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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.

Platform-Specific Integration

macOS

On macOS, you choose between two 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. Click Request Word Permission
  3. A system dialog appears: "Recall wants to control Microsoft Word"
  4. Click OK or Allow to grant permission
  5. Click Next to continue

The permission request result (granted or denied) is shown clearly in the setup wizard.

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

Windows

On Windows, Word integration uses COM automation and is configured automatically. No additional setup steps are needed — just make sure Microsoft Word is installed.

Advanced Mode: Certificate Setup (macOS)

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 status bar shows Word is connected
  3. Try the Test Connection button in settings to diagnose issues
  1. Click Request Word Permission in the setup wizard Word step
  2. If no popup appears, open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Automation
  3. If Recall isn't listed, try inserting a pin into Word — the popup should appear on first use
  1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Automation
  2. Find Recall in the list
  3. Ensure Microsoft Word is checked/enabled
  4. Restart Recall after changing the setting

Certificate not trusted (macOS 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

Changing Integration Mode

You can switch between modes at any time:

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