Latest Microsoft Office update adds SVG image support

Microsoft Office for Android is now becoming even more streamlined: The software giant has decided to release a convenience update for their Office suite on Android phones by adding SVG support. The newly introduced feature will allow users to edit SVG images right from Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

As all of the Microsoft office apps come pre-installed on most Android devices, the move will definitely equate to wide-spread advantage. Users can find the latest updates for them in the Google Play store. But if you are an Android user and don’t have the suite pre-installed on your device, you can download it for free.

The version number for Word is 16.0.7668.4775. Excel is 16.0.7668.5029 while PowerPoint is 16.0.7668.4273. (Here are their links: Word, Excel, PowerPoint.)

What is SVG?

SVG, or more specifically Scalable Vector Graphics, are modifiable XML components created in the form of text files. They can be searched, indexed, scripted, and compressed, while their text file nature enables them to be edited via any text editor. They are mainly used in documents to create advanced, better-looking content. All modern web browsers come enabled with SVG image rendering support.

Features

The update allows users to edit SVG images, such as changing the color of the SVG elements and more right from the Office app, eliminating the need of install a third-party tool. Also, as a result, you’ll have better defined and designed content.

The update is targeted towards novice users who lack knowledge about editing images. Now, all you have to do is insert the image in your document and edit.

The company explains the feature in the changelog:

“Use SVG images in Word, Excel and PowerPoint for Android: Insert and edit scalable vector graphic (SVG) images in your document, workbook, and presentation to create sharp, well-designed content. No expert software required.”

As there is no mention of any other feature, we guess the new update is limited to SVG support only.

Requirements

In addition, Microsoft Office for Android (particularly Word and Excel) will now support multiple windows. This allows more than one app to be usable on screen at the same time. Again, a formidable step towards enhancing the convenience of the apps. However, this feature is limited to Android devices running Nougat 7.0 and above.

Microsoft has stated that their apps will remain free to download for Android devices with screen sizes of 10.1 inches and below. Otherwise, you will be required to purchase an Office 365 subscription.

Also, for users who want to be the first in line to try out this new feature can sign up for the Office Insider Program, which’ll make you a member of the Google+ community where you can sign up to become a beta tester for each of the three apps in the suite.

If you want to update the Office apps for Android, you can find the new releases of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint through the Google Play Store.

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