AutoOpen Format Tools Upon Selection

[Sundog]

In a Word 2007 document, I insert a shape using the Insert > Illustrations > Shapes dropdown. When I do that, the Drawing Tools > Format ribbon obligingly opens so I can change the shape parameters. A particular page may have 15 or 20 shapes. I go about my business, and add some text here and there elsewhere in the document, which causes the Home ribbon to open. Then I realize that I want to change a shape color, let's say. I select the shape, and the Drawing Tools > Format tab appears, BUT then I have to click Format to open that ribbon.

If I double-click a shape, the Drawing Tools > Format ribbon opens. But I would rather not go on double-clicking dozens or hundreds of times in one document.

How can I get the Format ribbon to open automagically when I select a shape with a single click? This would be analogous to Word's behavior if I've formatted a shape from the Drawing Tools > Format ribbon, then clicked in some text; Word opens the Home ribbon.

The same behavior occurs with the Picture Tools ribbon.

[HansV]

I don't think that's possible and it's one of the reasons why I hate the ribbon. In earlier versions, you displayed the toolbars that you needed during a session, and they remained visible until you hid them again. In 2007, there is no such option. A typical example of Artificial Stupidity!

Instead of double clicking the picture, you can click it and press Alt+J, but whether that counts as an improvement...

[Sundog]

Yes, I was afraid you would say that!

Does anyone know if Word 2010 behaves differently?

[Sundog]

Alt+J does, however, add mysterious numbered and lettered boxes to the Format ribbon. Clicking one makes them all disappear. What is their purpose?

[HansV]

Pressing Alt displays the keyboard shortcuts for the ribbon, for instance (Alt+)F to activate the Office button (which is actually the File menu), etc.

[Sundog]

So, rather than just moving the mouse and clicking on Send to Back, if I press the wonderfully intuitive Alt + A then E, I get the Send to Back dropdown?! Useful if my mouse dies, maybe?

[Guessed]

I agree with the sentiments of the Ribbon changing tabs at inopportune times but the right click popup often allows you to find the desired contextual commands quickly.

[Sundog]

the right click popup often allows you to find the desired contextual commands quickly.

Good tip. The right-click on a selected shape allows direct access to the Format AutoShape pane, which provides stuff on a single tab that would take multiple ribbon clicks to achieve.