Bean for MAC
Free word processor for Mac that is small, fast and uncluttered, with a live word count, focus mode, split-window editing and page layout view.
Bean Overview
Bean is a small, easy-to-use word processor for macOS, designed to make writing convenient, efficient and comfortable. It starts up quickly, keeps a live word count on screen and stays out of the way with an uncluttered window.
Bean is made by James Hoover and is free of charge. It is freeware under its own Bean Word Processor Software License and version 3 is closed source. Its native format is .rtfd, and the developer recommends .rtf or .doc when sharing with people on Windows or Linux and .pdf for the best fidelity. Bean has real limits: it has no footnotes or stylesheets, it is only partially compatible with Word's file formats, and it allows in-line graphics but not floating ones. It needs macOS 10.13 or later and is universal for Apple Silicon and Intel. Older versions for earlier systems are on the developer's site. If macOS says the app is not from the Mac App Store, control-click its icon and choose Open.
Key Features
Bean keeps the writing tools most people use and leaves out the rest.
- Live word count: see the count update as you type.
- Page layout view: an optional layout view, with a 2-up mode.
- Focus mode: full-screen editing, plus dark mode and alternate colors.
- Split-window editing: work on two parts of a document at once.
- Templates: make your own template documents.
- Headers and footers: free-form headers and footers.
- Date-stamped backups: keep dated copies of your work.
- Find and format: a find panel with regular expressions and an inspector for formatting.
What’s New in Version 3.7.8
Bean 3.7.8 fixes problems on macOS 27.
- Fixed text selection and text ruler problems.
- Fixed incorrect size and position in Layout view when a document has an image.
- Fixed a crash after toggling between Layout and 2-Up view.
- Fixed printing of documents with images.
- Fixed the edit view disappearing after Remove Split.
Bean FAQ
Is Bean free?
Yes. Bean is provided at no monetary cost.
Is Bean open source?
No. Bean 3 is closed source and is released under The Bean Word Processor Software License.
Which macOS version does Bean need?
macOS 10.13 or later, including macOS 27. The developer also offers older versions for earlier systems.
Does Bean run on Apple Silicon?
Yes. The app is universal, so it runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Can Bean open Word files?
Only partly. Bean is partially compatible with Word's file formats.
Does Bean support footnotes?
No. Bean does not do footnotes or use stylesheets, and it allows in-line graphics but not floating graphics.
What format should I save in?
The developer recommends .rtfd for everyday use, .rtf or .doc for sharing with Windows or Linux users, and .pdf for the best fidelity.
What if macOS says Bean is not from the Mac App Store?
Control-click the app icon and choose Open from the shortcut menu. After that it opens with a double-click.
Can I install Bean with Homebrew?
Yes. Run brew install --cask bean.
Where does the Bean download on bean.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official Bean page at https://www.bean-osx.com/Bean.html. bean.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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FULLMAC.app does not host this app. Download buttons lead to the developer’s own pages.