Reading this will teach you one of the secret incantations need to move from mid-level Excel user to Excel power user. Hidden to the eyes of novice and mid-level Excel users is the Developer tab. It holds tools that give you extra Excel power – the power to add check boxes to turn IF statements on and off, scroll bars to make charts scroll, and much more. The Developers tab is hidden in in an out-of-the-way place, but once you find it you can add it to your Excel ribbon so it’s always available to give you the power to awe.
Most Excel power users use the Excel Developer tab to record, modify and attach macros to menus and buttons. It also gives you access to Form Controls like check boxes, option buttons, drop-down lists and scroll bars. These Form Controls give you the power to make worksheets that are easy for novice users to operate.
For Excel 2010 and 2013,
- In the File tab, choose Options.
- In the Excel Options dialog box, on the left, choose the Customize Ribbon button.
In the Customize List box on the right select Developer Tab. - Click Ok.
Add the Developer Tab to the Ribbon so you can access Form Tools.
The Developer tab is now visible on your Excel 2010/2013 ribbon. Click on it to see the new power you have. Many of the projects for dynamic charts that we create in Critical to Success use the Form Controls.
If you are using Excel 2007 the process for adding the Developer tab is a little different, but the power on the tab is still there.
- Click the Microsoft Office Button at the top left.
- Click Excel Options.
- In the categories pane, click Popular.
- In the Ribbon select Show Developer tab.
- Click Ok.