First things to know about apps in Microsoft Teams

1. You can use apps in tabs in chats, channels, and meetings

When you work with different people, you want different information and tools on hand. You can add relevant files and apps to tabs at the any chat or channel. You can also add apps to meetings to help you collaborate better with attendees.

For example, your team might meet every morning to look at a list of tasks. You might also create new tasks throughout the day based on information you get in chat. Or, you might want to co-create PowerPoint deck with others in a channel. Apps can help you stay organized and get all kinds of work done without leaving Teams.

To get started, select Add a tab at the top of a chat, channel, or calendar event. Then select or search for an app to add.   

2. Messages can be more than just text, thanks to apps

Some apps let you insert content from the app directly into Teams messages. 

To use one, select ​​​​​​​ Actions and apps next to the box where you type a message. Search for an app, or choose one from the menu. 

3. Some apps answer questions and follow commands

A well-known benefit of Teams is collaborating with colleagues—a lesser-known perk is working with bots.

You can interact with bots by @mentioning them in chats, channels, or search. For example, you can chat with Survey Monkey to create a new poll right from within a message. Or @mention Wikipedia in the search box to find and share articles. 

Bots may not give you the same warm, fuzzy feelings as your colleagues, but they can save you time by handling certain tasks.

4. Some apps offer a personal view

Any app with a personal view will appear on the left side of Teams. From here you can get a bird's eye look at your tasks or just have a place to do your own thing. 

From View more apps on the left side of Teams, you can right click any app icon to​​​​​​​ Pin it for easy access. To unpin, right click again and select Unpin  .

Each app will have one or more of the features explained in this article. Scan its description to see what it can do, read reviews, and find out where to use it in Teams.