How to Show the Developer Tab in Microsoft Excel (Windows & Mac)

The Developer tab unlocks powerful automation tools in Excel—macro recording, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), XML import, and form-controls. Because most users rarely use these features, Microsoft hides the tab by default, but you can reveal it with just a few clicks on both Windows and macOS.

To add the Developer tab to your ribbon, follow the steps for your operating system:

Enable the Developer Tab on Windows (Microsoft 365 / 2016 and newer)

1. Launch Microsoft Excel on your system.
2. Click File in the top bar.
3. Select Options in the lower-left corner.
4. In the Options window, choose Customize Ribbon from the sidebar.
5. The right column lists check boxes for every tab currently displayed in the ribbon.
6. Locate the Developer box and select it.
7. Click OK to save your changes.

Enable the Developer Tab on macOS (Microsoft 365 / 2019 and newer)

1. Open Microsoft Excel.
2. Click Excel in the menu bar.
3. Select the Preferences… option from the drop-down list.
4. In the Authoring section, click Ribbon & Toolbar.
5. The dialog shows check boxes similar to the Windows version.
6. Enable the Developer check box and click Save.

How to Hide the Developer Tab Again?

Repeat the steps for your platform and clear the Developer check box, or in Windows select Reset ► Reset only selected Ribbon tab to restore the default layout.

Excel stores this ribbon preference in your user profile, so the tab remains visible whenever you open Excel—even in new workbooks.

With the tab unlocked, you can record simple macros, write VBA procedures, insert ActiveX or Form controls, and import or export XML data—transforming basic spreadsheets into dynamic applications.