Office Settings & Configuration

Can Excel Show Full Command Names in the Quick Access Toolbar?

Huda Qurayshi Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if it is possible to display the full text labels of commands in the Excel Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) instead of just the standard command icons.

Can Excel Show Full Command Names in the Quick Access Toolbar?

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar to make frequently used commands easier to identify by their text names.
Observed behavior: Adding commands to the Quick Access Toolbar typically only displays their corresponding graphical icons, and the full text labels do not appear beside them.

Before you start

Verify your current Excel version, as the Quick Access Toolbar's display capabilities (specifically showing text labels instead of just icons) can vary, though most modern versions default strictly to icons.

Solution 1Recommended

Customize the Quick Access Toolbar to Add Commands

While standard Excel versions primarily display icons, you can easily customize the Quick Access Toolbar to ensure your most essential commands are always one click away.

In Excel 2016 and later versions, the Quick Access Toolbar is designed to save space by displaying commands as icons. Adding new commands will generally follow this rule, meaning their full text labels will not be displayed alongside the icon.

To make the most of the toolbar, you can manually select which command icons appear at the top of your workspace.

Open the Customization Menu

Right-click anywhere on the existing Quick Access Toolbar at the top of the Excel window and select 'Customize Quick Access Toolbar' from the context menu.

Select Commands to Add

In the Excel Options dialog box, click the 'Choose commands from' drop-down menu and select 'All Commands' to see the complete list of available tools.

Add Commands to the Toolbar

Scroll through the list, click on the command you wish to add, and then click the 'Add >>' button in the middle to move it to the Quick Access Toolbar list.

Save Your Changes

Click 'OK' at the bottom of the dialog box to apply your changes. The new command icons will now appear in your Quick Access Toolbar.

Display Limitation: Even after adding commands, Excel generally continues to display them as icons only. If you cannot remember an icon's function, simply hover your mouse pointer over it to reveal a tooltip with the full command name.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I identify a command in the Quick Access Toolbar if it only shows an icon?

You can identify any command by hovering your mouse cursor over its icon in the Quick Access Toolbar. After a second, a small tooltip box will appear displaying the full name of the command.

Can I move the Quick Access Toolbar below the ribbon to make more room?

Yes. Right-click anywhere on the Quick Access Toolbar and select 'Show Below the Ribbon'. This moves the toolbar closer to your workspace and allows it to stretch across the entire width of the window.

How do I quickly remove a command from the Quick Access Toolbar?

To remove a command, simply right-click its specific icon on the Quick Access Toolbar and select 'Remove from Quick Access Toolbar' from the pop-up menu.

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