What can't Word Online do?

Word Online lacks macros/VBA, advanced page layout options, mail merge, some add-ins, advanced track changes features, and some formatting options like columns and watermarks. For these, use the desktop app.

Fix: Word Online Missing Features and Limitations

Word Online vs Desktop Word

Word Online is a lighter version designed for quick edits and collaboration. Here’s how to work around its limitations.

Features Missing in Word Online

Not Available Online

Macros and VBA
Mail merge
Custom watermarks
Advanced page layout (columns, different section formatting)
Some styles and formatting options
Equation editor (limited version)
Citations and bibliography
Table of contents (view only)
Master documents
Most add-ins

Limited Online

Track Changes (basic support, some options missing)
Headers/Footers (basic editing only)
Print (basic — no advanced print options)
Image editing (basic crop and resize only)

Workarounds

Switch to Desktop When Needed

Click Editing in the top toolbar
Select Open in Desktop App
The file opens in desktop Word with full features
Changes sync back to the cloud automatically

Use Word Online for Collaboration

Word Online excels at:

Real-time co-editing with multiple authors
Comments and basic review
Quick edits from any device/browser
Sharing via link without file attachments

Save for Offline

In Word Online, go to File > Save As > Download a Copy
Edit locally in desktop Word
Upload the file back to OneDrive/SharePoint when done

Best Practice

Use Word Online for initial drafting and collaboration, then switch to desktop Word for final formatting, citations, and advanced features.