Next steps:
1. Host the add-in website.
2. Sideload your add-in.
3. Build your Outlook Add-in using the Office JavaScript APIs.
For more information, choose Next.
You can also explore the links in the additional resources section.
You can host your add-in locally or use any web server. Make sure that the add-in is served using HTTPS and also update the add-in’s source location in the manifest.
To help you get started, we have included webpack-dev-server for your convenience. To learn more about it, see the documentation here.
# To host the add-in using webpack-dev-server, use the following command:
npm start
You will need to add the self-signed security certificate that npm creates as a trusted root certificate, or your add-in will not display. You only need to do this once for all add-ins hosted this way.
# To verify that the add-in is running, open your browser and go to the main page at:
https://localhost:3000
See our documentation for information about adding the self-signed certificates.
Load the add-in into Outlook. The easiest way to do this is by sideloading the add-in using the in-client Office Store UI.
1. Open the Office Store, either in Outlook 2016 for Windows or Outlook on the web: - In Outlook 2016 for Windows, choose the Store button on the Home tab. - In Outlook on the web, choose the gear icon in the upper-right corner, then choose Manage integrations. 2. Click the text Click here to add a custom add-in. 3. Choose Add from file.... 4. Browse to and select the manifest.xml file from the root of the project folder, and then choose Open. 5. Review the warning prompt and choose Install. 6. Close the Office Store window. Your add-in will load in Outlook.
Here's some advice for building a stellar add-in:
- Use the Design Patterns to create a rich and immersive UI.
- Use the Office Helpers to simplify Authentication, Storage management etc.
- Use the included Office Add-in Validator to ensure your manifest.xml file is correct and complete. It will also give you information on against what platforms to test your add-in before submitting to the store.
# To validate your manifest, use the following command in your project directory:
$ npm run validate manifest.xml
- Ensure your add-in works on all browsers and platforms that Office supports.
For more information and resources to help you develop your add-in project, follow through the next steps or click on the additional resources to help you get started.