Use your iPad to Work with Office Files

While there have been rumors for a while that Microsoft will be releasing a touch-optimized version of their Office suite for the iPad, nothing has been announced yet. Working with Microsoft Office documents on an Apple device has always been a bit clunky.

HopTo is a relatively new—currently free—app that takes a big step in improving the experience of working with Office documents, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as a variety of other common document types.

In addition to working with Office documents it also adds file management, including the ability to work with multiple cloud service providers. Because it uses a licensed version of Office 2010 as its base, it provides accurate compatibility with the desktop version of Office. The HopTo iPad suite provides an inexpensive complement to a traditional Windows-based computer.

Once you install the app you are presented with an attractive home screen that includes three sliding rows of icons: Recent Files on the top, My Documents in the middle, and a list of cloud service providers at the bottom.

The app allows you to open and save documents from cloud storage providers Google Drive, Box, or Dropbox. It also allows you to sync with and browse directories on your own PC (laptop or desktop) after installing the HopTo sync software on your PC.

Office files opened within HopTo provide 100% compatibility with Office. All you need to do to begin editing a Word document is to double tap on the screen. Highlighting a word allows you full editing capability including changing the font size and style. You can also add images to a document from the iPad camera roll.

Normally the iPad only allows you to do one thing at a time. HopTo solves this problem by placing each document in its own separate, browser-like tab, allowing you to quickly switch between different documents. The ability to track changes within the document is also included.

Opening an Excel file provide similar capability. Although PowerPoint files can be viewed—including transitions—you cannot create a new file or edit an existing one.

If you find you have a need to work on Microsoft Office documents and are using an iPad, then you should download, install, and test the HopTo app.

What is your preferred method for working with Office documents on an iPad? Let me know.

A Bonus Tip…

I wrote an article for LinkedIn Pulse this week I thought I’d share with you. LinkedIn Pulse asked that I write about my best productivity hack: Productivity Hack: Reduce Keystrokes – Save Time and Money. Check it out!