How to Create a Custom Excel Ribbon for Multiple Add-Ins
Question details
The user wants to combine commands from multiple third-party Excel add-ins alongside standard Excel commands onto a single custom ribbon tab.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Organizing the Excel workspace and streamlining daily workflows by consolidating frequently used add-ins and built-in tools into one accessible location.
- Observed behavior
- Excel does not natively support inserting add-in commands directly into a custom ribbon tab.
Ensure that the Developer tab is enabled in your Excel settings and that the add-ins you wish to include are fully installed, activated, and functioning.
Use VBA Macros to Call Add-in Commands on a Custom Ribbon
Since Excel cannot add add-in commands natively to a custom ribbon, you can bridge this gap by writing VBA macros that execute the add-in functions, and then placing these macros onto your custom tab.
This workaround involves creating a middle layer: a VBA script that triggers the target add-in. By assigning this script to a button on your custom ribbon, you can effectively launch add-in tools alongside your standard Excel commands.
Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. In the right-hand pane, check the box next to 'Developer' and click OK.
Open the Visual Basic Editor by pressing Alt + F11. Insert a new Module (Insert > Module) and write simple macro codes that call or execute your specific add-in functions.
Return to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. Click 'New Tab' at the bottom of the right pane to create your custom workspace, and rename the tab and group as desired.
Under the 'Choose commands from' dropdown menu on the left, select 'Macros'. Find your newly created macros, select your custom group on the right, and click 'Add'.
Switch the left dropdown menu to 'Popular Commands' or 'All Commands' to locate and add any standard Excel tools to the same custom tab, then click OK to save.
Customize Your Ribbon Easily with WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet provides a highly customizable interface, allowing you to easily manage your favorite developer macros and standard commands all in one place without complex configurations.
- 1. Open Settings: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and navigate to Menu > Options.
- 2. Access Customization: Select 'Customize Ribbon' from the left-hand configuration panel.
- 3. Create a New Tab: Click 'New Tab' to create and flexibly rename your custom workspace tab.
- 4. Populate Your Tools: Select your desired macros or standard commands from the left list and click 'Add' to place them into your new tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't my installed add-ins appear in the Customize Ribbon menu?
Excel's native settings do not populate third-party add-in commands directly into the standard command list. You must use VBA macros as a bridge to call these add-in functions, which can then be added to the ribbon.
Can I share my custom ribbon tab with other users?
Yes, you can export your custom ribbon settings via File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Import/Export. However, other users must also have the exact same add-ins installed and possess access to the workbook containing your linked VBA macros.
How do I find the VBA function name for my specific add-in?
You can often find the function names in the add-in's official documentation. Alternatively, open the VBA Editor (Alt + F11), navigate to the Object Browser (F2), and examine the add-in's exposed library components.
Can I use custom icons for my macro buttons on the ribbon?
Yes. After adding a macro to your custom ribbon group, select it and click 'Rename' at the bottom. A dialog box will appear allowing you to pick a custom icon from Excel's built-in symbol library.
