Word Document Workflows

Tech Stack Target / Version: Word desktop or python-docx automation with current OOXML-compatible workflows.

Use this skill when .docx layout and document structure matter, not just the raw text.

• Leverage native parallel subagent dispatch and 200k+ context windows where available.

Current MCP Reality

Microsoft publicly documents a Word MCP server in the Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit preview, but tool availability still depends on the host. In GitHub Copilot you may see Word-specific tools; in other clients they may be missing. If direct Word MCP access is unavailable, use the included local script workflow.

Activation Conditions

Use symptom -> action triggers: when one matches, apply this skill and verify with the protocol below.

• Creating or editing .docx reports, memos, or structured deliverables
• Applying headings, tables, images, or styles
• Reviewing or extracting document structure
• Preparing Word output before a later PDF conversion

Practical Workflow

1. Confirm whether the client exposes Word MCP capabilities.
2. Start with structure: title, headings, sections, tables.
3. Apply styling consistently only after the structure is right.
4. Validate comments, footnotes, and references before export.
5. Use the local generator script when MCP access is unavailable.

MCP Fallback – Native Automation

When MCP is unavailable, use native automation: python-docx for .docx, direct OOXML inspection for unsupported structures, and PDF export checks when layout matters. Preserve styles, tables, headers, footers, comments, tracked-change expectations, and metadata, then reopen or parse the document before claiming success.

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Cross-Client Portability

This skill is written to stay usable across GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, and Codex.

• GitHub Copilot: keep the folder in a Copilot-visible skill path or wrap the workflow in project instructions when folder discovery is unavailable.
• Claude Code: keep the folder in a local skills directory or a compatible plugin source.
• Codex: install or sync the folder into $CODEX_HOME/skills/word-document and restart Codex after major changes.

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MCP Availability And Fallback

Preferred MCP Server: Word Document MCP

• Fallback prompt: "Use the Word Document Workflows skill without MCP. Follow the documented local or manual fallback, show the selected tool surface, and report the verification evidence."
• Use python-docx, Word desktop, or document export scripts when the MCP surface is unavailable.
• Re-open or render the document locally so formatting, comments, and pagination are verified before delivery.
• Do not claim an MCP operation was used when the active host does not expose it.

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Anti-Patterns

• Writing for the author instead of the reader: It bakes in unstated context and leaves the actual audience unsure what to do next.
• Skipping concrete examples or commands: Abstract guidance is easy to approve and hard to apply correctly.
• Letting links, screenshots, or versions drift: Polished formatting does not help if the instructions are no longer true.

Verification Protocol

Before claiming "skill applied successfully":

1. Pass/fail: The Word Document artifact type, target format, and required output fidelity are stated before editing.
2. Pass/fail: MCP availability is checked and the native automation fallback path is named when MCP is absent.
3. Pass/fail: The produced file or formula is opened, parsed, rendered, or otherwise validated locally.
4. Pressure-test scenario: Apply the workflow to a file with formatting, metadata, or conversion edge cases and verify nothing important is lost.
5. Success metric: Zero unverified document claims; the artifact itself is the evidence.

Document Checklist

• Heading hierarchy is clear
• Tables are readable and consistently styled
• Comments or review notes are intentional
• Placeholder text is removed
• The final document was re-opened or otherwise verified after generation

References & Resources

Documentation

• DOCX Formatting Reference - Practical formatting notes and document structure guidance

Scripts

• DOC Template Generator - Local fallback for generating Word-ready document structures

Examples

• Report Generation Example - Example report workflow for .docx output

Related Skills

• documentation-authoring: Use it when the workflow also needs drafting structured technical or product documents.
• documentation-patterns: Use it when the workflow also needs reusable documentation structures and templates.
• documentation-quality: Use it when the workflow also needs documentation review standards and quality gates.
• documentation-verification: Use it when the workflow also needs final documentation validation before publishing.