Can You Create a Floating Ribbon in Microsoft Excel?
Question details
The user wants a separate floating toolbar while keeping the existing Excel ribbon visible.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Keep frequently used commands in a separate toolbar alongside the standard ribbon.
- Observed behavior
- Current Excel versions do not support the detachable floating toolbars available in older Office releases.
Identify the commands you want to keep accessible and check which version of Excel you use. The menu paths below are for Excel on Windows; customization options and locations may differ on other platforms.
Add commands to the Quick Access Toolbar
Use the Quick Access Toolbar to keep a small set of frequently used commands available alongside the ribbon.
The Quick Access Toolbar is not detachable or floating, and its available space is limited.
In Excel, right-click the ribbon and select Show Quick Access Toolbar if it is hidden.
Select the arrow at the end of the Quick Access Toolbar and choose More Commands, or go to File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar.
Choose commands from the list, select Add for each one, and then select OK.
Use the toolbar's drop-down menu or right-click the ribbon to show the Quick Access Toolbar above or below the ribbon.
Create a custom Excel ribbon group or tab
Organize a larger set of commands on the ribbon when a separate floating toolbar is not essential.
Work with spreadsheets in WPS Office
WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative with a familiar interface and Microsoft Office format compatibility, making it easy to move your spreadsheets to another office suite. It does not add a floating ribbon to Microsoft Excel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I detach the Excel ribbon and move it around the screen?
No. Current Excel versions do not support a detachable floating ribbon or the floating toolbars available in older Office releases.
How do I keep common Excel commands visible?
On Windows, go to File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar to add commands. If the toolbar is hidden, right-click the ribbon and select Show Quick Access Toolbar.
Can I add a button to an existing ribbon group?
You cannot add individual commands directly to a built-in group. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, create a custom group on a tab, and add commands to that group.
Can I move the Quick Access Toolbar below the ribbon?
In supported Excel versions, use the Quick Access Toolbar drop-down menu or right-click the ribbon and choose the option to show the toolbar below the ribbon.
