It’s time to become the bestest of friends with the PPT Quick Access Toolbar (QAT). Creating good looking slides in PowerPoint can be slow going sometimes! If you use it a lot, I’m sure you already know a few shortcuts to speed up your workflow.
An example of a PPT Quick Access Toolbar
The QAT is great way to ramp up your speed even further. It’s a customisable toolbar which can house your most frequently used commands so that they are permanently displayed within quick clicking distance, either just above or just below the ribbon.
What should I put in my PPT Quick Access Toolbar?
Yes, I think QAT can be used as a verb. Which commands you decide to add to your QAT is a very personal choice. At Presented, our designers have their own preferences but there is consensus about the must haves:
- Undo and repeat
- Alignment tools (e.g. Align Objects Left)
- Order objects (e.g. Send to Back)
Some of our other favourites include:
- Add an image from a file
- Crop an image
- Open the animation pane
- Open the selection pane
- Guidelines on/off
How do I add commands to my PPT Quick Access Toolbar?
Option 1: For commands that you can access in the ribbon
- Go to the ribbon and find the button that you want to add to your QAT
- Right click the button and select Add to Quick Access Toolbar
Option 2: For other commands
- Right click the QAT
- Click Customize the Quick Access Toolbar
- Go to More Commands
- In the Choose commands from: dropdown menu, select Commands Not in the Ribbon
- Find the command you want and click Add >>
- Click OK
Reorder your PPT Quick Access Toolbar
You might want to group similar commands together on your QAT (e.g. all alignment tools). To do this:
- Right click the QAT
- Click Customize the Quick Access Toolbar
- Select the command you want to move
- Use the Move Up or Move Down arrows until you are happy
Location: Above or Below?
Microsoft gives you two options for the location of your QAT, above the ribbon or below the ribbon. However, there is only one choice that makes sense. Locate your QAT above the ribbon and your mouse will have to travel further from the slide to the command button. Over the years, this could add up to thousands of unnecessary miles. Choose below the ribbon and get your exercise elsewhere.
Check out our video below showing one of our designers using the QAT (OK – you caught us – the video has been sped up, we’re not quite this quick!)
We don’t do training, but we do share tips and samples frequently on LinkedIn.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What commands should I include in my PowerPoint Quick Access Toolbar?
The commands you include in your PowerPoint Quick Access Toolbar depend on your personal preferences. However, some must-have commands according to our designers include: undo and repeat, alignment tools and order objects. Other useful commands: add an image from a file, crop an image, open the animation pane, open the selection pane and toggle guidelines on/off.
Where should I place my PPT Quick Access Toolbar: above or below the ribbon?
It is recommended to place your PowerPoint QAT below the ribbon. This reduces the distance your mouse has to travel from the slide to the command button, saving you time and effort over extended use.
Can I customise the commands on my PPT Quick Access Toolbar?
Yes, the PowerPoint QAT is highly customisable. You can add, remove, and reorder commands to suit your workflow. Simply right-click the QAT and select “Customize the Quick Access Toolbar” to begin making changes.
How do I reorder commands on my PPT quick access toolbar?
To reorder commands on your PowerPoint Quick Access Toolbar, follow these steps: right-click the QAT and click “Customise the Quick Access Toolbar”. Then select the command you want to move. Finally, use the “Move Up” or “Move Down” arrows until you are happy with the order.
