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How to Count Words in Apple Pages For Free in 2024

January 16, 2024 1.2K views

Apple pages word count has emerged as a popular choice, yet its word count feature often leaves users puzzled and frustrated. The software's unique counting mechanism, influenced by elements such as footnotes, headers, and language settings, can seem like an enigma. By understanding these nuances, users can leverage this tool effectively in diverse writing contexts, transforming potential conflicts into seamless writing experiences.

Part 1:How to Find the Word Count Feature in Apple Pages?

Finding the word count feature in Apple Pages is a straightforward process, whether you're using a Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Here's how you can do it:

1. On Mac:

  • Open your document in Apple Pages.

Open your document


  • Click on the 'View' menu at the top of the screen.

Click on the 'View' menu


  • From the dropdown menu, select 'Show Word Count.' A small box will appear at the bottom of your document displaying the word count.

select 'Show Word Count.'


2. On iPhone:

  • Open your document in the Pages app.

Open your document


  • Tap the 'More' button (represented by three dots) at the top-right corner of the screen.

  • From the dropdown menu, tap 'Word Count.' The word count will appear at the bottom of the screen.

The word count will appear at the bottom of the screen.


3. On iPad:

  • Open your document in the Pages app.

Open your document


  • Tap the 'More' button (represented by three dots) at the top-right corner of the screen.

  • From the dropdown menu, tap 'Word Count.' The word count will appear at the bottom of the screen.

tap 'Word Count.'


Remember, the word count feature in Apple Pages also provides additional information such as the number of characters, paragraphs, and pages in your document.

Part 2:Comparison with Other Word Processing Software

Feature

Apple Pages

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Word Count Display

Bottom of document (select 'Show Word Count' from 'View' menu)

Bottom left of screen (default)

Bottom left of screen (default)

Additional Information

Character count, paragraph count, page count

Character count (with and without spaces), paragraph count, lines, pages

Character count (with and without spaces), page count

Word Count in Text Boxes, Footnotes, Endnotes

Counts words in main text and text boxes, but not in footnotes or endnotes

Counts words in main text, text boxes, footnotes, and endnotes (can be toggled on/off)

Counts words in main text and footnotes, but not in text boxes or endnotes

Shortcut

No shortcut

Ctrl+Shift+C (Cmd+Shift+C on Mac)

Ctrl+Shift+C (Cmd+Shift+C on Mac)

Accessibility

Available on Mac, iPhone, and iPad

Available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

Available on any device with internet access

Part 3:Best Alternative to Apple Pages - WPS Office

WPS Office


WPS Office stands out as a compelling alternative to Apple Pages, especially for those who prioritize versatility and cross-platform compatibility. Unlike Pages, which is exclusive to Apple devices, WPS Office offers a suite of productivity tools that are accessible on a multitude of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Its word processing component, WPS Writer, boasts a user-friendly interface, robust formatting options, and seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word documents.

Features of WPS Office

WPS Office is a comprehensive office suite that offers a range of features to cater to both personal and professional needs. Some of its notable features include:

  • Multiple Tools: Includes a word processor (WPS Writer), spreadsheet tool (WPS Spreadsheets), and presentation software (WPS Presentation).

  • Microsoft Office Compatibility: Offers high compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.

  • Free & Premium Versions: While the basic version is free, the premium version offers additional features such as PDF tools, advanced templates, and more.

  • Cloud Integration: WPS Cloud allows users to store documents online, facilitating easy sharing and collaboration.

  • Drag-and-Drop Tool: Enables users to adjust images, paragraphs, and tables by simply dragging and dropping.

  • Templates: A vast collection of templates for various purposes, from resumes to financial reports.

  • Tabbed Document Interface: Allows users to open multiple documents in a single window, making multitasking easier.

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    • Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

    • Edit PDF files with the powerful PDF toolkit.

    • Microsoft-like interface. Easy to learn. 100% Compatibility.

    • Boost your productivity with WPS's abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.

FAQs

Does the Word Count on Apple Pages include Headers and Footers?

Yes, as of the latest updates, the word count feature in Apple Pages now includes words in headers and footers.

Headers and footers in Apple Pages are areas at the top and bottom of the page where you can add dates, titles, or page numbers to every page in a document. They are typically used for consistent information that you want to appear on every page. Here's how you can use them:

Why is the Word Count Different on Apple Pages and Other Software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs?

The word count discrepancy between Apple Pages and other software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs can be attributed to several factors:

  • Headers, Footers, and Text Boxes: Apple Pages does not count words in headers and footers, while Microsoft Word and Google Docs do.

  • Non-Alphanumeric Characters: Different software may have different rules for counting words. For instance, some may count numbers or symbols as words, while others may not.

  • Footnotes and Endnotes: Microsoft Word includes words in footnotes and endnotes in its word count, while Apple Pages does not.

Summary

This guide explores the word count feature in Apple Pages, detailing its access on various devices and comparing it with Microsoft Word and Google Docs. It introduces WPS Office as a free, user-friendly alternative to Apple Pages, highlighting its compatibility with multiple platforms, extensive free templates, and supportive online academy for user skill enhancement.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.