Apple Pages is basically Apple’s version of MS Word. However, unlike the usual Microsoft Word document, which uses DO” or DOCX, Apple Pages uses the file extension PAGES to save document content, which can create a little challenge when opening the file on Windows or Android.
As an Apple user, you likely utilize Pages for all your word processing needs. Pages is Apple’s alternative to Microsoft Word and it creates files with the .pages extension.
But if you need to share those Pages files with friends or colleagues that use Windows PCs, how can they open them? Pages files use a proprietary format not readable on other platforms…or so it seems.
In this beginner’s guide, I’ll cover multiple methods to open .pages files on both Windows PCs and Macs. While Pages itself is only available on macOS, you have options to view and edit Pages documents across platforms.
What is Apple Pages?
For those unfamiliar, Pages is a word processor developed by Apple. It’s included free with all new Macs as part of the iWork productivity suite. Pages allows you to create documents containing text, images, charts, shapes, and more.
As an Apple-designed software, Pages excels at creating polished, print-ready documents. Templates help you easily format professional documents like resumes, newsletters, brochures, and more.
Pages features seamless integration with other Apple apps via iCloud. For example, you can embed numbers from Apple Keynote presentations directly in a Pages document.
Pages files use the .pages file extension. This contains all text, formatting, images, and other elements of your document. But it’s a proprietary Apple format not viewable on other platforms…or is it?
Why Can’t Windows Open .Pages Files Natively?
When you create documents, spreadsheets, or presentations on a Mac, they are saved in Apple’s proprietary file formats:
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.pages: Used by Apple Pages for word processing files.
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.numbers: Used by Apple Numbers for spreadsheets.
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.key: Used by Apple Keynote for presentations.
These formats utilize compression, optimization, and encryption to create small files. But they are incompatible with Windows apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Apple wants to promote using its ecosystem of apps across all your devices. By using proprietary formats tied to iWork, your files will only open properly in Apple apps.
There are good reasons to use Apple file formats. They offer great compatibility between Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iCloud Drive. But this closed ecosystem approach limits sharing capabilities with non-Apple users.
Save Pages Files in a Cross-Platform Format
The easiest way to ensure a Pages document opens properly on any device is exporting to a universal file format before sharing. This converts the file to a format accessible by both Mac and Windows users.
Option 1: Export Pages as PDF
Adobe PDF is the gold standard for cross-platform document sharing. All modern operating systems have built-in support for opening PDFs.
To export a Pages file as a PDF:
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Open the Pages document and select File > Export To > PDF
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Choose export options like image quality and hyperlinks
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Select the folder to save the PDF and click Save
You can now share or open the PDF on any device. The formatting will be preserved.
Option 2: Export Pages as Microsoft Word (.docx)
Since Microsoft Word is the most widely used word processor, converting Pages to Word format ensures maximum compatibility.
To export Pages as Word:
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Open the Pages document and select File > Export To > Word
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Select options like image quality and formatting
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Choose folder to save and click Save
The Pages file is now converted to a standard .docx file that can be opened by Microsoft Word on both Windows and Mac.
How to Open .pages on Windows
Suppose you receive a shared .pages file from an Apple user. What Windows options do you have to open it? Let’s explore several methods to access .pages files on a Windows PC.
Use iWork for iCloud
Apple provides a suite of free web-based apps at iCloud.com, including web versions of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. These can natively open any documents created on the Mac versions.
To open a .pages file on iWork for iCloud:
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Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID
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Click on Pages to launch the web app
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Select Open from the menu and choose your .pages file from iCloud Drive
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The document will open in web Pages for editing
This method works seamlessly if the .pages file is already on your iCloud Drive. If not, you will need to first upload the file.
Use a File Converter
There are dozens of free online file conversion tools that support converting .pages to .docx, .pdf, .rtf and other formats readable on Windows.
Here are some recommended online converters:
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CloudConvert: Supports 200+ file formats. Convert to DOC, PDF, TXT, etc.
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Zamzar: Supports 1200+ formats. Convert to PDF, DOC, ODT, RTF.
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FileZigZag: Supports 170+ formats. Output options include DOCX, PDF, HTML.
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PDFTables: Specialized for Excel to PDF conversion. Handles Numbers files.
To use these tools:
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Visit converter webpage and select your input/output formats
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Upload your .pages file from your computer
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Convert file to desired format
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Download the converted file to your PC
This method works great for occasional file conversions without installing any software. Just be wary of file size limits!
