Recently, I was thrilled to discover the integration of AI support in ONLYOFFICE’s cloud-based productivity suite. This latest enhancement in ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors allows me to seamlessly incorporate my preferred AI tools right within the desktop environment. I decided to put this new feature to the test to evaluate its functionality and effectiveness.
It’s important to note that this article is sponsored by ONLYOFFICE. Nevertheless, the insights and opinions shared here reflect my personal views and maintain editorial independence, even in the context of sponsorship.
Explore the Versatility of AI Agent Support
The newest edition of ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors now features AI agent support, offering users flexibility beyond the proprietary models common in some productivity applications. This means you can connect to various external AI platforms.
Initially, the AI support allows connections to:
- Anthropic
- Be
- OpenAI
- TogetherAI
- OpenRouter
Notably, the inclusion of Ollama is a significant advantage, as it enables users to run models directly from their local machine, thereby enhancing privacy and security. Furthermore, a configuration supporting MCP servers is available for users seeking a tailored experience, although it’s not mandatory for casual use.
This upgrade equips you with tools to execute numerous tasks, including file generation, data extraction, Q&A functionality, and form filling. Users can integrate multiple AI models to leverage the unique strengths of each.
How to Configure an AI Agent
Setting up an AI agent in ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors is a straightforward process. First, you will need an account with your selected AI platform and an API key, as ONLYOFFICE does not provide direct access but facilitates integration.
To get started, download the latest version of ONLYOFFICE. Note that versions prior to 9.2 do not feature AI agent capabilities.
After downloading, launch ONLYOFFICE and navigate to the left sidebar to select AI Agent. Click on Connect an AI Model to begin the setup.
Next, click Add Provider and input the necessary information. Don’t forget to generate an API key with your desired AI provider prior to adding it to ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors.
Upon successful addition, your chosen AI agent will appear in the Connection tab. You can then adjust settings related to MCP servers and web search features as needed.
I was able to connect to OpenAI in just a few minutes, including the time taken to generate the API key.
Access and Utilize the AI Agent
One feature I appreciate about ONLYOFFICE is its unobtrusive approach to AI; it’s entirely optional and can be used at your discretion, genuinely resembling a helpful assistant.
After adding an AI agent, accessing it from the main dashboard is effortless. Click on AI Agent located at the bottom left corner of the screen, and you’ll be greeted by a familiar AI chatbot interface that mimics online AI interactions.
From this interface, you can pose questions, attach files, modify settings, and select from available AI models. Depending on the provider, the models may differ. I recommend activating Web Search if you wish to conduct research without leaving ONLYOFFICE. Simply click the Settings icon and enable this feature.
Using the AI agent from the dashboard means you don’t need to open or create a new document to access AI functionalities. However, if the AI Plugin is enabled, you can take advantage of the AI provider’s features within existing and new documents.
To utilize the AI in a document, simply right-click anywhere and select AI or navigate through the AI menu located in the toolbar. If you don’t see the AI option, go to Plugins, select Plugin Manager, and choose AI.
The AI functionalities include grammar checks, text analysis, and interaction with the chatbot.
You will be prompted to choose which model(s) to use for various tasks, but this setup is not required if your aim is to leverage the AI agent for creating new documents or browsing files.
Maximizing Value with ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors AI
If you opt to use the AI plugin, you must first open a document or create a new one to access the built-in features effectively. For example, I frequently leveraged the Chatbot functionality to analyze my work.
With this version of ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors, I could generate entirely new documents from the AI Agent screen, thanks to a simple prompt that allows me to:
- Quickly generate new documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDFs
- Summarize and rewrite uploaded attachments
- Restructure content in existing documents
- Engage in brainstorming sessions
- Easily browse and search for files
I put this to the test by creating a straightforward PDF event registration form, allowing attendees to input their information and select events they’d like to attend.
Within just ten seconds, I generated a new PDF in ONLYOFFICE that was ready for further edits.
You can always make adjustments within the AI Agent to create additional versions as needed. If spreadsheet generation is your goal, bypass the monotonous setup of columns and rows by allowing the AI to do it for you. I effortlessly created a spreadsheet containing 30 rows of sample data for a tech startup in mere seconds.
Should you need to condense meeting notes or summarize lengthy documents, simply upload the file into the AI Agent and let it perform the task efficiently. This function is particularly advantageous for extracting essential highlights from documents.
For instance, I tasked the AI Agent with creating meeting notes from a two-hour discussion regarding a project called ONLYOFFICE, with ten participants. I then asked it to summarize these notes.
The outcome transformed seven pages of notes into a concise two-page summary that emphasized the critical points.
Enhancements Beyond AI in Version 9.2
While the ability to integrate my own AI agents is undoubtedly a key feature in ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors, I also value the inclusion of keyboard shortcuts in version 9.2, which greatly enhance efficiency.
To customize your shortcuts, open any document, go to the File menu, and select Advanced Settings. Here, click on Customize next to Keyboard Shortcuts. You can retain the default settings or create new shortcuts that are easier to remember based on your preferences.
When it comes to AI, there’s a specific shortcut for accessing the Chat Panel that proves to be particularly useful for frequent users.
Additionally, some of the other noteworthy enhancements in version 9.2 include:
- Customizable color options for the Redact feature, enhancing organization for confidential documents.
- The ability to record macros, which streamline repetitive tasks into a single click, saving valuable time.
- Improved user-friendly features to create fillable forms with more descriptive text labels.
Consider trying ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors for free to discover how the new AI agent support can transform your workflow. I found that not having to switch between an AI application and a browser significantly enhanced my focus and productivity.
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