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Quick Access Toolbar (QAT)

The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) is a customizable toolbar positioned independently of the active Ribbon tab. It provides single-click access to your most frequently used Excel commands, tools, and custom macros from anywhere in the application.

Overview and Default Configuration

By default, the Quick Access Toolbar is located in the top-left corner of the title bar (above the Ribbon tabs).

Quick Access Toolbar Overview

Default Commands​

When you first open Excel, the QAT typically contains a minimal set of primary operational tools:

  • AutoSave (for OneDrive/SharePoint hosted files)
  • Save (Ctrl + S)
  • Undo (Ctrl + Z)
  • Redo / Repeat (Ctrl + Y)

Adding and Removing Commands

You can add almost any Excel command—or even custom macros—to the Quick Access Toolbar for quick access.

Method 1: Direct Right-Click (Fastest)​

  1. Locate any command or button on the Ribbon tabs.
  2. Right-click the command icon or dropdown menu.
  3. Select Add to Quick Access Toolbar.

Method 2: QAT Dropdown Menu​

Quick Access Toolbar Dropdown

  1. Click the small Customize Quick Access Toolbar arrow (▼) at the right end of the QAT.
  2. Check or uncheck popular built-in commands (such as New, Open, Quick Print, Sort Ascending, or Touch/Mouse Mode).

Method 3: Excel Options Dialog (Advanced)​

  1. Navigate to File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar (or right-click the QAT and choose Customize Quick Access Toolbar...).
  2. Set Choose commands from to Popular Commands, Commands Not in the Ribbon, or All Commands.
  3. Highlight your desired command in the left box and click Add >>.
  4. To remove a tool, highlight it in the right-hand panel and click << Remove.

Repositioning the Toolbar

Depending on your screen resolution and workspace preference, you can display the Quick Access Toolbar above or below the Ribbon.

PositionAdvantagesHow to Set
Above the Ribbon (Default)Saves vertical grid space; keeps the worksheet tall.QAT Dropdown > Show Above the Ribbon
Below the RibbonEasier cursor reach; allows more horizontal space for icons.QAT Dropdown > Show Below the Ribbon

Keyboard Shortcuts for QAT Tools

The Quick Access Toolbar enables automatic numerical keyboard shortcuts:

  1. Press the Alt key on your keyboard to reveal key tips over the Excel UI.
  2. Notice the numbers displayed over each item in your Quick Access Toolbar (1, 2, 3, ... 9).
  3. Press Alt + [Number] to trigger that exact command immediately without touching the mouse.

Example: If your 4th item on the QAT is Paste Special Values, pressing Alt + 4 executes that command instantly.

Reordering Commands

  1. Open File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar.
  2. Select the command you want to resequence from the right-hand list.
  3. Use the Move Up (▲) and Move Down (▼) buttons on the far right to reorder the tools.
  4. Click OK to apply your changes.

Importing, Exporting, and Resetting

You can back up your toolbar setup to transfer it to another computer or restore default settings.

Exporting Settings​

  1. Go to File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar.
  2. Click Import/Export at the bottom right.
  3. Select Export all customizations and save the file (Excel Customizations.exportedUI).

Importing Settings​

  1. Go to File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar.
  2. Click Import/Export > Import customization file.
  3. Select your .exportedUI file to apply your saved layout.

Warning: Importing a customization file overwrites all existing Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar configurations.

Resetting to Defaults​

To revert the toolbar back to its original state:

  • Click Reset at the bottom of the Quick Access Toolbar options window, then select Reset only Quick Access Toolbar.