April 2003

Creating a Custom Toolbar in Microsoft Word

By Teresa Lightle - Computer Training Coordinator                     Printable Version (pdf)

Ever wish that the standard toolbar contained an icon that would take you directly to envelopes and letters or an icon button shortcut that would insert the current date? By creating a custom toolbar you can pick and choose from a long list of commands that make doing your job easier. Rather than adding more buttons to the current default toolbars the recommendation is that you create your own personalized toolbar.

To create a new toolbar, right click anywhere in the toolbar area of the MS Word program, choose customize from the toolbar list.
This will bring up Customize dialogue box.

Be sure the toolbar tab is selected in this box and choose press the New Button. The computer will prompt you to name your toolbar. (Mine is my named Teresa). In Office 97-2000 the box will also prompt you to decide when you want the toolbar available. By selecting the Normal Template, the toolbar will be available every time you open a new blank document.  Users can also create toolbars, which will only be used with specific documents or templates. Example. When using a newsletter template you have created, you may want a toolbar, which allows you to quickly link text boxes or insert a text box. Once you name the toolbar and select the template it is associated with click OK.

You will notice a very small toolbar floating beside the dialogue box with the toolbar name in the title bar. Next choose the commands tab in the customize dialogue box.

The dialogue box will reveal a  list of commands as they are grouped by option. Any of the commands can then be dragged and dropped onto the newly created toolbar.  If the command you want does not have an icon you can still drag and drop the words onto your toolbar. Once you have added the desired options to your toolbar, select the close button to close the dialogue box. Your toolbar is now ready to use. It can remain floating or it can be docked by double clicking the title bar. To add new options at a later time, follow the steps beginning with the commands option. To remove an option drag it back to the command area in the customize dialogue box. 

The E-Teacher

Spring into new websites:

Spring Haiku Lesson Plan (language Arts 6-12)

Collection of Easter Crafts

Other Easter Ideas (songs, skits and poems)

Insect Curriculum (Science grade 4 and up)

 Spring into the Internet in Early Childhood - (9 activities to Integrate the Internet/Science)

---

For Questions or Comments about this newsletter please contact: tlightle@bcoe.org

Back to Tech Tip Main Page