Developer tab is not displayed on the alternatives ribbon in Office applications by default, but it's easy to add and gives you access to advanced features like macros, ActiveX controls and form controls for Word, Excel, PowerPoint y Visio. Here's how to set it up.
Why bother with the Developer tab?
When would you need the Developer tab? You can use the Developer tab to:
- Write or run macros
- Use XML commands
- Use ActiveX controls
- Create applications to use with Microsoft Office programs
- Use form controls in Microsoft Excel
- Work with ShapeSheet in Microsoft Visio
- Create new shapes and templates in Microsoft Visio
Once you add the Developer tab to the ribbon, it will remain visible unless you clear the check box or reinstall a Microsoft Office program.
How to add the Developer tab to the ribbon
In this example, we will demonstrate how to add the Developer tab to the Alternatives ribbon in Word. Despite this, the steps are the same in Excel and PowerPoint. Please note that you will need to enable the Developer tab in each application separately.
Open the menu “File”.
Click on “Choices”.
In the Word Options dialog box, click on “Customize the ribbon” On the left side. In the listing on the far right, on “Main tabs”, enable the check box “Developer” and then click “To accept”.
The Developer tab is then visible on the Ribbon.
Developer tab is not context sensitive; should remain visible no matter what you are doing in the app.
