Although Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac is now considered legacy software, it remains a reliable tool for professionals who prefer a one-time license with robust offline functionality. However, in a world moving toward cloud services and subscription models, finding compatible third-party add-ons for Microsoft Office for Mac 2016 in 2025 can be challenging.
The good news? Many developers continue to support their add-ins for Office 2016 due to its ongoing use by businesses, writers, researchers, and productivity-focused users. In this blog, we’ll highlight the top add-ons still compatible with Office 2016 for Mac, explain what they do, how to install them, and how to get the best performance out of a legacy suite.
Why Use Add-Ons with Office 2016 for Mac?
Third-party add-ons expand Office’s core functionality, adding features such as:
- Advanced grammar and plagiarism checks
- Citation and bibliography management
- Enhanced PDF handling
- CRM, project management, and team integration
- Better data visualization
- Export and file format enhancements
- Mail merge, email automation, and more
While newer versions of Office and Microsoft 365 receive the most attention from developers, many tools still run well on Office 2016, especially on Mac.
1. Grammarly for Microsoft Word
Purpose: Real-time grammar, style, and spelling checks.
Compatibility: Fully works with Word 2016 on Mac (desktop version).
Features:
- Checks grammar, punctuation, and clarity in real-time
- Suggests rephrasing for better tone
- Detects passive voice and redundancy
- Supports US, UK, Canadian, and Australian English
Installation:
- Download the Grammarly for Mac plugin
- Enable it in Word > Tools > Templates and Add-ins
Note: Internet access is required for Grammarly to function.
2. Mendeley Cite
Purpose: Reference and citation management for academics and researchers.
Compatibility: Works with Word 2016 for Mac through the “Cite” plugin.
Features:
- Insert citations directly into your Word documents
- Choose from 7,000+ citation styles (APA, MLA, etc.)
- Sync with your Mendeley library
- Automatically generate bibliographies
Installation:
- Download Mendeley Desktop and Cite plugin
- In Word: Go to Insert > Add-ins > Mendeley Cite
Still supported as of 2025 by Elsevier, though updates focus on Mendeley Reference Manager.
3. EndNote Cite While You Write (CWYW)
Purpose: Academic citation tool.
Compatibility: Supports Word 2016 for Mac via plugin integration.
Features:
- Easily insert, edit, and format citations
- Organize references and build libraries
- Insert footnotes and bibliographies dynamically
Installation:
- Download CWYW tools from EndNote’s official site
- Activate the plugin in Word
EndNote support for Office 2016 continues for now, but users are encouraged to upgrade soon.
4. Adobe Acrobat PDFMaker
Purpose: Advanced PDF creation and editing from Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
Compatibility: Fully compatible with Office 2016 for Mac via Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
Features:
- Convert Office files to PDF with embedded fonts
- Combine multiple files into one PDF
- Add bookmarks, links, and security settings
- Retain formatting and structure
Installation:
- Requires Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Automatically adds PDFMaker plugin to Office apps
Ensure you install the Mac-compatible version of Acrobat Pro.
5. Mail Merge Toolkit (via Parallels or Remote Integration)
Purpose: Advanced mail merge options including attachments and HTML formatting.
Compatibility: Not directly available for Mac, but can be used via Parallels or remote Word 2016 on Windows.
Features:
- Personalize mass email campaigns
- Add dynamic attachments
- Send emails directly through Outlook
Installation:
- Install on a Windows VM or PC
- Sync Office 2016 documents between Mac and VM
Use with Office 2016 for Windows via Parallels for best results.
6. Zotero Plugin for Word
Purpose: Free citation tool popular among researchers and students.
Compatibility: Word 2016 for Mac (desktop version).
Features:
- Add citations from Zotero library
- Insert formatted bibliographies
- Integrate with over 10,000 journals and citation styles
Installation:
- Download Zotero + Word plugin
- Plugin auto-installs into Word 2016
Still supported for Word 2016 as of 2025.
7. Lucidchart Diagrams for Word
Purpose: Create and insert professional flowcharts and diagrams.
Compatibility: Office 2016 (via web add-in or inserted images).
Features:
- Drag-and-drop diagram creation
- Hundreds of templates
- Collaborate and edit online
- Insert diagrams directly into Word or PowerPoint
Installation:
- Use Lucidchart web platform
- Insert diagrams into Office files via copy-paste or image export
Direct Office integration may be limited; use export for best compatibility.
8. MyScript Math (MathType Alternative)
Purpose: Handwriting-to-equation conversion for Word.
Compatibility: Works with Word 2016 via extension.
Features:
- Write equations by hand using a trackpad or stylus
- Converts to LaTeX or standard math notation
- Insert into Word or export as image
Installation:
- Install the Mac-compatible version of MyScript
- Enable export options for Office apps
9. XLSTAT for Excel
Purpose: Advanced statistical and data analysis in Excel.
Compatibility: Excel 2016 for Mac.
Features:
- Regression, ANOVA, and multivariate analysis
- Machine learning modules
- Data visualization enhancements
- Integrated with Excel’s native ribbon
Installation:
- Download from XLSTAT website
- Install as Excel add-in manually via Preferences > Add-ins
Still actively maintained for Office 2016 in 2025.
10. Kutools Lite for Excel (Limited Use)
Purpose: Power productivity toolkit for Excel.
Compatibility: Primarily Windows-based, but basic features usable via Excel template files.
Features:
- Batch editing, merging cells, advanced sorting
- Enhanced formatting tools
- File navigation shortcuts
Installation:
- Limited to template-level features on Mac
- Full version available on Excel for Windows
Best used in tandem with shared templates between Mac and PC.
Add-Ons Still Partially Supported (Use with Caution)
Some older add-ons may function partially or via workaround:
| Add-On | Function | 2025 Support Note |
| Trello Power-Up | Task management | Web-based only for Mac users |
| Evernote Clipper | Note syncing | Manual export, no full plugin |
| Translator Add-in | Language translation | Partially supported via Office’s built-in tools |
| OneNote Web Clipper | Save content to OneNote | Via browser, not in-app plugin |
Tips to Maintain Add-On Compatibility in 2025
- Avoid major macOS upgrades: Stick with supported versions like macOS Catalina or Big Sur.
- Don’t update Office 2016 past final supported version.
- Use browser-based tools when native plugins are deprecated.
- Keep local backups of plugins or extensions in case download sources go offline.
- Check developer websites periodically for end-of-support notices.
Add-On Installation Checklist
| Step | Action |
| ✅ Check compatibility | Visit add-on site for Office 2016 Mac confirmation |
| ✅ Download correct version | Mac-specific installer only |
| ✅ Install in correct folder | Applications > Office > Plugins/Add-ins |
| ✅ Activate in Office | Word/Excel > Preferences > Add-ins |
| ✅ Restart apps | Ensures integration is complete |
FAQ: Third-Party Add-Ons for Office 2016 on Mac
Q1: Will add-ons still be supported beyond 2025?
Support depends on the developer. Some academic tools like Zotero and Mendeley plan to support Word 2016 into 2026.
Q2: Can I install add-ons via the Microsoft AppSource store?
Most AppSource add-ins are optimized for Office 365. Some may install, but functionality may be limited.
Q3: Do add-ons work offline with Office 2016?
Yes, many add-ons like Grammarly and EndNote function offline after initial setup.
Q4: What if an add-on stops working after a macOS update?
Reinstall the plugin or roll back to a compatible macOS version. Avoid auto-updates if you’re using legacy software.
Q5: Are these add-ons safe to use?
Yes—if downloaded from official developer websites or well-known sources. Avoid unauthorized or “cracked” versions.
