Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Where is My Tracking Toolbar?

I am constantly asked this question. The Tracking Toolbar was a vital component in Project 2007, and allowed for taking status quickly. Although Project 2010 does not have a tracking toolbar the tracking tools are available and are in plain sight. In the Task tab and in the Schedule group, you’ll find some of the buttons from the old tracking toolbar waiting for your use. Have a look at the figure below and you’ll see the quick status and update buttons.
(Click on the image to enlarge)
Tracking-Toolbar-not-needed-in-Proje
But what if you would prefer to have your own dedicated tracking group or tab? In the figure below I created a Tracking tab and Tracking group with task and project tracking commands. It only takes a few moments to create this tab and group, and in the process you’ll learn how to make even more tabs and tools.
(Click on the image to enlarge)
Custom-Tracking-Toolbar-and-Group_th
In Project 2010 start by selecting the File tab and then choose Options. Once Options is shown choose Customize Ribbon. This will offer you the dialog below.
(Click on the image to enlarge)
Customize-Ribbon-to-Create-Tracking-
Commands are on the left. The structure of the Ribbon is on the right. Controls between them allow you to move commands in and out of the Ribbon . Buttons under the Ribbon structure allow you to create, delete and rename tabs and groups.
Create a new Tab ( I renamed mine to “Tracking”) and a new Group (also renamed “Tracking”) and then found and added the commands I wanted into the Tracking group in the Tracking Tab. You can move your added commands to a different position in the list with the up and down control buttons on the far right of the list.
When you have the buttons that you want, just OK the Customize Ribbon dialog and your newly designed Tab and Group await your command.
Let me know if you find this a useful blog entry, will you? I love to hear from my readers! And good luck in your projects!