Microsoft Word is a great tool for creating professional files and documents. Even if you’ve never used it before, you can still compose a decent document without having any special skills or knowledge. The program is intuitive and easy to use, and the best part is that you can get Microsoft Word for free
Word already comes with all the necessary components for working with documents. However, you can go even further by installing some handy Microsoft Word add-ins. For example, a plugin that helps you improve your writing, or a plugin that helps you integrate an image exchange service in Word.
We’ve picked the best add-ins for Word so you don’t have to waste time browsing through the many different add-ins in Microsoft Office.
Where to find Microsoft Word add-ins
If you’ve decided to spice up your Word by adding some additional plug-ins, you don’t have to look far to find them. You can view all add-ins in the official Microsoft Office store. There, you can read about each plug-in before you decide to add it to your Word.
How to install add-ins for Word
Once you have selected the plugin you want to add, follow these steps to install it.
- Open a Word document.
- On the main ribbon menu at the top, find the Insert tab.
- Under Insert, select Add-Ins.
- The Office Add-ins menu will open.
- When you find the plugin you like, click “Add” to install it in Word. You can then view the plugins you have already added in the same menu under My Add-ons.
Now let’s take a look at some of the best Microsoft Word add-ins we’ve found.
Wikipedia
Although Wikipedia is not considered one of the most reliable sources of information, it still remains one of the largest open source encyclopedias that can be found on the Internet. And it can be convenient to use it as a widget when writing or editing.
You can browse Wikipedia articles by entering your entry in the search bar. Or, just highlight a word or phrase in your document and the plugin will automatically display the relevant article.
While you cannot contribute to the Wikipedia page while using this add-on, gaining additional knowledge on the topic you are working on can be a welcome distraction.
Automating Excel documents into Word
This add-in allows you to link Excel and Word documents and thus link and exchange data back and forth without having to manually copy them.
Now, if you ever need to update a Word document with Excel data, you can paste it from spreadsheets directly into the Word file. And it will look better than if you were just trying to insert an Excel sheet into a Word document.
The types of data that can be linked include text, lists, tables, images, and charts.
MyScript Math Simple
MyScript Math Simple is a useful Microsoft Word add-in if you find yourself using a lot of equations while working in Word. Especially if you don’t want to waste time searching for the right formula in the Word Formula Gallery.
To add an equation, simply write it in the plugin window using your mouse or finger. The add-in recognizes mathematical symbols and automatically converts them to a typed equation.
Vertex42 Template Gallery
The Vertex42 add-on helps you work smarter and save time. It offers a wide variety of templates that are not otherwise available in Word.
Templates in Vertex are organized by category. Browse over 300 templates that serve dozens of different purposes, from budgeting to exercise journals. It also includes some of our favorite meeting minutes templates
Pixabay Images
Pixabay is a free photo-sharing website with one of the largest Creative Commons image directories. In their database, you can find everything from classic photography to vectors, illustrations and even some video footage. These are all useful when you are working on a presentation or flyer in Word.
To access the entire pixabay directory, install the Pixabay Images plugin and then enter the image link in the search bar on the side.
Consistency Checker
The Consistency Checker is a must-have Microsoft Word add-in if you hope to someday write like a pro This is not a simple spell checker. This add-on promises to find errors in your text that “no other grammar checker can find.”
Besides grammar and spelling, the plugin will check how consistent your writing is. This includes the use of numbers in sentences, different spellings, hyphenation, etc. If you are writing an official document, the add-in will catch any abbreviated word form you use and prompt you to spell it out. At the end of the day, your text will be carefully proofread and ready to go.
I must write
I Should Be Writing is a simple productivity plugin. It combines the functions of a timer and a word counter and is designed to improve your writing efficiency.
Turn on timer mode if you are running out of deadline. Or switch it to word count mode for extra motivation. At the end of the writing session, you can view the statistics of your work and analyze your results.
You can use the classic daytime version of the plugin or go for a trendy dark mode. The ability to engage other users and turn your writing into a competition is also a nice bonus.
Go further with Microsoft Word add-ons
Learn to make the most of any software to make your life easier and improve your overall user experience. Likewise, when it comes to Word, becoming a power user can take your work to a whole new level.
Learning some important Microsoft Word tips and tricks can be the perfect first step in this direction. Then it will be a good second to start using Microsoft Word add-ins.
What Microsoft Word plugins are you using? Has it improved your workflow and productivity in any way? Share your experience with us in the comments below.
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