In my [previous post], I talked about the choice to use an embedded Task Pane. Today, we go “under the hood.” If you are coming from the VBA world, prepare for a change of scenery. We are moving from the Alt+F11 editor to the Command Line Interface (CLI).
To build a professional “Huisstijl” (Corporate Identity) bridge in 2026, you don’t just “type and save.” You initialize, authenticate, and push. Here is the exact, step-by-step workflow I’m using to bridge the gap between Word and the Power Platform.
1. Initializing the Project: pac pcf init
The first step isn’t opening Word; it’s opening your terminal. We use the Power Platform CLI to create the foundation of our “Bridge” component.
Command:
pac pcf init --namespace WordPCS --name HuisstijlControl --template field
What does this do? It creates a structured “Code Component” project. By setting the namespace to WordPCS, we are creating a unique container for our logic. This command generates all the manifest and TypeScript files you need so you don’t have to write the boilerplate code yourself.
2. Preparing the Lab: npm install
Once the project structure is ready, we need to bring in all the modern “libraries” that make the bridge work.
Command:
npm install
What does this do? This downloads every dependency required for the project (Node modules). Think of it like loading all the “References” in the old VBA editor. It ensures your environment knows how to handle TypeScript and Office.js.
3. Compiling the Logic: npm run build
Now that we’ve added our specific logic to the bridge (telling it how to listen to the Power App), we need to turn that human-readable code into something the machine understands.
Command:
npm run build
4. Authenticating the Cloud: pac auth
You need to tell the CLI which cloud environment you are talking to.
Command:
pac auth create --url https://Your_org.crm4.dynamics.comCommand:
pac auth listCommand:
pac auth select --index 4
What does this do? It establishes a secure connection. select --index 4 tells the CLI exactly where to send your code, ensuring you aren’t accidentally pushing a “test” bridge into “production.”
5. The “Push”: pac pcf push
Before this step, I go to the Power Apps Maker Portal and create a new Solution (e.g., KbWordPCF). Then, I run:
Command:
pac pcf push --solution-unique-name KbWordPCF
What does this do? This is the “Magic Button.” It takes your code component and publishes it directly into your solution in the cloud.
A Head Start: The “WordBridge” Repository
I know that seeing the commands is one thing, but seeing the code is another. To help you get started, you can check out this repository:
Note from the Architect: You’ll find an example of the bridge logic in the
wordbridgefolder. A word of caution: I haven’t audited or checked this code recently, and the modern Office.js and PCF environments move fast. The best way to learn is to build your own bridge, but the logic in this repository can serve as a great reference or a source for snippets you can reuse.
Why this “Push” matters
By using this workflow, you are moving from being a “Template Builder” to a Solution Architect. Your work is now version-controlled, professional, and centrally managed.
The Hurdle: The CLI Mindset
In 1999, we were “Scripters.” In 2026, we are “Solution Architects.” Using the CLI means your work is ready for the enterprise. It’s a steep learning curve, but it’s the only way to build for the future.
Are you ready to try your first pac pcf push? Use the repo as a guide, but don’t be afraid to break things and build them back up.
In Part 4, we’ll dive into the Office.js API: Translating your old VBA “Selection” and “Range” logic into modern JavaScript commands.