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How to Add the Developer Tab in Microsoft Excel

Introduction

The Developer tab in Microsoft Excel lets you write and run macros, use XML commands, use form controls, and more. However, the Developer tab isn’t displayed by default, and you have to active it through your Excel options.

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Steps to Add the Developer Tab in Microsoft Excel

  1. Open a document in Microsoft Excel.
  2. Click “File” in the menu along the top of the window to open a menu along the left side of the screen, and then click “Options” in that menu. The Excel Options window opens.
Click Options.

  1. Click “Customize Ribbon” in the menu on the left side of this screen. Options for customizing your Excel ribbon are shown on the right side of the screen.
Click Customize Ribbon.

  1. Find the Customize the Ribbon section. Scroll down this section, click to place a check mark next to “Developer” and then click “OK.”
Scroll down the Customize Ribbon section, and then click to place a check mark next to "Developer."

  1. The Excel Options screen closes, and you’ll return to your open Excel spreadsheet, where you’ll now see the Developer tab has been added.
You'll now see the Developer tab has been added.

Key Features the Microsoft Excel Developer Tab Makes Available

1. VBA Editor

The VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) Editor is a powerful tool in Excel that allows you to automate tasks and create custom functions. With the VBA Editor, you can write macros to streamline repetitive tasks, create user-friendly forms, and even develop custom functions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer, the VBA Editor provides a platform for you to make Excel work for you.

2. Control Buttons

With the Developer tab in Excel, you can create custom control buttons to streamline your work. Control buttons are an excellent way to add functionality to your Excel sheets, whether it’s a simple macro, custom formula, or a full user interface. Designing control buttons is simple and easy, and they can significantly improve the user experience of your Excel sheets.

3. ActiveX Controls

ActiveX controls are interactive elements that you can add to your Excel sheets to make them more user-friendly and efficient. Some of the most common ActiveX controls include check boxes, option buttons, list boxes, spin buttons, and more. These controls can be used in a variety of ways, from creating forms to building custom dashboards.

4. XML Tools

The XML tools feature in Excel allows you to work with XML data with ease. You can import, export, and manipulate XML data in Excel to create custom data views and even link data from external sources. Streamline your workflow with Excel’s XML tools for managing data.

5. Code Signing

Code signing digitally signs macros to ensure trust and protection from malicious intent. It secures the macros and protects users. By using code signing, you can ensure macro security and user protection.

6. Add-Ins

The Developer tab in Excel also gives you the option to install Add-Ins, which are external programs that extend the functionality of Excel. Add-Ins can provide new features and functionalities to enhance your experience with Excel, and they come in a wide range of options to fit your specific needs. Whether you need new chart types, custom functions, or even a full project management system, you’re sure to find an Add-In that fits your needs.

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About Max

Max has nearly 20 years of experience working in IT across three different industries in project management and management capacities: publishing, telecommunications and healthcare. He holds the following degrees and certifications: BS Communications, MA Communications, MBA and Project Management Professional (PMP). His tutorial-focused YouTube channel earned more than 100,000 subscribers in its first four years, and currently has more than 160,000 subscribers, 110,000,000 video views and an insane 2.4 million hours of watch time. Max enjoys learning new technology, reading and collecting comic books, listening to audiobooks and playing video games.

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