Like many webmasters, I use Live Writer to compose articles as it makes writing and publishing much easier compared to other programs. That said, at times, I do use the Microsoft Office Word program for the same job.
While composing articles on Office Word, especially while writing about an application, at times, I need to search the web for additional information. For searching the web, I need to switch to a running web browser (from Word window), and this usually reduces my productivity, especially when I switch between web browsers and Word multiple times.
Although I can always place Word and Firefox programs side-by-side to improve productivity, wouldn’t it be cool if it was possible to search the web right from the Word program without leaving its interface?
Search The Web app for Microsoft Office
Recently, while searching for apps available for Office 2013 or later, I came across an excellent app that lets you search the internet using Google right from Office interface. That is, by installing the app, you will be able to search the web using Google search without switching to your web browser.
The app we are talking about here is called Search The Web. Once installed (scroll down to see how to install the app), the app appears on the right-side of your screen within the Office interface.
As you can see, the Search The Web column appears on the right-side of the screen (can be moved). You just need to type in the keyword that you want to search using Google and then click the Search button to see available results. Since you can easily expand the width of Search The Web column, you can adjust the same for the optimal experience.
Installing Search The Web app
Although installing the app is fairly simple, if you’re installing an app in Office for the first time, here is how to get it.
Step 1: Open Office Word, PowerPoint or any other program.
Step 2: Switch to Insert tab and then click the Store icon to open the same.
Step 3: In the search box, type Search The Web in the box, and press the Enter key to see Search The Web in the result.
Step 4: Click the Add link right next to Search The Web app.
Step 5: Click Trust button to begin installing the app. Once installed, the app appears on the right-side of the screen within the Office program.
Note that you might be asked to sign-in with your Microsoft account before installing the app.
If Search The Web is not appearing next time when you launch Word or any program, switch the Insert tab, click the small down arrow next to My Apps, and then click Search The Web.
Good luck!
