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How to Add the Developer Tab in Word (Windows & Mac)

Need to access advanced features like checkboxes, form controls, macros, or content protection tools in Microsoft Word? You’ll first need to add the Developer tab to your Word ribbon — because it’s hidden by default.

The Developer tab gives you access to powerful tools like:

  • Recording and editing macros
  • Inserting form elements like checkboxes, dropdowns, and combo boxes
  • Managing Word Add-ins
  • Restricting editing or protecting parts of a document

In this quick guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to:

  • Show the Developer tab in Word on Windows and Mac
  • Hide it again if needed
  • Understand the key tools available once it’s enabled

Whether you’re using Word 2016, 2019, 2021, or Microsoft 365, the process is nearly identical — and takes less than a minute.

Let’s get started.

How to Add the Developer Tab in Word (Method 1: Right-Click the Ribbon)

The quickest way to show the Developer tab in Word is by using the right-click menu on the ribbon.

Follow these steps:

✅ Steps (Windows – Word 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365):

  1. Right-click on any tab in the ribbon (like Home or Insert).
  2. From the shortcut menu, click Customize the Ribbon…Righ-Click one of the Tabs and select Customize the Ribbon from the shortcut menu
    This opens the Word Options dialog box.
  3. You’ll see a list of main tabs on the right side of the window.
  4. Check the box labeled “Developer.”Check the Developer checkbox - This will show the Developer Tab in Word
  5. Click OK to save and close the dialog.

That’s it — the Developer tab will now appear on the ribbon and stay visible in all documents unless you hide it again.

The developer tab will now be added in all your Word documents.

💡 Tip: Once enabled, the Developer tab will be available every time you open Word. You don’t need to repeat this process for every document.

How to Add the Developer Tab in Word (Method 2: Through Word Options Menu)

If you prefer going through the settings manually, you can also add the Developer tab using the Word Options panel. This method works the same across most modern versions of Word — including Word 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365.

✅ Steps:

  1. Click the File tab in the top-left corner of Word to open the Backstage view.Click on the File tab to switch to the back view.
  2. From the left-hand sidebar, scroll down and click on Options.In the File tab, scroll down and click on Options.
    • This will open the Word Options dialog box.
  3. In the left panel of the dialog, select Customize Ribbon.Click the customize ribbon option and check the Developer checkbox to add the Developer tab.
  4. On the right side (under the “Main Tabs” list), check the box for “Developer.”
  5. Click OK.

You should now see the Developer tab appear on your Word ribbon.

💡 Tip: The Developer tab stays active in all documents once enabled. If you ever want to hide it again, just return to this same menu and uncheck the box.

How to Hide the Developer Tab in Word

If you no longer need the Developer tab or want to declutter your ribbon, hiding it is just as easy as showing it.

✅ Steps to Remove the Developer Tab:

  1. Right-click on any tab in the ribbon (e.g., Home or Insert).
    Or go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon.
  2. In the Customize Ribbon section of the Word Options dialog box:
    • On the right side, under Main Tabs, uncheck Developer.
  3. Click OK to save your changes.

The Developer tab will now be hidden from the ribbon.

💡 You can re-enable it at any time by repeating the steps above and checking the box again.

What You Can Do with the Developer Tab in Word

The Developer tab unlocks advanced tools in Microsoft Word that are essential for automation, forms, customization, and document protection. It’s especially useful for users working with templates, macros, or interactive forms.

Here’s an overview of what each group on the Developer tab allows you to do:

🧩 1. Code Group – Automate Tasks with Macros

  • Record Macros: Save a series of actions and replay them automatically.
  • Visual Basic: Access the VBA editor to write or edit macro code manually.
  • Macros Manager: Run, edit, delete, or assign shortcuts to existing macros.

💡 Use macros to automate repetitive formatting, document creation, or workflow tasks.

✅ 2. Controls Group – Add Form Elements

  • Insert interactive fields such as:
    • Checkboxes
    • Dropdown lists
    • Combo boxes
    • Date pickers
  • Use Design Mode to edit or rearrange these controls.
  • Set control properties (like default values, formatting, restrictions).

💡 Ideal for creating fillable forms, surveys, or templates.

🔌 3. Add-Ins Group – Manage Word Extensions

  • View, enable, or disable installed add-ins.
  • Access COM Add-ins and XML Mapping (for advanced integrations).

🔐 4. Protect Group – Control Editing Permissions

  • Restrict Editing: Allow only certain actions (e.g., filling in forms).
  • Useful for protecting templates or documents from unintended changes.

💡 Many of these features are used in corporate or academic settings, especially when creating standard forms, reusable templates, or automating document tasks.

Troubleshooting: Developer Tab Not Showing in Word?

If you’ve followed the steps to add the Developer tab and it’s still not appearing, try these quick fixes:

✅ 1. Make Sure You’re Editing the Right Ribbon

Sometimes users accidentally uncheck the Developer tab under a custom tab set or in a different context (e.g., tool mode).

  • Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon
  • Make sure you’re looking under Main Tabs
  • Ensure Developer is checked
  • Click OK

✅ 2. You’re in a Limited Editing Mode (Read-Only or Protected View)

If the document is in Read-Only or Protected View, the ribbon might be limited or greyed out.

  • Click Enable Editing at the top of the document (if prompted)
  • Or save a local copy of the file and reopen it

✅ 3. Office Version Compatibility

The Developer tab is available in:

  • Word 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021
  • Microsoft 365 (Word for Windows and Mac)

If you’re using a much older version (pre-2010), the steps or availability may vary.

✅ 4. Mac Users: Different Menu Path

On a Mac:

  • Go to Word > Preferences > Ribbon & Toolbar
  • Under the Main Tabs, check Developer
  • Click Save

Still not working? Restart Word after making changes, or check for updates to ensure your installation isn’t glitching.

Conclusion

The Developer tab in Microsoft Word gives you access to powerful tools like macros, form controls, document protection, and add-ins — but since it’s hidden by default, many users don’t even realize it’s there.

In this guide, you learned:

  • How to add or remove the Developer tab using two easy methods
  • What the Developer tab lets you do (macros, checkboxes, dropdowns, and more)
  • How to troubleshoot if the tab doesn’t show up as expected
  • Why enabling it can unlock a whole new level of document control and automation

Whether you’re building forms, automating tasks, or managing templates, enabling the Developer tab is your first step toward working smarter in Word.