How to Check Word Count on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

Checking the word count on a Mac is a simple task that can be done in just a few clicks. Whether you’re writing an essay, a report, or just want to keep track of your word output, knowing how to check the word count is an essential skill for any Mac user. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to find the word count of your document, and provide some helpful tips to make the process even easier.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Check Word Count on Mac

Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly go over what we’ll be accomplishing here. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to view the word count of your document in real-time, allowing you to keep track of your writing goals and ensure you meet any required word counts for your projects.

Step 1: Open Your Document

Open the document you want to check the word count for.

When you have your document open, you’re ready to find out how many words you’ve written. This works for most text editing applications on Mac, including Pages and Microsoft Word.

Step 2: Look for the Word Count Feature

Find the ‘Tools’ option in the menu bar and click on ‘Word Count.’

In most text editing software, the word count feature is located under the ‘Tools’ menu. If you can’t find it there, try looking under the ‘View’ or ‘Window’ menus.

Step 3: Enable Word Count

Check the ‘Word Count’ box to enable the word count feature.

Once you’ve found the word count option, simply check the box to enable it. This will typically open a small box in your document that displays the word count.

Step 4: View Your Word Count

The word count of your document will now be displayed, typically at the bottom of the window.

With the word count feature enabled, you can now see how many words you’ve written. This number will update in real-time as you write, delete, or edit the text in your document.

After completing these steps, the word count of your document will be visible and will update as you make changes to your text. This can be a helpful tool for managing your writing and ensuring you stay within any word limit requirements.

Tips for Checking Word Count on Mac

When it comes to checking word count on Mac, there are a few tips and tricks that can make the process even smoother:

• Use keyboard shortcuts to quickly open the word count window (for example, in Pages, use Command + Shift + W).
• If you’re using Microsoft Word, you can also see the word count in the status bar at the bottom of the window without opening the word count box.
• Remember that the word count feature may not count words in text boxes, footnotes, or headers and footers by default. Check your software’s settings if you need to include these in the count.
• If you’re writing online, you can use browser extensions or online word count tools to check your word count without needing to use text editing software.
• Keep in mind that different software may have slightly different methods of accessing the word count feature, so always check the help documentation if you’re unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does word count include spaces?

No, word count typically only includes actual words and not spaces. However, this can vary depending on the software you’re using, so it’s best to check the settings.

Can I see the word count of a specific section of text?

Yes, in most text editing software, you can select a section of text and the word count for just that selection will be displayed.

Does word count include punctuation?

Punctuation is not typically counted as words. The word count focuses on the actual words in your text.

Can I check the word count on a Mac without using text editing software?

Yes, you can use online word count tools by copying and pasting your text into the website’s tool.

Is there a way to keep the word count visible at all times?

In some text editing software, you can choose to keep the word count window always visible, or you can see the word count in the status bar at the bottom of the window.

Summary

1. Open your document.
2. Find and click on ‘Word Count’ under the ‘Tools’ menu.
3. Enable the word count feature.
4. View the word count at the bottom of the window.

Conclusion

Checking the word count on Mac is a breeze once you know where to look. Whether you’re using Pages, Microsoft Word, or writing online, keeping an eye on your word output is crucial for meeting word count goals and requirements. Remember that each software might have a slightly different process, so don’t be afraid to poke around or check the help documentation if you get stuck. And with the handy tips we’ve provided, you’ll be a word count pro in no time. So the next time you’re in the middle of crafting a masterpiece on your Mac, give these steps a try, and watch those words add up!