name: microsoft-word
description: Enables Claude to create, edit, and format documents in Microsoft Word Online via Playwright MCP
category: microsoft

Microsoft Word Skill

Overview

Claude can work with Microsoft Word Online to create, edit, and format documents. This includes writing content, applying styles, inserting media, collaborating with comments, and exporting documents.

Quick Install

curl -sSL https://canifi.com/skills/microsoft-word/install.sh | bash

Or manually:

cp -r skills/microsoft-word ~/.canifi/skills/

Setup

Configure via canifi-env:

# First, ensure canifi-env is installed:
# curl -sSL https://canifi.com/install.sh | bash

canifi-env set MICROSOFT_EMAIL "[email protected]"

Privacy & Authentication

Your credentials, your choice. Canifi LifeOS respects your privacy.

Option 1: Manual Browser Login (Recommended)

If you prefer not to share credentials with Claude Code:
1. Complete the Browser Automation Setup using CDP mode
2. Login to the service manually in the Playwright-controlled Chrome window
3. Claude will use your authenticated session without ever seeing your password

Option 2: Environment Variables

If you're comfortable sharing credentials, you can store them locally:

canifi-env set SERVICE_EMAIL "your-email"
canifi-env set SERVICE_PASSWORD "your-password"

Note: Credentials stored in canifi-env are only accessible locally on your machine and are never transmitted.

Capabilities

• Create new documents from scratch or templates
• Read and edit existing documents
• Apply formatting and styles
• Insert images, tables, and charts
• Add headers, footers, and page numbers
• Track changes and add comments
• Create table of contents
• Export as PDF, DOCX, or other formats
• Collaborate in real-time
• Use dictation and voice typing
• Apply templates and themes

Usage Examples

Example 1: Create Document

User: "Create a Word document for my project report"
Claude: Creates new document "Project Report", adds title,
        sections for Introduction, Methodology, Results, Conclusion.
        Returns: "Created document: [link]"

Example 2: Format Document

User: "Apply professional formatting to my resume"
Claude: Opens resume, applies consistent heading styles,
        adjusts margins, adds section dividers.
        Confirms: "Professional formatting applied"

Example 3: Add Table

User: "Insert a comparison table in my document"
Claude: Inserts table with appropriate columns and rows,
        formats with alternating colors.
        Confirms: "Comparison table inserted"

Example 4: Export PDF

User: "Export my proposal as a PDF"
Claude: Opens document, navigates to File > Export > PDF,
        downloads file. Reports: "Proposal exported as PDF"

Authentication Flow

1. Claude navigates to word.office.com via Playwright MCP
2. Authenticates with MICROSOFT_EMAIL if needed
3. Handles 2FA if prompted (notifies user via iMessage)
4. Maintains session for document operations

Selectors Reference

// New document
'[aria-label="New blank document"]'

// Document title
'[aria-label="Document name"]'

// Editing area
'[contenteditable="true"]' or '.WACEditing'

// Ribbon tabs
'[role="tablist"]'

// Home tab
'[aria-label="Home"]'

// Insert tab
'[aria-label="Insert"]'

// Bold button
'[aria-label="Bold"]'

// Font selector
'[aria-label="Font"]'

// Style gallery
'[aria-label="Styles"]'

// Save button
'[aria-label="Save"]'

// Share button
'[aria-label="Share"]'

Error Handling

• Login Failed: Retry 3 times, notify user via iMessage
• Session Expired: Re-authenticate automatically
• Document Not Found: Search OneDrive, ask for clarification
• Save Failed: Enable AutoSave, retry, copy as backup
• Format Apply Failed: Retry, try alternative method
• Export Failed: Try alternative format, notify user

Self-Improvement Instructions

When you learn a better way to accomplish a task with Word Online:
1. Document the improvement in your response
2. Suggest updating this skill file with the new approach
3. Include specific keyboard shortcuts or ribbon paths
4. Note differences from desktop Word

Notes

• Word Online auto-saves to OneDrive
• Some features only available in desktop version
• Real-time collaboration shows other users' cursors
• Templates available from Start screen
• Track changes for revision management
• Comments for collaboration feedback
• Editor pane for writing suggestions
• Dictation available with microphone