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Apple Numbers for Mac review

Apple Numbers for Mac lets you create various spreadsheets and related documents, edit them, and share them with others seamlessly. This program can also open Excel files, as well as export files in multiple alternative formats to facilitate collaboration with non-Mac users. While it does lack some of Excel's power features, most users won't miss those.

Pros

Document templates: No matter what type of document you want to create, chances are good that you'll find the perfect template in Apple Numbers for Mac. Options are sorted by type in categories that include Basic, Personal Finance, Personal, Business, and Education. You can also start from scratch with a blank spreadsheet and customize it to suit your needs.

Access panel: The program's interface puts all of the tools you need a click or two away at all times. Clicking on the Format or Document buttons in the upper right-hand corner opens a panel that offers all kinds of options for adjusting fonts, table styles, and other formatting details. You can also quickly add Formulas, Tables, Chart Text, Shapes, and Media via the buttons arrayed across the top of the interface.

Cons

Extra space: Every document you create with this app will have the same dimensions, even if you're not using all available space. Even templates that are intended to create a standard 8 1/2" by 11" checklist or other document include a bunch of extra white space on the right that you can't remove and that you can accidentally scroll into.

Bottom Line

Apple Numbers for Mac is a good option for most people looking for a program that can create, open, and edit spreadsheets and other data-driven documents. It doesn't have all of the power features of a program like Excel, but the vast majority of users don't take advantage of those anyway.

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