In this free tutorial, we’ll learn how to activate, use, or remove the Developer tab in Excel. The Developer tab is available from Excel 2010 to the present version.
The developer tab helps users create VBA applications, create macros, make forms, and input and export XML data.
From this free tutorial, you can also learn how to reposition the Developer tab and remove or hide this tab in Excel.
What Is the Developer Tab in Excel?
The built-in Excel tab known as the Developer tab offers the functionality required to use Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and perform macro operations. By default, the tab is disabled. To have it appear on the toolbar at the top of the Excel window, you must first enable it in the File menu's Options section.
Why the Developer Tab Is Important in Excel?
The Developer tab in Excel is important for advanced users to edit and run macros through Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). It facilitates advanced tasks like designing custom forms, integrating ActiveX controls, managing add-ins, and accessing XML mapping. It also enhances the efficiency of repetitive tasks and provides customized solutions beyond the software's standard features.
How to Add or Activate the Developer Tab to the Ribbon in Excel?
By default, the Developer tab is not visible on the Excel ribbon. You need to enable this tab. You can enable, or add, or activate the Developer tab from the Excel Options dialog box. Follow the steps below.
- Right-click anyplace on the ribbon >> Select Customize the Ribbon… from the pop-up menu of options:
- Now, the Excel Options dialog box pops up >> Choose the Main Tabs option from the Customize the Ribbon drop-down >> Check the Developer option >> OK.
📓 Notes: Press Alt + F + T one after another to open the Excel Options dialog box.
- You can enable the Developer tab on the Excel ribbon like the following image.
What Are the Options and Its Uses of the Developer Tab in Excel?
There are four groups in the Developer tab in Excel. They are:
1. Code
2. Add-ins
3. Controls
4. XML
A brief discussion is given below.
1. Code: Visual Basic, Macros, Record Macros
The options of this group help you to access Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) for writing and editing custom code, allowing users to automate tasks. You can use the keyboard shortcut Alt + F11 keys to open the Visual Basic window.
2. Add-ins: Add-ins, Excel Add-ins, and COM Add-ins
You must activate or enable or manage and install Excel add-ins when you need to use them for additional features into your workbooks, as they are not available by default. The default add-ins are:
3. Controls: Form Controls, ActiveX Controls, Properties
The Controls group offers various Form Controls and ActiveX Controls which are mostly similar. To create the Form Controls options in Excel for using are simple and easy. On the other hand, the ActiveX Controls options are advanced and give a more customized design that are mostly used in Excel VBA.
A brief discussion is given below about the several types of Controls in Excel.
3.1 Check Box:
The Check Box is also known as a tick, selection box, or checkmark. It is a square shape box and user can check or uncheck this box to give their opinion.
3.2 Command Button:
Users can use the Command Button to run a macro.
3.3 Combo Box:
A Combo Box is a drop-down list. Users can choose, add, or select items from here.
3.4 List Box:
You can use the List box to hide or show a range of columns or rows from where you can choose or select one or more items.
3.5 Label:
The Label is used to display instructions, information, or text which is either a title or a caption.
3.6 Option Button:
The Option Button is a form control that you can use in Excel to create interactive forms or worksheets. When you link it to a cell, and if you select that button then the value will be True, and again if you deselect that button then the value will be False.
3.7 Image Control:
It can insert image or picture. For instance, JPEG, JPG, GIF file, Bitmap, PNG formats etc.
3.8 Spin Button:
The Spin Button can increase or decrease the numbers or values to show the maximum or minimum values.
3.9 Scroll Bar:
The Scroll Bar helps users to scroll items horizontally or vertically.
3.10 Toggle Button:
Users can use the Toggle Button to hide or unhide a range of columns or rows or a chart.
3.11 Text Box:
Users can insert text in single or multiple lines in the Text Box either in read-only or in locked format.
4. XML: Usage of commands
The Developer tab enables the handling of XML data, supporting the import and export of structured information in a standardized format.
How to Reposition or Move the Developer Tab in Excel?
After enabling the Developer tab in the Excel ribbon, you can move this tab from left to right or right to left wherever you want.
Open the Excel Options dialog box like the above method. Then select the Developer option and click on the Move up or Move down arrow to move the tab. While repositioning the tab as you want, then press the OK option to save the changes.
4-Reposition the Developer tab
How to Remove or Hide the Developer Tab in Excel
If you want to remove or hide the Developer tab on your ribbon in Excel, right-click anywhere on the ribbon >> Select the Customize the Ribbon option >> Uncheck the Developer box.
After that, you can remove the Developer tab from the Excel ribbon. While you reopen your Excel app, the Developer tab will remain hidden until you choose its checkbox again.
Conclusion
You have learned from the above discussion how to enable, use, reposition, hide, or remove the Developer tab in Excel.