How to Add a Macros Button to the Word for Mac Quick Access Toolbar
Question details
The user wants to add or restore a Macros button to the Quick Access Toolbar in Microsoft Word for Mac to quickly open the Macro dialog box.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Customizing the Word workspace to improve workflow efficiency when regularly executing macro scripts.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs the specific steps to locate the Quick Access Toolbar settings, add the Macros dialog button, or understand where these toolbar configurations are stored natively on macOS.
Ensure your specific version of Word for Mac supports macro execution and that you have enabled macros in your Word Trust Center or security settings before customizing the toolbar.
Customize the Quick Access Toolbar via Word Preferences
The most direct way to add the Macros button is through the built-in ribbon and toolbar customization menu in Word for Mac.
On macOS, customizations for the Quick Access Toolbar are stored in a separate configuration file. While the exact file name and location may differ depending on your Word version, you can easily modify these settings directly through the application's graphical interface.
Launch Microsoft Word for Mac. Click on 'Word' in the top Apple menu bar and select 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences window, locate and click on the 'Ribbon & Toolbar' icon.
Click on the 'Quick Access Toolbar' tab at the top of the settings dialog to view your current toolbar layout.
Click the 'Choose commands from' dropdown menu and select 'All Commands' or 'Macros'. Scroll through the alphabetical list until you find 'Macros...'.
Select 'Macros...', click the right-facing arrow (or 'Add' button) to move it to your customized list on the right, and click 'Save' to apply the changes.
Access Macros Directly via Menu or Developer Tab
If customizing the toolbar is restricted by your version, you can still access the Macros dialog using the standard ribbon tabs or the native macOS menu bar.
Manage Macros Easily with WPS Writer
WPS Office provides a highly intuitive interface for running and managing macros. You can easily access the Macro dialog right from the dedicated Developer tab without digging through complex customization menus or hunting for hidden configuration files.
- 1. Launch WPS Writer: Open WPS Office on your Mac and start a new document or open an existing one.
- 2. Navigate to the Developer Tab: Look at the main ribbon at the top of the workspace and click on the 'Developer' tab.
- 3. Open the Macros Dialog: Click directly on the 'Macros' button to bring up the macro management window.
- 4. Run or Edit Macros: From the dialog box, select the macro you wish to use and click 'Run', or choose 'Edit' to view the code.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Quick Access Toolbar settings stored on a Mac?
Customizations for the Quick Access Toolbar in Word for Mac are stored in separate configuration files deep within the system Library. The exact file name and directory path vary depending on your specific version of macOS and Word (typically found within the ~/Library/Containers/ folder).
Why can't I find the Macros button in the Word customization menu?
Your current version of Word for Mac might not support macros natively, or you may be looking under the wrong command category. Ensure you select 'All Commands' in the 'Choose commands from' dropdown list to see every available button.
Can I assign a keyboard shortcut to open the Macro dialog in Word for Mac?
Yes, you can assign custom shortcuts by going to Tools > Customize Keyboard from the top menu, selecting 'Macros' or 'All Commands' from the Categories list, choosing the Macro command, and entering a new shortcut key combination.




