Office Settings & Configuration

How to Change Colors for Duplicate Toolbar Buttons in Microsoft Office

Maira Mehtab Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to assign different fill or font colors to duplicate toolbar buttons to distinguish them visually.

How to Change Colors for Duplicate Toolbar Buttons in Microsoft Office

Product: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar or Ribbon to differentiate identical command icons.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Office does not support independent color settings for duplicate toolbar icons; they share the same default command appearance.

Before you start

Please note that while Microsoft Office allows you to add duplicate commands to the Quick Access Toolbar or Ribbon, modifying the hardcoded icon colors is not currently supported by the software's design.

Solution 1Recommended

Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft

Since independent color customization for duplicate icons is a missing feature in Microsoft Office, the best approach is to submit a formal suggestion to the development team.

Microsoft actively monitors user feedback to plan future updates. By submitting a formal suggestion, you can help prioritize the addition of custom icon color settings for the Quick Access Toolbar and Ribbon.

Open an Office Application

Launch the Microsoft Office application where you want this feature to be implemented, such as Word, Excel, or Outlook.

Access the Feedback Menu

Navigate to the 'Help' tab located on the Ribbon and click on 'Feedback'. Alternatively, you can click on the 'File' tab in the top left corner and select 'Feedback' from the left sidebar.

Submit Your Suggestion

Click on the 'I have a suggestion' option. Describe your need for independent color settings for duplicate toolbar buttons clearly, and click 'Submit' to send your request to Microsoft.

Alternative Feedback Method: You can also submit your feature request system-wide by using the Windows Feedback Hub application available on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the default icon color for the Quick Access Toolbar in Excel?

No, Microsoft Excel does not currently allow users to change the default fill or font color of native icons on the Quick Access Toolbar or the Ribbon.

How do I add duplicate commands to the Office Ribbon?

Right-click anywhere on the Ribbon, select 'Customize the Ribbon', and add your desired commands from the left pane to any custom group in the right pane. You can add the same command multiple times, though they will look identical.

Can third-party add-ins change Microsoft Office ribbon button colors?

While some advanced third-party developers can create custom ribbon tabs with proprietary colored icons using XML, modifying the native Office button colors directly is generally restricted by the software.

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