How to Customize the Quick Access Toolbar in Word

Tap a step to see how to add your favorite commands to the Quick Access Toolbar.

  1. Find the Quick Access Toolbar

    The small row of icons at the very top-left of the window, above the File tab, is the Quick Access Toolbar.

  2. Click the dropdown arrow on the right

    Click the small down arrow at the right end of the toolbar.

  3. Choose "More Commands..."

    Click "More Commands..." in the dropdown menu.

  4. Add the commands you want

    Select a frequently used feature from the left-hand list, click "Add" to move it to the right-hand list, then click OK.

  5. Why is this useful?

    Instead of clicking through several tabs every time you need a feature, pinning it to the top of the window lets you reach it with a single click.

One Click Instead of Several

If there is a command you find yourself hunting for across different ribbon tabs, adding it to the Quick Access Toolbar removes that friction entirely. It stays visible at the top of the window no matter which tab you are currently working in, so it is always just one click away.

Also Worth Trying: Custom Heading Styles

If you are already tailoring Word to your workflow, it is worth also learning how to customize heading styles β€” between a personalized toolbar and consistent heading formatting, your documents get faster to produce and easier to read.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add commands that are not on the ribbon at all?

Yes. Choosing "Commands Not in the Ribbon" from the "Choose commands from" dropdown reveals hidden features you can still add to the toolbar.

Can I move the toolbar below the ribbon instead?

Yes, clicking the dropdown arrow and selecting "Show Below the Ribbon" repositions the entire toolbar.