Text Documents

You can use text editing software on your Mac to create simple documents such as lists, notes, instructions, and other items that do not require fonts, colors, or other types of formatting. With your Mac, you can use the TextEdit application to create plain text documents, and the Stickies application to create electronic sticky notes.

Word Processing Documents

You can use word processing software on your Mac to create letters, resumes, memos, reports, newsletters, brochures, business cards, menus, flyers, invitations, and certificates. Anything that you use to communicate on paper, you can create using your Mac. You can also use TextEdit to create formatted documents. Other examples include Microsoft Word for the Mac and Apple iWork Pages.

Spreadsheets

A spreadsheet application is a software program that enables you to manipulate numbers and formulas to quickly create powerful mathematical, financial, and statistical models. Your Mac comes with a test drive version of the Apple iWork Numbers application. Another example is Microsoft Excel for the Mac.

Presentations

A presentation program enables you to build professional-looking slides that you can use to convey your ideas to other people. Your Mac comes with a test drive version of the Apple iWork Keynote application. Another example is Microsoft PowerPoint for the Mac.

Web Pages

You can use web page editing software on your Mac to create your own pages to publish to the web. You can create a personal home page, a blog, or pages to support your business. Your Mac does not come with a program for creating web pages, but the App Store contains several excellent apps, including TextWrangler, BBEdit, and Web Form Builder Lite.