Office Settings & Configuration

How to Add the Word Editor to a Custom Ribbon Using XML

Ayan Masood Oct 16, 2026 868 views

Question details

Find the correct XML control ID required to add the Microsoft Word Editor tool to a custom Ribbon in Office 365.

How to Add the Word Editor to a Custom Ribbon Using XML

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing the Ribbon interface using XML and attempting to include the new Editor command after the legacy spelling tool was removed.
Observed behavior: The legacy idMso for SpellingAndGrammar no longer displays anything in custom Ribbon groups in recent Office versions, requiring the discovery of the new Editor control ID.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to the Word Options dialog to customize the Ribbon temporarily and a standard text editor like Notepad to inspect exported XML files.

Solution 1Recommended

Export UI Customizations to Find the Control ID

Use Word's built-in export feature to discover the exact, undocumented control ID for the new Editor tool.

Since Microsoft frequently updates Office 365 and replaces legacy tools with cloud-based features, the official XML documentation may be outdated. Exporting your Ribbon customizations allows you to see exactly which ID the application is currently using.

Open Word Options

Launch Microsoft Word and navigate to File > Options > Customize Ribbon.

Add Editor to a Temporary Tab

Create a new custom group on your Ribbon and add the 'Editor' command from the 'All Commands' list to this temporary group.

Export the Customization File

Click the 'Import/Export' button at the bottom right of the dialog box and select 'Export all customizations'. Save the file to your computer.

Locate the Control ID

Open the exported 'Word Customizations.exportedUI' file using Notepad. Search for the Editor control (typically labeled as mso:WritingAssistanceCheckDocument) and copy the exact ID value.

Apply to Your Custom XML

Use the discovered ID as the idQ or idMso value in your custom Ribbon XML project.

Export UI Customizations to Find the Control ID

Successful Identification: By exporting the UI file, you can accurately uncover undocumented control IDs for new Microsoft 365 features, ensuring your custom Ribbons function perfectly.

Solution 2

Use a VBA Macro for the Legacy Spell Check Dialog

If you prefer the classic spelling and grammar interface or cannot get the Editor XML to work, you can map a macro to your custom Ribbon.

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Try WPS Office for an Easier Writing and Editing Experience

If you are frustrated with complex XML ribbon configurations and disappearing tools in Microsoft Office, WPS Office offers a straightforward, highly compatible alternative. Enjoy built-in spell check and document editing tools without the hassle.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package and install the software.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word documents.
3. Access Proofreading Tools: Navigate to the 'Review' tab to easily access Spell Check and other editing features without needing custom XML.

Seamlessly edit Microsoft Word documents (.docx) with excellent format compatibility.User-friendly interface with easy drag-and-drop Ribbon customization—no XML coding required.Free and lightweight, consuming fewer system resources than Office 365.Built-in robust spelling and grammar check tools accessible by default.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the SpellingAndGrammar control ID stop working in Office 365?

In newer versions of Office 365 (e.g., version 2208 and later), Microsoft replaced the legacy spelling tool with the new cloud-based Editor feature, rendering the old idMso invalid or hidden on custom Ribbons.

Can I find Office Ribbon control IDs without exporting the UI file?

While Microsoft previously provided comprehensive documentation for Ribbon control IDs, recent features like Editor are often undocumented. Exporting the .exportedUI file from the Word Options menu is currently the most reliable workaround.

Does WPS Office support custom Ribbon configurations?

Yes, WPS Office allows you to easily customize the Ribbon interface directly through the visual settings menu without the need to manually edit or troubleshoot complex XML files.

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