I would love to use the default program instead of purchasing MS office, but im having a hard time finding out if Pages can create word documents?
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Can pages create word docs in .doc or .docx files?
- Thread starter Pineapples23
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I just checked in the export options for pages and you can export as either .doc or .docx which can be opened by word. It's been a while since I've used that feature, but unless there have been major improvements if you are using it for anything where formatting is important make sure you open it in word before turning it in to make sure that the formatting came through correctly as it used to mess it up a lot.
I have tried to use Pages to import, read, write and export Word documents that are going back to Word. It works very poorly unless you are dealing with a document that is nothing more than ASCII text. 
Since this was for my job, and I couldn't afford to be wrecking documents that were being worked on with other people, I bought MS Office for Mac.
Since this was for my job, and I couldn't afford to be wrecking documents that were being worked on with other people, I bought MS Office for Mac.I have tried to use Pages to import, read, write and export Word documents that are going back to Word. It works very poorly unless you are dealing with a document that is nothing more than ASCII text.
Its not that bad anymore, but if you need pixel precision and very advanced markup, Office will be better.
If he's using Pages for standalone documents, I agree that Pages isn't a bad choice. If he has to interact with people using Word documents, Pages is a disaster. Re-reading the OP, it's not clear what his needs are.
You're right. I wasn't phrasing it accurately. I do need to interact with other ppl with word document. I open a word document and make changes and try to save, and it keeps savign in .pages format.
You need to use the export function. Honestly though, if collaboration with Office users is your main goal then Pages is only recommended for simple documents. Anything more advanced, especially with images and tables, will be a headache. Even on relatively simple documents, Pages can make slight changes to the structure of the document and will thus be the program that causes the problems, if there are any. It’s a tough pill to swallow (I dislike Office for Mac too), but at least there’s hope for a much improved Office 2015/2016.
You have to go through the export function. I don't think there is any way to make it automatically save to word. And for your uses I would really recommend just going with word to make things more compatible.
If you find a way to open a Word document, make changes, then export it with all of the original Word styles and formatting intact and with track changes showing, let me know. I have not been able to make that work. As I said, it's for my job. Buying Word was an annoyance but it beats he77 out of losing clients or getting fired.
I found out how poor Pages is with export to Word very recently. I spent ages crafting a table with various text, saved it as a template, used it for real to make a time sheet up and exported to word for email to work.
None of the text in the table part was reproduced and formatting was Crap.
As an aside I foolishly thought Apple Support forum was for support and advice from other users and after I had the temerity to post asking for advice, I got a couple replies back slagging pages in general and me for posting on a support forum!
Anyway, I ended up exporting it to PDF which it did perfectly, but Pages is entirely unsuitable I'm afraid. I'll retry Libreoffice which manages doc and docx files much better, and means I can avoid using Parallels. Failing that it's Parallels and Office proper, I'm afraid.
None of the text in the table part was reproduced and formatting was Crap.
As an aside I foolishly thought Apple Support forum was for support and advice from other users and after I had the temerity to post asking for advice, I got a couple replies back slagging pages in general and me for posting on a support forum!
Anyway, I ended up exporting it to PDF which it did perfectly, but Pages is entirely unsuitable I'm afraid. I'll retry Libreoffice which manages doc and docx files much better, and means I can avoid using Parallels. Failing that it's Parallels and Office proper, I'm afraid.
Have you not thought of office for mac? I've never had any issues going between it and the windows version.
Thanks,yes it's on my list of software to buy, but I'm prioritizing photographic stuff at the moment. I have a licensed copy of windows 8.1 pro and Office too, so the Parallels route is the obvious stop gap.
My hope is to use Mac software as much as possible and I had hoped Pages would be sufficient for my needs. Not the case sadly.
As already said, if you NEED pixel perfect Word presentation then Office is the only way to go. For others that may read the thread, you can all log into Pages online and do true collaborative work, plus you can print from there as well ensuring your document looks pixel perfect.
Check out some features:
https://www.apple.com/iwork-for-icloud/