An add-in is a term used for a software utility added to a primary program. In other words, add-ins are mini applications that extend what you can do with Microsoft Office programs, such as Word. When you enable an add-in, it adds custom commands and new features that help increase your productivity.
By default, add-ins are not immediately available, so you must first install (and in some cases activate or configure) these add-ins so that you can use them. Many of the add-ins are free from the Microsoft Store (https://store.office.com). You may also be able to search for add-ins from third party vendors.
To get started, click Insert and then Store.
On the dialog box that pops-up, make sure you click the Store tab. Then you can search by keyword, filter by category, or sort by name, rating, or suggestions. If you click the add-in before adding it, you can read a description, see ratings and FAQs, and view additional information.
Once you install the add-in, it will be available to you in the future when you click My Add-ins from the Insert menu or by clicking the My Add-ins from the dialog box.
Then you can double-click the add-in (or select it and click Insert) to add it to your document.?? Finally, follow the instructions for each add-in to make it work by choosing or adjusting any settings or options.
Wikipedia
This add-in searches Wikipedia, inserts the information in your document, and provides source references seamlessly.
Source: United States Declaration of Independence – https://en.wikipedia.org
Consistency Checker
This add-in finds consistency mistakes in your text that no spelling or grammar checker can find. For example, errors in hyphenation (part time and part-time), spelling variations (color and colour), abbreviations (NASA and N.A.S.A.), etc.
Rhymes
This add-in is an online rhyming dictionary that contains a huge collection of rhyme entries for almost any given word in the English language. Use it for writing poetry or composing lyrics for a song. Simply select a word and get results.
Writing Tips
This add-in helps point out where your writing could be simpler and clearer including eliminating redundancies and jargon. You can choose a suggested style guide or add your own (An error may occur if you leave it set at “Everything”). Remember, tips are merely suggestions; you may not agree with them and can choose to ignore them.
QR Codes
This add-in is a QR creation tool that integrates seamlessly into your Office documents. Features include embedded images within the document, customizable color, background, and size, and the ability to set QR error correction level. QR codes are square images that, when scanned by a QR reader (typically on a smartphone), will translate the image into text. QR codes are typically used to encode URLs. For example, scanning the image below will take you to the Centriq website.
Emoji Keyboard
This add-in is simple, fun, and surprisingly useful. It provides more than 1300 emoji. You can search by keyword of filter by category and you can change skin tone and size.
There are several other add-ins available such as MailChimp, SurveyMonkey, and more.
For more information about these and similar add-ins, take a Word Class from Centriq. For course descriptions and dates, see our website at https://centriq.com/corporate/class-schedule/?q=Word.
This is the third blog article in a four-part Word series. Be sure to watch for future blog articles in this Word series. The last topic will feature Outstanding Options. Also plan to attend a FREE Word Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, January 10. We will feature live demonstrations of all of the items covered during this Word blog series. If you would like to attend, CLICK HERE to register.
In addition, if you would like more information about Word or other training classes available, contact a Centriq Training Advisor online or at 913.322.7062 for assistance.