If you spend a lot of time searching through menus and tools in Word, then your life is about to become a lot easier. Here’s how to create your own Quick Access Toolbar, so you can get to the tools and settings you use most often with just one click.
Boost Your Productivity with Word’s Quick Access Toolbar
If you regularly use the same commands in Microsoft Word, the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) can save you time and reduce unnecessary clicks. Located in the upper-left corner of the Word window, this small but powerful toolbar stays visible no matter which Ribbon tab you’re using, giving you one-click access to your favourite tools.
Best of all, it’s fully customisable.
Add Your Favourite Commands
The quickest way to personalise the QAT is directly from the Ribbon.
- Browse to the Ribbon tab containing the command you use most often.
- Right-click the command.
- Select Add to Quick Access Toolbar.
The command is instantly added and will always be available, regardless of which Ribbon tab you’re working in.
Access Even More Commands
Not every Word command appears on the Ribbon, but you can still add them to the QAT.
- Click the drop-down arrow at the end of the Quick Access Toolbar.
- Select More Commands.
- In the Word Options window, use the Choose commands from drop-down menu to browse:
- Popular Commands
- Commands Not in the Ribbon
- Commands from specific Ribbon tabs
- Select the command you want and click Add >>.
- Click OK to save your changes.
This is a great way to surface powerful features that are otherwise hidden away.
Rearrange or Remove Commands
As your workflow changes, you can easily reorganise the toolbar.
- Click the QAT drop-down arrow and choose More Commands.
- In the Customize Quick Access Toolbar list, select the command you want to move.
- Use the Up and Down arrows to change its position.
- To remove a command, select it and click Remove, or simply right-click its icon on the toolbar and choose Remove from Quick Access Toolbar.
Expert Tip
Keep your QAT limited to the commands you use every day, such as Save, Undo, Redo, Print, Format Painter, or Track Changes. A streamlined toolbar makes Word faster to use and helps you stay focused on your work instead of searching through Ribbon tabs.
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