In 2016, the Mac computer only accounted for 10% of computer use.
The most popular is Windows, who only fell below 90% of use in 2016. Windows, a subset of Microsoft, uses Microsoft Word as its primary word processor, meaning that a .pages document will leave many people unable to read your files.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the top reasons to convert a file from pages to docx, and how you can do it quickly, easily, and for free.
Read on for more information.
What is a Pages File?
A pages file is the saved version of a document that was typed up in Pages on a Mac. Pages is the Mac version of Microsoft Word, and functions as a word processor.
Despite the fact that almost all Mac computers come equipped with Pages, most Mac users still purchase Microsoft Office, which includes Microsoft Word. Or, they use the free online version that allows them to access the features without it being native to their computer.
Pages files are, in essence, extremely limited in their scope. In order for someone to read your Pages file, they must also have pages on their computer. If not, the computer will fail to open the file.
What is a DOCX File?
A DOCX file is the file extension for a newer Word document. Some of the earlier Microsoft Word documents were saved under a .DOC, though most Word applications are still able to read a .DOC file.
You can send a DOCX file to other people, who can then open it on their computer if they have Microsoft Word. If they don’t, the computer may still be able to open it, but they will be unable to edit the document.
Why Convert Pages to DOCX? It’s More Accessible
1.2 billion people use Microsoft Word. That’s a huge percentage of people who use computers. And with the majority of people being Microsoft Windows users, you’ll need something that’s more accessible.
The number one reason to convert your file is to share it with someone else. You don’t know what type of computer the person is operating on, and chances are they’ll be operating with a Windows computer.
Even if they are not operating with a Windows computer, chances are still pretty high that they’ll have Microsoft Word installed, as many Mac users are still loyal to the program.
You May Need to Open It Elsewhere
Depending on what you’re using the file for, you may need to open it somewhere that isn’t your computer. If you’re, for example, creating a document for school, you may need to go to your school’s computer lab to open the file.
In that case, many universities and high schools have Microsoft Windows computers exclusively because they’re often less expensive than Apple computers. Some schools may have Mac labs, but these labs may only be accessible to students on certain courses.
Additionally, even if the school has a Mac available to you, it will also likely still have Word on it.
Sending It to Students, Teachers or Co-Workers
If you’re taking a class in which the professor or teacher wants you to submit work electronically, it is very doubtful that they will accept a Pages document. Most teachers or professors work better with a DOCX, partially because it is more accessible.
Most teachers, or places of employment, will be uniform in the types of files they accept to make it easier for them to work with them. Unless you work with a company that solely uses Apple, it’s not very likely a teacher will request a Pages document. Even then, your teacher may ask that you use a DOCX Word document file.
Word Allows For Easier Editing Between Parties
Of course, you can edit your own documents in Pages. You can even send your documents to a friend who will then edit your document in Pages, providing they use it and are familiar with it.
But, a DOCX document is much easier to make edits on. In fact, many people use the track changes section that allows you to see the changes the person has made in red. This makes it easy and simple to accept or reject the changes as necessary.
Track changes also make your job easier if you’re editing or you’re a teacher. This way, you can very easily show your students or co-workers what needs to be changed and send it back to them.
This makes collaboration between parties a lot easier so that you can get to your goal of finishing a project, or helping a student or co-worker improve, much easier.
A DOCX document is not only more accessible, but it’s also more versatile, meaning that the features on it allow for maximum ability to come together to create exactly what you need.
Converting Your Documents
Do you need to convert your document from pages to DOCX immediately? If so, we’ve got you covered. Click here, and begin your conversion now. Our web-based program is quick, free and easy. You won’t need to download any third-party applications or do anything to compromise your computer’s safety.
You can also convert your Pages document into a wide variety of other files, including a PDF to allow for easy printing without losing the layout of the document. This is fantastic for transmitting files in which this is incredibly important.
You can also explore our blog for more information all about file conversion.