If you're working with text-based documents, Microsoft Word is pretty much the standard. But to use the software you'll usually either have to buy it outright or sign upward to a subscription.

And so, is there whatever manner to go information technology for gratis on your Mac? Technically aye, but you might be improve off with an alternative instead. In this article we walk you through your options.

Following 'How to get Word for gratis videos' on YouTube

It takes about thirty seconds to detect videos on YouTube that will show yous how to download, install and get Word (plus all the other MS Part software) up and running on your Mac for null.

These might await enticing, but the truth is that all the ones we've investigated crave some sort of series code-swell plan to be bought and downloaded to your machine. While this might seem like a victimless crime to some - Microsoft are a multi-billion-dollar visitor while the user is just a unmarried person with no money - the real victim is most likely to be you.

It's true that some hackers are chivalrous, wanting simply to gratuitous the data so that anyone tin can use it, but sadly others are most definitely not. Downloading and installing things like this on your Mac is one of the easiest ways to contract malware or spyware software that can cause havoc with your data. That's aside from the fact that you're contravening copyright, which is rather naughty.

Our advice would be to keep well abroad from these 'free' routes to Word.

Take you tried Microsoft Part Online?

If your needs are uncomplicated, and so the complimentary online version of Microsoft Word is the best choice. You lot'll demand to create a free Microsoft account, but after that you'll have access to a stripped-down version of the word processor that supports Word document formatting and tin create, edit, and salve new or existing files.

How to get Microsoft Word Free on Mac: Word Online

The one major brake is that Word Online, as the name suggests, is only available via your browser when y'all have an cyberspace connectedness. It's not going to exist something you lot'll use for heavyweight documents, merely for resumes, smaller projects, letters, reports and other bones documents information technology could well be a very useful tool.

Get a gratis month of Office365

Those who only need to use Word for a brusque menstruum - perchance to work on a project - accept the option to sign up for a month'south free trial of the full Office365 suite, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and OneDrive.

How to get Microsoft Word free on Mac: Office 365

These are all the most up-to-appointment versions of the software which normally costs £79.99/$99.99 per yr for the Habitation version that entitles users to share the apps with upward to half dozen people or £59.99/$69.99 for the Personal tier which supports a single person.

These are both likewise available on monthly subscriptions costing, respectively, £seven.99/$nine.99 or £five.99/$six.99. Alternatively, you can brand a i-off purchase for the Personal suite for £119.99/$149.99.

Gratis alternatives to Microsoft Discussion

Unless you specifically demand Microsoft Give-and-take, yous'll find that in that location are enough of corking give-and-take processors out at that place that won't cost you a penny. Whatever new Mac will come with a gratuitous copy of Apple's Pages software, which is a hugely powerful tool for creating and editing documents, and as well works well with its iOS/iPadOS analogue app.

Google Docs is a perennial favourite as the spider web-based software is complimentary and easy to employ. You won't detect incredibly advanced features like those on the full-blown Microsoft Give-and-take, but for nigh people it's all they'll ever need.

LibreOffice Author is another i that'south e'er worth checking out. The open-source software is completely free and yet offers a complete solution for those who want the functionality of MS Word. Yes, it's not quite the smooth and aesthetically pleasing experience of its inspiration, but yous can get then much washed on Author that you won't intendance.

For a roundup of other options, cheque out our Best Mac word processor roundup.

Retrieve that the iPad version of Microsoft Word is free

It's worth considering that you tin can get MS Give-and-take for costless on your iPad or iPhone. While the latter can be something of a claiming due to the screen size, iPads are an fantabulous selection if you take a Bluetooth keyboard.

It's not simply Word that's complimentary, as you can also download Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote too, with the simply limitation being that the free condition is limited to devices with screen sizes under 10.1in. Sadly, this rules out newer iPad Pros and the iPad ten.2in 2019, for case, but on smaller models it'southward a steal. For more details on this deal, read How to get complimentary Microsoft Role on iPad & iPhone.