Displaying the File Tab of the Ribbon by Default

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated April 20, 2022)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021


Bruce notes that when Word 2016 is started, it opens with the Home tab of the ribbon displayed. He would like it to start with a different tab displayed, such as the File tab.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to do this in Word. The configuration capabilities of Word 2016 are better than those of earlier versions of Word, which means you can rather easily change what appears on the ribbon tabs. You can even modify the arrangement of the tabs themselves. (You can't change the position of the File tab, however. It is fixed at the left side of the ribbon.) Word doesn't provide a way to specify which tab should be visible when the program starts.

There are ways to do it using macros, but such an approach will probably take a bit of trial and error—and is really beyond the scope of WordTips. The reason? You must create the macro as part of a COM add-in that runs when you start Word and modifies the user interface (specifically the ribbon). The code to actually switch which ribbon tab is displayed can be found at this site, for an older version of the program:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee691834

Here is the code:

Private myRibbon As IRibbonUI
Sub OnLoad(ribbon As IRibbonUI)
   Set myRibbon = ribbon
   myRibbon.ActivateTabMso("TabData ") 
End Sub

All you would need to do is to change the "TabData " specification to the tab you want displayed, such as (theoretically) "TabFile ". Remember, as well, that this code must be part of the COM add-in you create. That is the only way to get the correct object reference to the user interface (the IRibbonUI object). You cannot do this in a regular, run-of-the-mill macro.

Note:

If you would like to know how to use the macros described on this page (or on any other page on the WordTips sites), I've prepared a special page that includes helpful information. Click here to open that special page in a new browser tab.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (11829) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Toggling AutoCorrect Settings

If you need to turn AutoCorrect on or off, there is no built-in way to easily do it in Word. You can create your own ...

Discover More

Replacing a Dimmer Switch

Dimmer switches can be very helpful in creating a soothing atmosphere or an alert atmosphere, all at the twist of a knob. ...

Discover More

Non-Printing Hyperlinks

Karen is having problems getting hyperlinks to print in a document on her home computer. There are only a limited number ...

Discover More

Do More in Less Time! An easy-to-understand guide to the more advanced features available in the Microsoft 365 version of Word. Enhance the quality of your documents and boost productivity in any field with this in-depth resource. Complete your Word-related tasks more efficiently as you unlock lesser-known tools and learn to quickly access the features you need. Check out Microsoft 365 Word For Professionals For Dummies today!

More WordTips (ribbon)

Calculating Expressions

Word can do some simple calculations for you, if you add a little-known tool to your toolbar. Here's how to add and use ...

Discover More

New Page Appears at Right of First Page

When you start typing in a new document and you get to the end of the first page, Word could place the next page at the ...

Discover More

Increasing the Size of the Draft Font

When looking at your document in Draft view, you may want Word to use a larger font than what it normally does. Here's ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is three less than 4?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


This Site

Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.

Videos
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.