How to Change the Excel Theme and Customize the Quick Access Toolbar
Question details
The user wants to adjust the visual appearance of Excel by changing the Office theme and configuring the Quick Access Toolbar to match specific visual preferences or training materials.
- Product
- Excel 2019
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing the Excel interface to improve visibility, access frequent tools faster, or match reference screenshots from training courses.
- Observed behavior
- The Excel interface looks different due to varying Office themes, window sizes, and toolbar configurations, though changing the theme does not alter the core Ribbon icons.
Keep in mind that changing the Office theme in Excel is a global setting, meaning it will also update the appearance of other Microsoft Office applications like Word and PowerPoint installed on your computer.
Change the Office Theme in Excel
Adjusting the Office theme allows you to change the background and window colors of your Excel workspace to suit your visual preference.
Applying a new theme can help reduce eye strain or make the application look more modern. If your Excel looks different from a tutorial video, it is usually because the instructor is using a different theme, such as 'Colorful'.
Launch Microsoft Excel. Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the window, and then select 'Options' at the very bottom of the left-hand menu.
In the Excel Options dialog box, ensure the 'General' tab is selected on the left. Scroll down to the section labeled 'Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office'.
Click the drop-down menu next to 'Office Theme' and select your preferred option, such as 'Colorful', 'Dark Gray', 'Black', or 'White'.
Click the 'OK' button at the bottom of the dialog box to apply the new theme to Excel and your other Office applications instantly.
Customize the Quick Access Toolbar
Add frequently used commands to the Quick Access Toolbar so they are always visible, regardless of which Ribbon tab is currently active.
Easily Change Interface Skins and Toolbars with WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Office offers an intuitive, highly customizable interface that is fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats. You can effortlessly switch between dark and light modes, change application skins, and customize your Quick Access Toolbar to match your exact workflow needs.
- 1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open an existing spreadsheet or create a blank one to access the main interface.
- 2. Change the Interface Skin: Click the 'Skin Center' (t-shirt icon) in the top right corner of the window. Select your preferred visual style, such as Dark Mode or Classic, to instantly apply it.
- 3. Access Toolbar Settings: Locate the Quick Access Toolbar in the top-left corner and click the small drop-down arrow positioned at the end of the icons.
- 4. Add Custom Commands: Check frequently used tools directly from the quick drop-down list, or click 'More Commands' to browse all tools and fully personalize your workspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Ribbon icons look different even after changing the theme?
Changing the Office theme only alters the window background and border colors. The main Ribbon icons remain the same but might appear rearranged, collapsed, or resized depending on your specific Excel version, display resolution, and whether your application window is maximized or restored down.
Will changing the theme in Excel affect my other Office applications?
Yes, the Office Theme setting is a global configuration. Changing it to 'Colorful' or 'Dark Gray' in Excel will automatically apply the same theme to Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook on that computer.
How do I quickly move the Quick Access Toolbar below the Ribbon?
You can quickly change its location without opening the Options menu by clicking the drop-down arrow at the far right of the Quick Access Toolbar and selecting 'Show Below the Ribbon'. This places the toolbar closer to your worksheet for easier access.
