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Word Integration Setup

Recall integrates with Microsoft Word to let you insert pinned excerpts, citations, and generate Table of Authorities directly in your documents.

Integration Modes

This is the simpler option and works for most users.

How it works: Recall communicates with Word using macOS Apple Events (the same technology used for AppleScript automation).

Setup:

  1. Select Recommended (Apple Events) in the setup wizard
  2. When prompted, grant Recall permission to control Microsoft Word
  3. Click Next to continue

Requirements:

  • Microsoft Word for Mac installed
  • macOS automation permissions granted to Recall

Advanced Mode (Word Add-in)

For users who need the Word Add-in integration method.

How it works: Recall runs a local HTTPS server and installs a Word Add-in that communicates over a secure localhost connection.

Setup:

  1. Select Advanced (Word Add-in) in the setup wizard
  2. Generate the security certificate
  3. Trust the certificate in Keychain Access
  4. Install the Word Add-in

Advanced Mode: Certificate Setup

The Advanced mode requires a trusted certificate for secure communication between Recall and Word.

Generating the Certificate

  1. Click Generate Certificate in the setup wizard
  2. Recall creates a self-signed certificate for localhost connections
  3. The certificate is stored in your system keychain

Trusting the Certificate

After generating the certificate, you need to mark it as trusted:

  1. Open Keychain Access (Applications → Utilities → Keychain Access)
  2. Find the Recall certificate in the login keychain
  3. Double-click the certificate to open its details
  4. Expand the Trust section
  5. Set When using this certificate to Always Trust
  6. Close the window and enter your password to confirm

Installing the Word Add-in

Once the certificate is trusted:

  1. Quit Microsoft Word if it's running
  2. Click Install Add-in in the setup wizard
  3. Restart Microsoft Word
  4. The Recall add-in should appear in Word's ribbon

Troubleshooting

Word integration not working

  1. Check that Microsoft Word is running
  2. Verify the status indicator in Recall's toolbar shows Word is connected
  3. Try the Self-Test button in setup to diagnose issues

Certificate not trusted (Advanced mode)

  1. Open Keychain Access
  2. Search for "Recall" or "localhost"
  3. Ensure the certificate shows a blue plus icon (trusted)
  4. If it shows a red X, double-click and update trust settings
  1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Automation
  2. Find Recall in the list
  3. Ensure Microsoft Word is checked/enabled

Changing Integration Mode

You can switch between modes at any time:

  1. Open Settings from the toolbar
  2. Go to the Word Integration section
  3. Select your preferred mode
  4. Follow the setup steps for that mode