Microsoft Word packs a lot of useful features and functionalities into one program. But it doesn’t confine you to its built-in features. Perhaps you’d like to have a built-in translator that can translate documents from one language to another. Or maybe you want a proofreading feature that can read your work aloud to you. Word may not have these features, but you can tap into them by installing add-ins.
Add-ins provide a simple way to enhance the functionality of Word. By extending what you can do inside Word, these tools not only simplify your work but can also boost productivity. And just like browser extensions that allow you to do certain actions without leaving a website, Word add-ins allow you to perform many functions while still inside your document. Thesee are the best add-ins for Word that you should be using.
Also read: How to Add Checkmarks and Square Bullets in Microsoft Word
1. Consistency Checker
Even though Word has a built-in grammar and spelling tool, Consistency Checker can prove to be very useful when creating a professional document. This add-in can do way more than what the built-in grammar checker can do. For instance, it will scan your document for hyphenation, variations in spellings, numbers in sentences, abbreviations in multiple forms, typos, and more.
You just need to click the “Scan” button, and Consistency Checker will do its thing. For example, if you use the word “e-cigarette” in one sentence and “ecigarette” in another, this add-in will identify these variations and display the results for you to make corrections.
2. DocuSign
DocuSign for Word enables you to electronically sign and send a document without having to leave Word. It also lets you send documents to someone else for an eSignature while still inside Microsoft Word.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OrA0qxRY2M
It comes with a drop-and-drag functionality that allows you to drop a tag at the spot where you want the recipients to sign. DocuSign for Word is very secure, as it meets the eSignature legal standards that guarantee all signatures are securely kept in the Digital Transaction Management.
3. TextAloud
Do your coworkers or superiors often tell you to proofread your work? TextAloud is all you need. This add-in reads your document aloud to you so you can hear how your document sounds, identify any mistakes and correct the errors.
You can choose to listen to the entire document or select just a section of the document. If the voice is not clear, or it’s too fast, you can alter the speed and perform other adjustments to give it a nice flow.
4. Office Tabs
If you work with a lot of documents, Office Tabs can help you to manage them effectively by allowing you to access them all at once while still inside Word. Office Tabs lets you access your files easily by creating a tab for each file.
This reduces the productivity lost when finding files or switching between taskbar windows. This way it not only helps to boost productivity but also makes your work easier.
5. Dictate
Dictate is a free and handy add-in for Microsoft Word. Just like Cortana and other voice assistants, Dictate uses speech recognition to convert words into text. After you install the add-in, you’ll see a “Dictation” option at the top, towards the right side of the ribbon.
Just click on the start button (in the Dictation menu) and start speaking. As you dictate, the text, as interpreted by this add-in, will appear in the respective field. Use of Dictate is way faster than typing and can significantly boost productivity.
6. Pickit
Pickit is a Microsoft Word add-in that offers a huge library of HD images, clip art, and awesome layout design ideas for creating eye-grabbing documents. If you use Word for creating newsletters, brochures, and templates, Pickit can help to add a professional feel to your presentations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S15hj7b15c
What’s more, you also get a huge collection of vectors, illustrations, and stock images that have been optimized for Word, along with tips and ideas to help you create a stunning and professional copy.
7. Translator
This add-in is powered by Microsoft Translator and helps translate words and phrases in a document. The Translator add-in offers the easiest way to translate text in a Word document. By simply highlighting the text you want to be translated, this add-in will automatically detect the language and translate the text into the destination language.
Wrapping Up
Add-ins can completely change how you use Microsoft Word. It’s your workflow that will determine which ones work best for you. Other Microsoft Word add-ins that are worth checking out include Dictionary, Handy Calculator, Font Finder, and Office QR.
Do you know of any other handy add-ins for Microsoft Word that you feel deserve a spot on our list? Share with us in the comments section below.
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