Video summary

PowerPoint's Quick Access Toolbar and Custom Ribbons

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Technology

Steve Sheets: PowerPoint Workflow Tips (QAT & Ribbon Customization)

Steve Sheets (Ghost Ranch Communications) shares beginner/intermediate PowerPoint workflow tips focused on optimizing the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) and, optionally, customizing ribbons.

Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) Optimization

What it is

A small toolbar with default commands (typically “just a few buttons”), separate from the main ribbon.

Move it below the ribbon

  • Move the QAT so it sits below the ribbon.
  • This makes buttons easier to see and prevents them from being cut off across the screen—giving you more usable space.

Add more commands than the defaults

  • Use the QAT menu to add commands beyond the “popular commands.”
  • Example commands added:
    • Spelling
    • Line to Center (alignment/positioning command)

Import/export custom toolbars

  • The creator provides a way to import a custom QAT configuration (they mention re-importing once, implying a provided toolbar file).
  • Example “typical” commands included in the imported toolbar:
    • Insert picture
    • Compress pictures
    • Crop
    • Align options (top/middle/bottom, left/center/right)
    • Distribute vertical/horizontal
    • Group (Ctrl+G) (noted as possibly behaving differently on Mac vs PC—key command vs button behavior)
    • Rotate flip (horizontal/vertical)
    • Send to back
      • Used instead of repeatedly rearranging items to avoid “mashing a bunch of buttons” and consuming undo steps.

Multi-machine setup

If you switch computers:

  • Export your QAT
  • Import it on the next machine

Customizing Ribbons

How to customize

  • Right-click the ribbon to add/remove ribbon items (similar to how the QAT is customized).

Creator’s recommendation

  • They don’t heavily customize ribbons personally, preferring QAT adjustments first.
  • If you do change ribbon layouts, they suggest:
    • Create a new tab
    • Place frequently used tools there instead of modifying the default ribbon

Callouts / Content Purpose

  • The video is meant to provide tips to optimize your PowerPoint workspace for your workflow, primarily through QAT customization (and optionally ribbon customization).
  • It also encourages viewers to comment on ribbon/QAT functions that aren’t already included.

Main Speaker / Source

  • Steve Sheets — Ghost Ranch Communications

Original video