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How to install Pages from the App Store

When Apple launched the Mac App Store in January 2011, it not only gave Mac users an easy way to buy and install a huge variety of applications (apps), but it also gave us the ability to buy portions of packages that previously weren’t available separately.

I’m a Microsoft Word user so when a friend recently sent me a document created in Apple’s Pages application, I had no way to edit it. I didn’t want to buy the complete iWork package for $79.99 just to get Pages, so I was very happy to see that I could use the App Store to buy just Pages for just $19.99. Not only that, but I had it purchased, downloaded, and installed in less time than it would have taken to drive to my local Apple Store. Watch this video to see just how easy it is to buy Pages or any other application from the App Store.

Video too small? Watch full screen by clicking the YouTube Full Screen button button here

If you are using Mac OS X version 10.6.6 or later, then, whether you know it or not, you already have the Mac App Store. Just look for its icon App Store icon on your Dock or in your Applications folder. The App Store is a one-stop shop for everything from free games and utilities to an upgrade to a new operating system (OS X Lion). You can browse by popularity or category, or use the search form in the upper right when you know what you’re looking for.

Each application’s page in the App Store gives you a detailed description and often numerous screen shots of the application. The price is displayed in a button near the upper left. To purchase, simply click on the price button, which will then turn into a “Buy App” button. Click that to confirm and, after logging into your Apple account, your purchase will begin downloading. The application’s icon will appear on the Dock with a progress bar superimposed on it.

To see a more detailed progress bar, click on the Purchases tab in the App Store. This will show your App Store purchase history, including all applications currently being downloaded. Those will also have a Pause button in case you need to shut down and continue the downloads later.

After a download is complete, the App Store will automatically install the application into your system and bounce the application’s icon on the Dock when the installation is complete.

Not only does the App Store make shopping for a wide range of applications easy, it even helps keep those applications up-to-date. Just visit its Updates tab to confirm you have the latest versions of all the applications you’ve installed through the App Store.

{ 2 comments… add one }
  • Tony March 3, 2013, 12:53 am

    Pages will not download to my iPhone 5. SAys file is greater than 50mb?

    • Steve March 5, 2013, 10:42 pm

      Well, this article was about Pages on a Mac, not an iPhone, but since you ask…

      To download an app larger than 50MB, you must connect to a Wi-Fi network. Or, you could download it to iTunes on your computer and then synch your iPhone to your computer.

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