How to download and install Pages on Mac
Pages is Apple’s free word processor, and it comes only from the Mac App Store. New Macs usually have it already. Here is how to install Pages or get it back after deleting it, and what to do on an older Mac.
Pages
- macOS 26 for the latest version
- Free
- Extras with Apple Creator Studio
The links go to the developer’s website (apps.apple.com). MacWashing is not affiliated with the developer and keeps no installers.
Before you download
Look in Applications first: Pages often comes installed on new Macs. The latest version needs macOS 26. On an older Mac, the App Store may offer the last version of Pages that works on your system.
Pages is made by Apple and comes only from the Mac App Store. Apps with a similar name on other websites are not Apple’s.
How to install Pages
- Open the App Store and search for Pages, or open its page with the button on this page. Check that the developer is Apple.
- Click Get, then Install. If you had Pages before, the button is a cloud icon instead. Sign in with your Apple Account if asked.
- Wait for the download to finish: Pages appears in Applications.
- Open Pages and choose a template, or open a document you already have.
What to set up after the first launch
- Where documents are saved. With iCloud Drive on, Pages saves to its own Pages folder in iCloud Drive, so your documents are on your iPhone and iPad too. You can save anywhere on your Mac instead.
- Word files. Pages opens
.docxfiles. To send a document to someone with Word, choose File › Export To › Word. - Updates. The App Store updates Pages. To have it done by itself, turn on automatic updates in the App Store’s settings.
- Apple Creator Studio. The subscription adds premium templates and AI features. Writing, editing and sharing documents don’t need it.
If Pages won’t install or open
- The App Store says Pages needs a newer macOS. Update macOS in System Settings › General › Software Update. If your Mac can’t run it, accept the last compatible version if the App Store offers it.
- The download stalls. Check that there is enough free space, restart the Mac and try again from the App Store.
- You deleted Pages by mistake. Install it again from the App Store as above. Deleting the app doesn’t delete your documents in iCloud Drive or on your Mac.
Alternatives to Pages
Keep your Mac tidy
System Junk in MacWashing finds the caches apps build up over time and shows how much space they take. And if you decide to remove Pages, the Uninstaller takes its files with it.
Free trial · macOS 14 or later
Questions and answers
Is Pages free?
Yes. Pages is free for every Mac. The optional Apple Creator Studio subscription adds premium templates and AI features, but you don’t need it to work with documents.
Can I get Pages without the App Store?
No. Apple offers Pages for Mac only in the Mac App Store. Without installing anything, you can use Pages in the browser at icloud.com with your Apple Account.
Can Pages open Word documents?
Yes. Pages opens .docx files and exports to Word, PDF and other formats. Complex layouts may look slightly different than in Microsoft Word.