Locked lesson.
About this lesson
We introduce the Quick Access Toolbar which allows users to execute frequently used commands with one-click. We also learn how to add commands to the Quick Access Toolbar using two different methods.
Exercise files
Download the ‘before’ and ‘after’ PowerPoint presentations from the video tutorial and try the lesson yourself.
3.03 customizing-the-qat - Exercise.docx51 KB 3.03 customize-the-quick-access-toolbar - Exercise solution.docx
89.2 KB 03-03-Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar.pptx
2.6 MB
Quick reference
The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT)
The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) is a customizable toolbar that contains a set of commands independent from the ribbon. The Quick Access Toolbar can be positioned above or below the ribbon and any command can be added for quick and easy access.
When to use
The Quick Access Toolbar can be used whenever we are working in PowerPoint. It helps improve our efficiency when executing commands we use frequently.
Instructions
Overview of the Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access Toolbar or QAT is located in the top left-hand corner of the PowerPoint window. By default, it contains several useful commands: Save, Undo, Repeat and Touch/Mouse Mode.
Change the Position of the Quick Access Toolbar
The QAT can be displayed above or below the ribbon. To change the position of the QAT:
- Click the drop-down arrow at the end of the QAT.
- From the Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu, select Show Below the ribbon.
Add Commands from the Menu
We can add any command available in PowerPoint to the QAT.
Microsoft provides a list of the most popular commands in the Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu. Commands with a tick next to them are displayed on the QAT.
- Click the drop-down arrow at the end of the QAT.
- Select a command to add it to the QAT.
Add Commands from the Ribbon
Aside from the limited selection of commands available in the drop-down menu, we can add commands from any of the ribbon tabs to the QAT.
- Right-click on a command on any of the tabs.
- Select Add to Quick Access Toolbar.
Add Commands from Options
Not all commands available in PowerPoint are visible on the ribbon. To access all commands in PowerPoint including those not shown on the ribbon, we need to customize the QAT from PowerPoint Options.
- Click the drop-down arrow at the end of the QAT.
- Select More Commands.
- From the Quick Access Toolbar page of PowerPoint Options, make a selection from the Choose commands from drop-down menu.
- Scroll down the list and find the command to add to the QAT. Commands are organised in alphabetical order.
- Click the Add button.
- Repeat this process to add more commands.
Organising Commands with Separators
QAT commands can be organised and grouped by similar type using Separators.
- Click the drop-down arrow at the end of the QAT.
- Select More Commands.
- From the Quick Access Toolbar page of PowerPoint Options, select anything from the Choose commands from drop-down menu.
- At the top of the list, select Separator.
- Click the Add button.
- Repeat this process to add more separators.
- Use the Move up and Move down arrows to organise commands and seperators.
Removing Commands from the QAT
- Right-click on the command on the QAT.
- Select Remove from Quick Access Toolbar.
Alternatively,
- Click the drop-down arrow at the end of the QAT.
- Select More Commands.
- Choose the command to remove from Customize Quick Access Toolbar pane on the right-hand side.
- Click the Remove button.
Hints & tips
- The Quick Access Toolbar can also be customised by clicking the File tab, selecting Options and then the Quick Access Toolbar page.
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