Google Add-ons for Docs, Sheets, and Forms
Add-ons are third-party tools available in Google Drive applications (currently in Docs, Sheets, and Forms). They add specific functionality to the apps, such as mail merge capabilities, adding new fonts, adding individual cells to a sheet, merging data in two columns, etc.
Because Add-ons are from third-party developers, they are not covered by our Google Apps for Education terms of service. Review an Add-on’s request to access your data before deciding if you want to use it. This is especially important if you own sensitive data or data covered by HIPAA or FERPA. You can also seek advice from the Computing Help Desk.
- Security, sensitive information, and privacy
- How to install
- How to use
- Sharing Docs/Sheets/Forms with Add-ons installed
- How to uninstall
- How to review and remove current permissions in your Google account
- How to evaluate the quality of an Add-on
A note about security, sensitive information, and privacy
Google Add-ons are developed by third-parties and are NOT covered by the Terms of Service Agreement between Wellesley College and Google. Make sure you fully understand the functionality of the Add-on and review any documentation related to the Add-on before enabling it. If you do not understand or cannot find the terms of use or privacy policy for an Add-on, contact the Help Desk for consultation (x3333, helpdesk@wellesley.edu).
Add-ons should be considered commercial applications that do not guarantee privacy. Do not use Add-ons that connect to an external service to store or manipulate any sensitive information. Follow institutional policies, particularly the Written Information Security Program, when considering installing a Google Add-on. If you are not sure which applications or add-ons you have given permissions to, see the how to review and remove current Permissions in your Google Account. LTS, in consultation with the ACLTP, may audit Add-on installations and may disable access to any and all Add-ons at any time.
How to install Add-ons
You can install add-ons by opening a Google Doc, Sheet, or Form, click on the Add-ons menu, then choose Get add-ons. You can browse and search all the available add-ons. See our section on how to evaluate the quality of an Add-on before installing it (link to below). Click the name of the add-on to see more information about it, including screenshots, videos, user reviews and ratings. Click the blue +FREE 
How to use
Each add-on is different and supported by different companies. Most add-ons will add menus to the menubar and will include a link to Help for the add-on. If you have any questions, please check the add-on company’s website, or contact the Help Desk for assistance.
Sharing Docs/Sheets/Forms with Add-ons installed
When you use an Add-on in a Google doc, sheet, or form that is shared with other users, that add-on will run in a limited capacity for all collaborators, regardless of whether or not they have it installed as well. This allows them to see the Add-on in the Add-ons menu and to see the results of any process the Add-on completes in the file. The Add-on will not have access to your collaborators’ files and information beyond that unless they themselves install the Add-on. A collaborator may install the Add-on directly from your shared file without reviewing our security information.
How to uninstall
In a Google doc, sheet, or form under the Add-ons menu, choose Manage Add-ons. You will see a list of add-ons installed in your account. Click the Manage button to see a menu that will often link to help, tutorials, and remove options.
See Google documentation on how to Manage Add-ons