Microsoft Word is a powerful Application for preparing all forms of documents. Though it comes with plenty of in-built features, there are still need for many users to extend what it can do. Fortunately, you can use Office Add-ins in Microsoft Word to do more things without leaving the application environment. In this article, we will explain how to use add-ins and top 10 free add-ins for Microsoft Word.
What are Add-ins in Word?
Office Add-ins are assisting tools that provide more functionality while using Microsoft Word. Think about them as add-ons or extensions that can be installed like in Chrome to support and improve productivity. Follow the below instructions to install an add-in in Word 2019 and Microsoft 365 versions.
- Open up your Microsoft Word Application and click on the “Insert” tab.
- Under the “Add-ins” section, click the “Get Add-ins” option.
- A dialogue box appears to search by name for the add-in you want.
- Click on the “Add” button beside it, followed by “Continue” to accept terms or conditions for complete installation & activation.
If you are using Microsoft 365 subscription Word for Mac then clicking on “Get Add-ins” will open Microsoft AppSource site in a browser. This is a business apps marketplace from where you can get the required apps for Word by signing into your Microsoft account.
Top 10 Free Add-ins for Microsoft Word
You can find over 2000 add-ins in Microsoft Office Store or third-party websites. Here are the free ones that are necessary to put into consideration to impact how you positively do things with MS Word.
1. Wikipedia
Most of the information we get online during research comes from Wikipedia. As an add-in, it would help you get articles that would give you more knowledge about a concept or subject topic with just a search. The Wikipedia add-in gives the ease to do quick research while working on a project. This add-in is from Microsoft and comes default with Word installation. However, you need to trust the add-in so that you can start using in your documents.
The app is ad-free and provides over 40 million articles that you can read in over 300 languages. Also, it renders or displays search contents (results) in a task pane.
2. Translator
If you have experienced a language-translation tool, this add-in app is no different. With the desired text in a specified language entered and the language to translate to selected, you would receive an output. Thus, you can write or have a document in any language.
3. Pexels
Microsoft 365 subscription comes with in-built support for inserting free stock images. However, you can also find free and licensed stock images for using in your document with Pexels add-in in Word. Search for them using the keywords or terms related to the subject matter you are preparing. The images are of high quality in over 3 million collections, and they are all available for free usage.
4. Handy Calculator
This add-in helps to perform all forms of basic arithmetic operations while preparing a document. You won’t need to flip through your desktop apps to find a calculator as it provides the same interface and real quick computation.
It appears as a task pane alongside the document you are working on & supports regular functions with memory keys provision for storage purposes during calculation or operation.
5. Read My Document
Are you tired of looking through your document or proofreading it over again? This add-in app acts as a text to speech converter by reading out the text documents you have prepared. Multitasking is achievable here as you can do other things while your write-ups play on with the set voice and speed of choice. A very great tool for editing as what skips your sight might not escape your hearing.
6. English Dictionary
Review various definitions for a text or word in your document when you aren’t sure about the meaning. Further, replace regular word usage with suggested antonyms and synonyms with this App Add-in. Also, pronunciations and exemplary usage in English are made available.
7. EasyBib Add-In for Office 365
Bibliographies, referencing, and citations can be challenging most times after research work. But with the Easybib Add-in, citing an article or any form of publication using ISBN, URL or source title is obtainable. Also, styling with MLA, APA and Chicago formats is not an exemption.
8. Keenious Research Explorer
Obtain relevant research sources or online publications that would help or assist with your research with this add-in. It leases you off from the stress of research with millions of works on the web alongside the article you are writing. With a simple highlight of a phrase written, you can get started.
9. Consistency Checker
Probably you have been using the built-in check spelling & grammar tool in Microsoft Word. But it can only ascertain a few words or sentences at the primary level of the English Language. When correct spelling and grammar structure are in great demand, a consistency checker is the Add-in for you.
The app helps you with suggestions at a limit on the correctness, clarity, engagement and delivery of writing errors or issues. Also, you get reports based on your audience or writing goals and overall performance in readability or vocabulary usage. It goes beyond to help identify inconsistencies & allows you to check plagiarism.
10. PDFfiller – Edit Your PDFs
Most official documents require you to sign them, and once it requires sending online, there isn’t any alternative than using an e-signature. The PDFfiller for Word Add-in app allows choosing document signing, editing, saving and sharing. Ease yourself the stress of manually signing on paper, scanning or filling a document before sending them over.
Wrap Up
You can consider using these add-ins in Microsoft Word 2016, 2019, or 365 offline and online. The only confusion is that while you can install these add-ins from Office Store in Windows version, you need to get these apps from AppSource with Word for Mac version. We hope these free Microsoft Word add-ins would help you close gaps and improve your efficiency and productivity in workflows.
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