By installing this pack, you will get the ability to open, edit and save files that use newer formats that were introduced with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in versions 20. But if you want something that “just works” and you are a dedicated Mac user, you should find everything you need with iWork.Office Compatibility Pack is an addition to the widely popular and industry-leading productivity suites Microsoft Office 2000, Office XP, or Office 2003. You may also run into angry colleagues if you send over a Keynote file when they were expecting PowerPowerpoint, as compatibility isn’t always great between formats, particularly when it comes to things like fonts, layouts, and image sizing. The only really big downside is that it is not widely used, so support and online tutorials are far fewer.

Mac users don’t have to pay the only cost is for additional iCloud storage space if you run out of room and want to store your files there.

Like others on this list, it works with its own file formats and easily imports and exports files in the popular Microsoft Office formats like. While they are not as popular as the Microsoft and Google suites, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are great for occasional use and solo needs, particularly if you are entrenched in Apple’s ecosystem including iCloud and devices like the iPad.Īpple also offers a web-based version compatible with the latest versions of Safari, Chrome, and Internet Explorer that integrates fully with iCloud. If you own a Mac, you get an office suite included with your purchase. While it doesn’t quite do everything power users look for in programs like Excel, and there is no alternative for database program Access, there is a lot more to like than dislike and the price is right. You don’t have to pay unless you need more storage space in your online Google Drive. For non-business users, you can do everything with a free Google account. But if you do have a connection, you’ll be happy to know it works well on Android devices as well with native apps for Google’s mobile operating system.įor business users, Google Workspace starts at $6 per user per month. While Google offers offline versions through plugins with the Chrome browser, they are not always consistent or reliable. You can easily collaborate and share without downloading anything, add missing features with plugin integrations, and work with files from a variety of formats including Microsoft Office files. It works great on Windows, Mac, Linux, and any other computer with a modern web browser. The combination of Gmail, Google Docs, Google Meet, Google Chat, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Forms come together around online storage solution Google Drive as a top-notch productivity offering. The best Microsoft Office alternative for businesses is Google Workspace (formerly G suite).

Microsoft office 2008 compatibility