Install Apple iWork on Windows
Apple offers a paid suite of Windows apps called iWork for Windows. This includes native Windows versions of Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and GarageBand.
iWork for Windows is available on the Microsoft Store for $49.99. It allows Windows users to seamlessly open, edit, and create iWork documents natively, just like on a Mac.
With iWork on Windows, you can:
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Open any .pages file created on an Apple device
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View and edit Pages documents with full fidelity
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Utilize all Pages features like comments and tracking changes
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Save edits back in .pages format or export alternate formats
If you regularly share documents with Mac users, having official Windows ports of iWork apps is invaluable. The experience is almost identical to using iWork on macOS.
Use Third-Party Windows Apps
There are some third-party Windows apps that advertise support for opening and converting .pages files:
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TextMaker: Windows word processor that supports .pages. Costs $67.
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SoftMaker FreeOffice: Free office suite for Windows, limited .pages support.
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PagePlus X9: $70 Windows desktop publishing app, can import .pages.
I don’t recommend these options unless you already own the apps. Most offer limited functionality with .pages files compared to native iWork or web apps. You’re better off using one of the earlier methods.
How to Open .pages Files on a Mac
If you use both Mac and Windows devices, you may need to open Pages documents created on your Windows PC while on your Mac. This is straightforward to do:
Double Click in Finder
If you have Pages installed, you can open any .pages file on your Mac just by double-clicking it in Finder.
The file will automatically launch Pages and open for editing. This mimics double-clicking a Word file to open in Word for editing.
Drag and Drop to Pages
An alternative is to drag and drop the .pages file onto the Pages app icon in your Dock or Applications folder.
This triggers Pages to launch and open the document. Again, standard macOS behavior for opening documents.
Use Recent Files Menu
If you have the .pages file saved locally on your Mac, you can also use the Recent Files menu:
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Open Pages and select File > Open Recent
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Choose your .pages document from the list
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The file opens in Pages
This gives you quick access to .pages files you’ve recently opened on your Mac.
Through iCloud Drive
If your Windows PC syncs documents to iCloud Drive, you can open those files on your Mac via iCloud:
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Open Pages and select File > Open from iCloud Drive
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Navigate to All iCloud > iCloud Drive
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Select your .pages file to open it
This is an easy way to transfer files between Windows and Mac via the cloud.
Despite Apple’s proprietary approach, you’re not locked into only opening Pages documents on Apple devices. With the knowledge provided in this beginner’s guide, you can now confidently open, view, and edit .pages files across Windows 10 and macOS.
Some options like iWork for iCloud offer limited editing capabilities, while native apps like Pages on Mac or iWork for Windows provide full document fidelity. But the variety of conversion and viewing tools empowers you to access Pages files however you need.
Collaborating with a mix of Apple and Microsoft users no longer means being restricted to one platform. Share and open Pages documents seamlessly across
Can you open a PAGES file on Windows or Android?
You will either need to export your PAGES file to RTF or DOC or convert the pages file using a free online file converter or a third-party application.
Why should you use Apple Pages?
Pages is a robust word processor that comes preinstalled on almost all Apple devices, enabling users to generate visually stunning documents.
How To Open Mac .Pages File On Windows 10 | Simple & Easy {(Tutorial)}
What is the best way to open a .pages file?
To open PAGES file you need to have Apple Pages software installed on your device. Since Apple Pages is not available on Microsoft Windows computers you will need to either convert .PAGES file to a different format in Apple Pages or export it to Microsoft Office compatible format using iCloud. Same applies if you’re using a Linux computer.
What software do you need to open a .pages file?
To open PAGES file you need to have Apple Pages software installed on your device. Since Apple Pages is not available on Microsoft Windows computers you will need to either convert .PAGES file to a different format in Apple Pages or export it to Microsoft Office compatible format using iCloud. Same applies if you’re using a Linux computer.
How do I open a .pages file in Microsoft Word?
Click the icon of a cloud with an arrow. It’s at the top of Pages. You’ll be prompted to select a file. Select the Pages file and click Open. If you downloaded it from an email message, it’ll probably be in your Downloads folder. The filename should end with .pages. This will upload the file. Double-click the file in Pages to open it.
How can I open and edit a .pages file on a Windows computer?
To open a Pages file and actually be able to edit it on your Windows 10 computer, you’ll need to use a third-party app like GoogleDrive or CloudConvert to convert it. Visit SoftwareKeep’s Blog page or Help center site for more stories. What is a .pages file?
