Office Settings & Configuration

How to Assign a Keyboard Shortcut to Expand or Collapse the Word Ribbon

Camila Milosovich Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to create a custom keyboard shortcut to show or hide the Word ribbon without overwriting or resetting their existing shortcut assignments.

How to Assign a Keyboard Shortcut to Expand or Collapse the Word Ribbon

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing the workspace layout for better visibility and workflow efficiency during document editing.
Observed behavior: The user needs to locate the specific ToggleRibbon command in the options menu and correctly map a new key combination to it.

Before you start

Before adding a custom shortcut, keep in mind that the default shortcut to toggle the ribbon is already set to Ctrl+F1. When assigning a new key combination, ensure it is not already being used by another essential command to avoid conflicts.

Solution 1Recommended

Assign a Custom Shortcut via Customize Keyboard Settings

Use the Customize Keyboard dialog to find the ToggleRibbon command and map your preferred custom shortcut to it.

Microsoft Word allows you to heavily customize your shortcuts. By navigating through the advanced options, you can assign an entirely new key combination for hiding or showing the ribbon without affecting default operations.

Open Word Options

Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu to open the Word Options dialog.

Access Customize Keyboard

Select 'Customize Ribbon' in the left pane. At the bottom of the window, next to 'Keyboard shortcuts', click the 'Customize...' button.

Locate the ToggleRibbon Command

In the Customize Keyboard dialog, scroll down the 'Categories' list on the left and select 'All Commands'. Then, scroll down the 'Commands' list on the right and select 'ToggleRibbon'.

Assign the New Shortcut

Click inside the 'Press new shortcut key' box and press the combination of keys you want to use. Check the 'Currently assigned to' text below it to ensure you aren't overwriting an important existing shortcut, then click 'Assign' and 'Close'.

Assign a Custom Shortcut via Customize Keyboard Settings

Shortcut Applied: Your new custom shortcut is now active. You can immediately test it by pressing the keys to see the ribbon expand or collapse.

Solution 2

Use Built-in Methods to Toggle the Ribbon

If you prefer not to customize shortcuts, you can use Word's default features to quickly show or hide the ribbon.

Easily Manage Your Workspace with WPS Writer

WPS Office offers an intuitive interface where you can quickly expand or collapse the ribbon to maximize your document view. It includes highly customizable shortcuts and full compatibility with Microsoft Word formats.

1. Open a Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your document to view the main editing interface.
2. Use the Default Shortcut: Press 'Ctrl + F1' on your keyboard to instantly hide the ribbon and free up screen space.
3. Double-Click to Toggle: Double-click any top menu tab (like 'Home' or 'Insert') to quickly collapse the ribbon. Double-click again to lock it open.
4. Use the Pin Icon: When the ribbon is temporarily expanded, click the small 'Pin' icon in the lower-right corner of the ribbon to keep it permanently visible.

Maximize your reading and writing space with a single clickFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsLightweight design for fast loading and smooth performanceFamiliar ribbon interface requires no learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the default keyboard shortcut to hide the ribbon in Word?

The default keyboard shortcut to hide or show the ribbon in Microsoft Word is Ctrl + F1. This combination works universally across most Microsoft Office applications.

Will assigning a custom shortcut overwrite my existing shortcuts?

If you assign a key combination that is already in use by another function, it will overwrite the previous assignment. To prevent this, check the 'Currently assigned to' field below the 'Press new shortcut key' box before clicking the 'Assign' button.

How do I permanently keep the ribbon open?

To keep the ribbon permanently open, you can double-click any ribbon tab, press Ctrl + F1, or use the Ribbon Display Options icon at the top right of the window and select 'Show Tabs and Commands'.

Can I remove a custom keyboard shortcut later?

Yes. Return to the Customize Keyboard dialog, locate the ToggleRibbon command under All Commands, select your custom shortcut in the 'Current keys' box, and click the 'Remove' button.

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