diff --git a/Helper_File.py b/Helper_File.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..90a738b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Helper_File.py
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+def check_shape_for_text(shape):
+    #returns true if shape in MS Office has text. Requires win32com.client module.
+    if shape.HasTextFrame or 'TextBox' in shape.Name:
+        return True
+    else:
+        return False
+
+def is_shape_a_group(shape):
+    #returns true if shape in MS Office is part of a group. Requires win32com.client module.
+    try:
+        if shape.GroupItems.Count > 0:
+            return True
+    except:
+        return False
+
+def find_replace(shape, find_phrase, replace_phrase):
+    #finds and replaces text within a shape in MS Office. Requires win32com.client module.
+    return shape.TextFrame.TextRange.Replace(FindWhat=find_phrase, ReplaceWhat=replace_phrase, MatchCase = True)
+
+def add_comment(object, author, text):
+    #adds a comment to a PPT or Word Document. Make sure you select slide object for PPT, document object for Word. Does not work for Excel. Requires win32com.client module.
+    return object.Comments.Add(Left = 12, Top = 12, Author = author, AuthorInitials = 'Py', Text = text)
+
+def open_office_application(win32_import, application_type, visible):
+    #opens an office application. Requires proper naming of objects (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Returns application object. Visible is boolean.
+    Application = win32_import.gencache.EnsureDispatch(application_type + '.Application')
+    Application.Visible = visible
+    return Application
+