How to Add the Developer Tab in Excel

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The Developer tab holds macros, the VBA editor, form controls and add-ins, but it’s hidden when Excel is installed. Turn it on once and it stays.

WindowsFile → Options → Customize Ribbon
MacExcel → Preferences → Ribbon & Toolbar
Time30 seconds

Windows

  1. Right-click any ribbon tab and choose Customize the Ribbon (or File → Options → Customize Ribbon).
  2. In the list on the right, tick Developer.
  3. Click OK.
Right-click menu with Customize the Ribbon
Excel Options with the Developer box ticked
Developer tab showing Visual Basic, Macros and Controls

Mac

Go to Excel → Preferences → Ribbon & Toolbar, tick Developer under Main Tabs, and click Save.

What’s on the Developer tab

Group Used for
Code Visual Basic editor (Alt + F11), Macros (Alt + F8), Record Macro
Add-ins Excel and COM add-ins
Controls Form controls and ActiveX controls, such as checkboxes and buttons
XML Importing and exporting XML maps

Next: how to use the macros on this site, or add a checkbox.

Hide it again

Untick Developer in the same dialog. The same steps show or hide any other tab, such as Draw.

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