Why adding chart is not available in word javascript api?

Question

I wanted to add a chart to word document via the add-in I built. But there is no javascript api to create chart or modify chart data.

Is there any way to achieve that? Or, am I missing something?

Answer 1

Hi Lunek Suwal,

As of the most recent information from April 2023, the JavaScript API for Word, a component of the broader Office JavaScript API designed for building Office Add-ins, unfortunately, doesn't offer a straightforward way to generate or alter charts within Word documents. This can be particularly troublesome for developers who incorporate dynamic chart functionality into their Word Add-ins.

Nonetheless, there are several alternative strategies you might explore to circumvent this issue:

1. Inserting Pre-Made Charts: A viable method is to fashion the chart using a different application (such as Excel) and subsequently import it into the Word document as a static image. While this won't permit live data updates within Word, it is apt for displaying fixed data sets.
2. Leveraging Office Open XML: Another option is to utilize Office Open XML (OOXML) for crafting or modifying a Word document. This approach allows more manipulations of the document's elements, including charts. This technique is more intricate and necessitates a thorough understanding of the OOXML framework.
3. Integration with Excel: If feasible, your add-in can use Excel's functionalities to create the chart, which can then be embedded or linked within the Word document. This offers a more dynamic solution, as any updates made in the Excel chart could be reflected in Word.
4. Utilizing Third-party Chart Libraries: Various JavaScript libraries capable of chart creation exist. These can be employed to generate a chart, which you need to convert into an image format compatible with Word before embedding it in the document.
5. Developing a Tailored Solution: Creating a bespoke solution that merges web technologies with Office APIs might be another route. For instance, you could design a web service dedicated to chart generation. The add-in you develop could retrieve these charts from the service and place them into the Word document as images.

Keeping abreast of the ongoing developments in the Office JavaScript API is crucial, as Microsoft is known to update its APIs regularly. The direct manipulation of charts in Word might become feasible in upcoming updates. Therefore, it's advisable to periodically consult Microsoft's latest documentation and developer resources for the most up-to-date information.

All the best