Microsoft Loop is an underappreciated productivity gem that you are not using.

Microsoft Loop started off as yet another Notion clone on the market. However, since its launch, the Windows maker has done a solid job with frequent updates, and thanks to a few neat add-ons, it even surpasses some of the best productivity tools in the market. While many of us are still stuck juggling multiple apps to stay organized,Loopoffers a simple, more cohesive way to work.

It's not just another note-taking or project management tool; Loop offers a fundamental shift in how we approach collaboration, and it's a tool you can't afford to ignore anymore.

Excellent flexibility and organization

A living canvas

Microsoft Loop stands out from traditional office apps. The flexibility and organization are what truly make it a modern productivity tool. It moves away from the rigid, page-based format that we are all used to.

Unlike Word or PowerPoint, Loop doesn't present you with a blank page and a toolbar at the top. Instead, you get a fluid canvas that is designed to be a living document that can grow and change with your ideas.

Since I have used Notion before, I found myself quickly getting used to the slash command to add content. That, coupled with a block-based approach, allows for a level of organization that's impossible with a traditional document.

I can start with a simple brainstorm list, and turn that list into a task component, add a table to track progress, embed a Mermaid chart, and take meeting notes – all on the same page.

This freedom to organize content based on its flow is what makes me feel more productive.

The collaboration experience is smooth

Right up there with Google Workspace apps

The first time I experienced real-time collaboration in Microsoft, I was surprised. I'm so used to the slow, clunky experience of traditional Office apps, where I had to wait for the document to see a colleague's changes.

Loop feels like a different beast. When a teammate starts typing on a component or a page, I see their changes appear in real time. This makes brainstorming and live note-taking during a meeting efficient.

I can even click on any content block and add a comment directly next to it. It's a natural way to provide feedback in context, and my colleagues can use emoji reactions to quickly acknowledge a point or show their support.

Loop components are a game-changer

Works seamlessly with existing Microsoft tools

Loop components are undoubtedly the most transformative feature of Microsoft Loop. Here's how it works. I can turn any block, database, or page into a Loop component and share it with my team members.

For example, if I create a voting tracker in Loop, I can turn it into a component and share it in a Teams channel. As soon as my team members start voting or making changes in a database, I can see the changes in real-time right on my Loop page.

I use it all the time with task lists as well. When I create a database with a task list, I turn it into a Loop component and share it in the Teams channel. As soon as my team members complete those tasks, they make changes in the database directly in the channel. I can see those checks and other changes appear in real-time.

That level of effortless, cross-app sync is something I have never experienced with Microsoft products before, and it's a huge step forward.

Many practical use cases

Don't forget the templates

Thanks to its block editor, smooth collaboration, databases, and other features,Loop is a truly versatile tool. You can use it for taking meeting notes, tracking expenses, creating a business directory, jotting down daily notes, and even managing personal projects.

After all, Microsoft Loop supports Kanban boards that you can use to manage personal projects. You can read my dedicated post toLearn more about the versatility of Microsoft Loop.

You can also start with templates to speed up the process. While the templates library isn't as large as Notion's, Loop offers plenty of pre-designed pages to get started. Although I would love to see more templates in the future.

Microsoft's best-kept secret

If you have been ignoring Microsoft Loop due to its minimal feature set at launch, it's time to take a closer look again. It's a boon for professionals and small teams working within theMicrosoft 365 ecosystem.

It centralizes ideas, tasks, and discussions, and ensures everyone is always on the same page, no matter what they are working on. Go ahead, create a new workspace, start designing pages, and share your Loop components with team members.

I can't wait to see how Microsoft takes it further with future updates. As for my wishlist, I would love to see advanced databases, more templates, and support for file embeds from third-party apps like Figma, Sketch, Miro, and more. If you're new to Loop, check out thesequick tips and tricks to get started.