Datasheet

Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar
In previous versions of Excel, you can fairly easily modify the user interface. You can cre-
ate custom toolbars that contain frequently used commands, and you can even remove
menu items that you never use. In earlier versions of Excel, you can also display any num-
ber of toolbars and move them wherever you like. For users who have moved up to Excel
2007, those days are over.
With the introduction of the new Ribbon-based user interface in Office 2007, user cus-
tomization is severely curtailed. Although it’s possible to modify the Ribbon, it’s a rather
complicated process, and it’s not something a casual user would do. In Office 2007, user
interface customization is limited to the Quick Access Toolbar, or QAT — and that’s the
topic of this tip.
If you find that you continually need to switch Ribbon tabs because a frequently used com-
mand never seems to be on the Ribbon that’s displayed, this tip is for you.
About the QAT
The QAT is always visible, regardless of which Ribbon tab is selected. After you customize
the QAT, your frequently used commands are always one click away.
NOTE
The only situation in which the QAT is not visible is in Full Screen mode, which is enabled
by choosing View
➪ Workbook Views ➪ Full Screen. To cancel Full Screen mode (and
restore the Ribbon and QAT), right-click any cell and choose Close Full Screen, or press
Escape.
By default, the QAT is located on the left side of the Excel title bar, and it includes the fol-
lowing three tools:
•
Save: Saves the active workbook.
•
Undo: Reverses the effect of the last action.
•
Redo: Reverses the effect of the last undo.
If you prefer, you can move the QAT below the Ribbon: Right-click the QAT and choose
Show Quick Access Toolbar Below The Ribbon. Moving the QAT below the Ribbon eats up
some additional vertical space on your screen. In other words, you see one or two fewer
rows of your worksheet if you move the QAT from its default location.
Commands on the QAT always appear as small icons, with no text. When you hover your
mouse pointer over an icon, you see the name of the command and a brief description.
Tip 10: Customizing Your Quick Access Toolbar
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