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In addition to the familiar Word and Excel, there are applications for business,
“I don’t know what kind of app it is”
“There are too many types to use.”
It seems that there are many people who have troubles like this.
This time, I explained the Office apps for business provided by Microsoft 365.
This article is for you if:
- Those considering Microsoft 365
- Those who have already subscribed to Microsoft 365 but have apps they are not using
- Those who want to make more use of the features of Microsoft 365
Office apps for business on Microsoft 365
Here’s a list of the main business apps included in your Microsoft 365 license.
| name | Function/Use |
|---|---|
| Word | making document |
| Excel | table calculation |
| PowerPoint | presentation |
| Outlook | mail client |
| Teams | Chat, video call, file sharing |
| OneDrive | cloud storage |
| OneNote | digital notebook |
| Access | Database management |
| Publisher | DTP |
Word
Word is software that is suitable for creating documents that mainly consist of text.
In addition to entering text, you can also create headings and tables of contents, arrange images, and create tables and graphs.
“Mail merge” that can import data from an Excel table is convenient for label creation.
Excel
Excel is a spreadsheet software that is mainly used to handle numerical data.
You can use formulas and functions to perform calculations, aggregation, sorting, rounding, etc. Even if you change records, you can immediately recalculate them, so you can process a large number of records efficiently.
In addition, grid-like squares called “cells” are used to create templates and diagrams.
PowerPoint
PowerPoint is an application that supports the creation of slides for presentations and the progress of production.
In addition to placing text, diagrams, and graphs on slides, you can create presentations with a high visual effect by adding movement with animations and setting effects when switching between screens.
Support for presenters is also substantial, such as a note function that only you can check during the presentation.
Outlook
Outlook is a sophisticated email client with built-in calendar, task management, and address book functions.
It is intended for use in teams and groups, allowing members to share schedules and tasks.
In addition, there are many functions that link each tool with email, such as sending attendance confirmation emails for meetings registered in the calendar and sending task requests to team members.
Adding add-ins makes it even more versatile.
Teams
A versatile communication tool that includes business chat, voice calls, web conferencing, and file sharing.
It is excellent in cooperation between Office applications, such as sharing and collaborating on files created with Office applications, calendars and meeting schedules with Outlook, and also functions as a hub for telework.
OneDrive
OneDrive is an online storage service provided by Microsoft.
You can store and share files in various formats such as documents, photos, and videos.
You can set automatic saving to OneDrive from Office apps to prevent forgetting to save.
Office files saved to OneDrive can also be accessed from web and mobile apps, making it a must-have app for working with multiple devices.
OneNote
OneNote is a digital note app that allows you to manage memos and notes on your computer.
In addition to text input with the keyboard, you can also handwrite with your finger or a stylus pen, paste images, insert audio and video, and collect all kinds of information on OneNote.
Access
Access is Microsoft’s database management software.
A large amount of data can be stored in a table, and the necessary data can be freely retrieved and aggregated according to the purpose.
If it is a small-scale database, it is possible to build it with just the basic functions of Access without using an expensive database system.
Publisher
Publisher is a simple DTP (DeskTop Publishing) software provided by Microsoft, suitable for creating printed materials.
Compared to Word, you can edit layouts and insert images more freely, and you can efficiently create printed matter that emphasizes appearance, such as leaflets and handouts.
There are plenty of parts and templates, and the software is easy to use even for design beginners.
Usage by device
Office apps in Microsoft 365 come in three forms:
- desktop app
- web app
- mobile app
Supported apps for each device are shown in the table below.
| desktop app | web app | mobile app | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | 〇 | 〇 | – |
| Mac | 〇 | 〇 | – |
| Chromebook | – | 〇 | – |
| iPhone/iPad | – | – | 〇 |
| Android | – | – | 〇 |
desktop app
A desktop application is an application that you install on your computer.
If you have a Microsoft 365 license agreement, you can install Office apps from the portal site.
- Sign in to the Microsoft 365 portal (https://portal.office.com/) .
- Click Install Office.
- Select language, version and click “Install”.
- Run the downloaded installer on your computer.
- Launch the Office app and activate the license.
web app
“Office for the web” is a web application that can be used on the browser.
The web app can be used for free by creating a Microsoft account without a paid license agreement.
Since it can be used without installing it on a computer, it is convenient to be able to use Office immediately even when you are away from home or from a computer that you do not normally use.
The web version of the app saves files to OneDrive, so an internet connection is required to use it.
- Sign in to the Microsoft 365 portal (https://portal.office.com/) or Outlook.com (https://outlook.live.com/owa/) .
- Click “App Launcher” on the top left.
- Click the icon of the app you want to use.
Supported browser
Office for the web has been tested with the following browsers:
- Microsoft Edge
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Apple Safari
*Support for Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) ended on June 15, 2022.
mobile app
Mobile apps for using Office on smartphones and tablets such as iPhone, iPad, and Android can be obtained by searching in stores such as “App Store” and “Google Play”.
The Office mobile apps are free to use, but full functionality requires a paid Microsoft 365 license.
Also, please note that in the free version, the editing function is limited to viewing only on devices with a display size of 10.1 inches or more.
| display size | no license | Licensed |
|---|---|---|
| 10.1 inches or less | Viewing + simple editing (limited) | View + All Edit Features |
| 10.1 inches or more | read only | View + All Edit Features |
Types of mobile apps available from the store
- Microsoft Office Mobile App (Word, Excel, PowerPoint all in one)
- Single apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
In addition to individual apps, mobile apps include a package that includes three Office apps, which is recommended if you want to work seamlessly without switching between multiple apps.
summary
I explained the Office apps that can be used with Microsoft 365, and the compatible apps and usage by device.
The advantage of using Office apps with Microsoft 365 is that they are easy to use even for beginners, have a wide range of highly functional apps, and have excellent collaboration between apps.
By using Microsoft 365, you will be able to work efficiently without waste, such as reusing data created with other apps and collaborating via OneDrive.
With Microsoft 365, the types of apps that can be used and the form of provision differ depending on the contract plan, so it is also attractive to be able to choose from a wide variety of plans according to the usage scene and budget.
Please check the following page for details and prices of each plan.