equations, and more.

the smooth one integration between different Apple devices is another indispensable function of Pages. Whether you’re moving from Mac to iPad, web to iPhone, and more, you can rest assured that your documents will always be accessible and safe as long as they’re stored in iCloud. For example, you can start a document on your iMac at home and then make changes in the classroom on your iPad. Would you like to add an important point right away? Pick up your iPhone and make adjustments whenever you want. Thanks to the new screen display on the iPhone, the content looks perfect even on the smaller screen, which makes reading and editing very easy.

This brings us to another important feature of Apple Pages: Document sharing and collaboration. While the iWork suite has been rightly criticized by many for not being available on Windows and Android, Apple makes it amazingly easy to share content with other Apple users. For example, you can now add a Pages document to a shared iCloud Drive folder and create and share books and then have them published to Apple Books.

When sharing, turn on comments so you can see everyone’s changes. Also, add comments or reply to others to create conversation threads.

While native Pages documents can’t be opened outside of the app, over the years Apple has made it easier to convert files to other formats. This includes PDF, EPUB and yes, Microsoft Word and more. While the iWork suite has been rightly criticized by many for not being available on Windows and Android, Apple makes it amazingly easy to share content with other Apple users. For example, you can now add a Pages document to a shared iCloud Drive folder and create and share books and then have them published to Apple Books.

When sharing, turn on comments so you can see everyone’s changes. Also, add comments or reply to others to create conversation threads.

While native Pages documents can’t be opened outside of the app, over the years Apple has made it easier to convert files to other formats. This includes PDF, EPUB and yes, Microsoft Word and more.

Apple Pages: Interface and Usage

If you’re familiar with Microsoft Word, and almost certainly you are, then you’ve learned about Microsoft’s Ribbon. The ribbon offers cluttered access to everything the best-selling word processor can do and is located in the center of the app at the top. It automatically adjusts the visible tabs based on what you’re doing.

Apple Pages takes a completely different approach. Instead of a ribbon, you’ll find a somewhat blank toolbar and optional sidebars. The minimalist approach is also reflected in Apple’s Numbers and Keynote. The setup works because of the intuitiveness of everything. For example, new users will know what is likely to be discovered under the table, chart, and media links in the toolbar. Same goes for the Format link, which opens a feature-rich sidebar where you can customize the document style, layout, and more.

Apple sites: support

Apple offers iWork support through its website. You’ll also find a strong community of Pages users in the same place. Free user guides are offered on Apple Books.

Apple Pages: The Competition

In addition to Microsoft Word, there are many free and paid word processing solutions. These include LibreOffice Writer, WPS Office Free Writer, and others.

When it comes to word processing solutions, there really is nothing like Microsoft Word, which is available on multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, and Mobile. Adobe’s In Design is much more than just Pages for desktop publishing.

look at the The best free word processors and the The best word processors for tablets.

Apple Pages: Final Verdict

If you only use Apple devices and don’t need to share documents with non-Apple users, Pages might be your best solution. The user interface is intuitive and minimalist in design. Plus, the sharing features are impressive. And because it’s free, you have nothing to lose.

On the flip side, business users, including professional creatives, are having to look for better tools and greater compatibility.

We have ours too Microsoft Word Review and a full iWork review.