Bean Word Processor 3.7.8 for Mac

Mac Utilities

Updated Aug 17, 2026

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Big word processors can feel like piloting a plane when all you want is to write a letter. Bean takes the opposite path. It is a small, free word processor for Mac that covers the writing most people actually do. You get proper rich text, a page layout view that shows how the printed page will look, and a live word count that ticks along as you type. It will not replace a full office suite for complex documents, and its maker says so plainly.

Key Features

• Live word count keeps track of your progress as you write
• Page layout view shows the document as it will print
• Reads and writes rich text and plain text formats natively
• Imports and exports Word and OpenDocument files with care
• Full screen writing mode keeps focus on the words alone

How to Download

1. Visit the Bean website and Download from the official site to read the help pages and get the app.
2. Open the downloaded folder and drag Bean into your Applications folder.
3. Launch Bean, open a document or start a new one and begin writing.

System Requirements

Bean runs on modern Macs with Intel or Apple Silicon chips and current macOS versions. It is a tiny download and needs very little memory.

FAQs

Is Bean really free?

Yes. Bean is distributed free of charge from its official website. There is no subscription and no locked tier waiting behind the writing features.

Can Bean open Word documents?

It can import and export Word formats, but with limits. Images and some layout details from Word files may not survive the trip, so check shared documents before you send them on.

Who is Bean not for?

Anyone who needs citations, complex page layout or tracked changes should use a full word processor instead.