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Why isn't Pages compatible with Word as promised?

When I export Pages documents to Word, Microsoft Office users get the message that the file "cannot be opened because there are problems with the content" and under Details, "Microsoft Office cannot open this file because some parts are missing or invalid."


I thought the whole point with Pages, etc. was that they're compatible between Macs and PCs. If that wasn't the point, then it oughtta be.


Thanks for any help,



Dave

Pages-OTHER, Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Jul 5, 2012 10:40 AM

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Posted on Jul 5, 2012 10:49 AM

I don't think Apple gives such compatibility anywhere near the same priority you do. You can tell them what you think via


http://www.apple.com/feedback/pages.html


and in the meantime use apps specifically designed to clone MS stuff, like MS Word for Mac and Open/LibreOffice.

3 replies

Jul 5, 2012 11:02 AM in response to Tom Gewecke

It's just that when I got 10.7.4 I balked at having to buy a new version of Microsoft Office. I balk at buying Microsoft anything. I believe they told me at the Apple store that I just had to buy Pages, Numbers and Keynote and I wouldn't have to bother with the nasty Microsoft programs they were made to compete with.


I'm really reacting out of my firm policy to use Apple products. It seems to me they'd give top priority to compatability. They know they aren't ever going to rule the world, so why not undermine the Microsoft products for Mac users? (Don't really answer that last question.) (Please.)



Dave

Jul 5, 2012 3:10 PM in response to daveshelton

Apple has exagerated the compatibility, it is mostly compatible but both Pages and Word have features the other doesn't. Stay away from Pages fancier features and you should be OK.


TextEdit is almost totally compatible as are several other applications including the free LibreOffice, OpenOffice and NeoOffice.


Apple's relations with Microsoft are complicated, they compete but co-operate at a strained level. Apple does not want to totally eliminate Microsoft from the Mac as it comforts many switchers to know they can have MsOffice should they choose.


Peter

Why isn't Pages compatible with Word as promised?

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