Overview

When the “Ribbon” was introduced in the 2007 Excel version, we could not change it. In the 2010 version, the ribbon is changeable.

First let me explain to you what the “Ribbon” is and what it contains. At the top, we find the various “Ribbon” (default) tabs. Depending on the selected tab, we find different groups at the bottom. A group consists of several command buttons.

Some of these command buttons have a downward pointing arrow (1) beside them. When we click on this arrow, a drop-down menu opens with more options:

Next to some of the group names, we have a rightward pointing arrow (1). If you click this arrow, it opens the “Format Cells” (2) dialog. The correct dialog box is opened based on the option you want to modify (3).
For example, the “Alignment” tab is selected (3) when you click the right arrow next to the “Alignment” group or the “Number” tab is selected, when you click the right arrow button next to the “Numbers” group.

Now that you know what everything is called, it will not be a problem for you to follow the lessons.

The Minimize Ribbon

In “Excel” 2010, we have a number of possibilities to minimize the “Ribbon”. One possibility is double-clicking the “Active” tab. A second possibility is right-clicking the “Ribbon”, and choosing “Minimize the Ribbon” from the drop-down menu. A third possibility, which is new in “Excel” 2010, is clicking the “Ribbon minimize” indicator (1) at the top right of the “Ribbon”.

If you want to expand the “Ribbon”, click this button again (1) or double-click a tab.

The hotkey for the “Ribbon” to minimize or to maximize is pressing “Ctrl F1” on your keyboard.

When the “Ribbon” is minimized, you still have access to all command buttons.

Click on the tab that contains the button, and the “Ribbon” will automatically be maximized. Once the command is selected, the “Ribbon” will be minimized again.

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