Guide to Office for Mac: compatible versions and differences with Windows
Find out how to choose the correct Office license for your Mac, which programs are included, and how to check compatibility with your system.
The correct licenses for the Apple world
When you decide to install the Office suite on an Apple computer, the first aspect to consider concerns the nature of the license. The macOS and Windows operating systems are structurally different. For this reason, it is not possible to use a license created for Windows on a Mac computer. There are specific packages created by Microsoft especially for the macOS environment.
At the time of purchasing a license, it is essential to verify that compatibility with macOS is specified in the description. Some licenses allow installation on both systems, while others are strictly limited to only one of the two. Choosing the correct product avoids activation problems and guarantees the correct functioning of the programs.
Which programs are included on Mac
The Office suite for Mac offers almost all the main programs present in the Windows version. Those who use an Apple computer can easily work with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. These applications are optimized for the macOS graphical interface and support the typical functions of Apple computers, such as trackpad gestures.
However, there are some important exceptions to know before purchasing. Some of Microsoft's historic programs have never been developed for macOS. Among these, Access, the database management software, and Publisher, the desktop publishing application, stand out. If you absolutely need these two programs, you will have to consider alternative solutions, as you will not be able to run them natively on Mac.
File sharing between Mac and Windows
A very common doubt concerns the compatibility of documents created on different operating systems. There is no reason to worry about this aspect. A text file created with Word on Mac will open perfectly on a Windows computer, and vice versa. The same applies to Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations.
The file formats are identical and use the same standard extensions. This ensures that work can be shared with colleagues, clients, or friends without any loss of formatting or data. Collaboration on documents takes place smoothly and transparently, regardless of the computer used by the different users.
How to check the compatibility of your Mac
Before proceeding with any installation, it is necessary to check which version of the macOS operating system is present on your computer. Microsoft adopts a specific support policy for Apple computers. Typically, the Office suite only supports the three most recent versions of macOS available on the market.
To check the version installed on your computer, simply click on the apple symbol in the top left corner of the screen and select the item relating to system information. Once you have identified the name of your operating system, you can compare it with the requirements indicated in the product sheet of the Office version you wish to use. If your Mac's operating system is too old, you may need to update macOS or opt for an older version of Office.