How to add the Developer tab to the Microsoft Office Ribbon

Image: IDG / Marshall Gunnell

Did you know that Microsoft Office applications offer a special tab? It’s called the Developer tab and it provides easy access to several unique but advanced features like writing macros and importing XML files (more on that below). However, it’s not enabled by default. If you’re not sure how to enable this tab, don’t worry. We did the heavy lifting for you. Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to enable it.

Why you’d want to add the Developer tab

The Developers tab gives you quick access to many of the advanced features available in Office applications. These features include Visual Basic, XML commands, Macros, document protection features, Add-in controls, and more.

The type of feature depends on which Office application you’re using. For example, XML commands make sense for Excel and there’s an argument to be made for Word, but there’s not much reason to have that feature in PowerPoint. There are many different Office applications, but here’s a quick look at which features appear in the Developers tab in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

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Keep in mind that just because an application has a specific group available, some of the features in that group may differ between applications. Here’s a complete look at what’s available.

GroupWordPowerPointExcelCode (VBA, Macros)✔✔✔Add-ins✔✔✔Controls✔✔✔XML (& XML Mapping)✔✖✔Protect✔✖✖Templates✔✖✖

How to add the Developer tab in Office for Windows

At a glance Time to complete: 5 minutes1.

You’ll need to manually enable the Developer tab for each Office application, but the process is identical. First, open the Office application you wish to add the Developer tab to. Next, right-click anywhere in the ribbon. In the context menu that appears, click “Customize the Ribbon.”

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The application’s Options window will appear, where you’ll automatically be in the Customize Ribbon tab. Check the box next to “Developer” and then click “OK.”

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The Developer tab is now added to the ribbon. Repeat these steps for each Office application you’d like to add the Developer tab to.

How to add the Developer tab in Office for Mac

Similar to Windows, you’ll need to manually enable the Developer tab for each Office application on Mac. However, the process is identical for each app. First, open the Office application you wish to add the Developer tab to. Next, open the “Word” menu and then select “Preferences.”