Office Settings & Configuration

How to Add an Individual Shape Command to PowerPoint Quick Access Toolbar

Phi Hung Vo Oct 12, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs a method to add a specific individual shape command, such as the Freeform Shape, directly to the Quick Access Toolbar.

How to Add an Individual Shape Command to the Quick Access Toolbar in PowerPoint

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar for faster access to frequently used individual shape drawing tools.
Observed behavior: PowerPoint does not list individual Shape Gallery commands separately in the customization menu, preventing users from adding them directly to the Quick Access Toolbar.

Before you start

Ensure the Developer tab is enabled in your PowerPoint ribbon, as you will need it to create the VBA macro required for this workaround.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a VBA Macro to Add the Specific Shape Command

Since PowerPoint restricts adding unlisted gallery items directly, creating a macro to trigger the specific shape and adding that macro to the toolbar is the most effective workaround.

By writing a simple VBA macro that invokes the exact shape tool you want, you can bypass the Quick Access Toolbar's limitation of only allowing top-level gallery buttons.

Enable the Developer Tab

Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. In the right pane, check the box next to 'Developer' and click OK.

Open the VBA Editor

Click the Developer tab on the ribbon and select 'Visual Basic' to open the editor window.

Insert a New Module

In the VBA editor, click Insert > Module. Paste the appropriate VBA code for your desired shape (for example, code that activates the Freeform drawing tool).

Add the Macro to the Toolbar

Close the VBA editor. Go to File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar. Under 'Choose commands from', select 'Macros'. Select your newly created macro and click the 'Add' button to place it on the toolbar.

Create a VBA Macro to Add the Specific Shape Command

Macro Security Settings: You may need to update your Trust Center settings (File > Options > Trust Center) to allow macros to run, otherwise the shape shortcut will not function.

Solution 2

Add the Entire Shapes Gallery to the Quick Access Toolbar

If you prefer not to use VBA macros, adding the complete Shapes gallery provides a fast, two-click alternative to access any shape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find the Freeform shape in the Quick Access Toolbar commands list?

PowerPoint groups certain drawing tools under galleries (like the Shapes dropdown). Microsoft Office currently does not expose every individual sub-item of these galleries to the Quick Access Toolbar customization menu.

Can I change the icon of the macro on the Quick Access Toolbar?

Yes. After adding the macro to the Quick Access Toolbar in the PowerPoint Options menu, select the macro in the right-hand list and click the 'Modify' button at the bottom. You can then choose a different icon that better represents your shape command.

Is it safe to use VBA macros in PowerPoint?

Yes, VBA macros you write yourself are completely safe. However, because malicious code can be distributed via macros, Office disables them by default. You will need to adjust your Macro Security settings in the Trust Center to allow your own macros to execute.

Will this macro workaround function on PowerPoint for Mac?

VBA macros are supported on modern versions of PowerPoint for Mac. However, the process for customizing the Quick Access Toolbar and enabling the Developer tab has different steps and UI limitations compared to the Windows version.

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