How to Enable the Developer Tab in Word for Mac

Quick answer: In desktop Microsoft Word for Mac, open Word → Settings (called Preferences in older versions), select Ribbon & Toolbar, and enable Developer under the main ribbon tabs. The Developer tab provides tools for macros, content controls and advanced document features.

The following steps show how to add developer tab in Microsoft Word for Mac

1. Go to Microsoft Word > Preference to open Word Preference window. Alternatively, you can also use keyboard shortcut “Command + ,”

2. In the Word Preference window click “Ribbon & Toolbar” (under Authoring and Proofing Tools)

3. Click Ribbon Tab, and select “Main Tab” under Customize the Ribbon. Then check the box against “Developer” and click “Save” to apply changes and show Developer Tab.

Video tutorial on how to add developer tab in Ms Word (Mac & Windows)

Step-by-Step: Show Developer on Mac

Open Word → Settings or Preferences → Ribbon & Toolbar. Under the Ribbon tab, locate the Main Tabs list, check Developer, then save or close the settings window. Return to the ribbon and confirm Developer is visible.

What Can You Do with the Developer Tab?

Depending on the Word version, you can access Visual Basic, macros, templates and content controls. Some Windows-only features, particularly ActiveX controls, are not supported in Word for Mac; do not expect the Mac Developer tab to match Windows exactly.

Troubleshooting a Missing Developer Tab

Confirm you are using the desktop Word application rather than Word for the web. If Developer is checked but not visible, inspect ribbon customization and whether the ribbon is collapsed. Managed work or school devices may restrict macros.

C P Gupta

C P Gupta is a YouTuber and Blogger. He is expert in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. His YouTube channel @pickupbrain is very popular and has crossed 9.9 Million Views.