A ribbon in computing can refer to any of the following:

• Impact printing: In impact printing, a ribbon is a device used to transfer ink to paper. Ribbons are found on devices such as typewriters and stenotype machines.

• IDE cable: With a cable, a ribbon describes the IDE (integrated drive electronics) cable.

• Microsoft Office programs: With Microsoft Office programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel, the Ribbon feature replaces the traditional file menu and toolbar. The Ribbon dynamically changes based on what the user is currently doing and groups all related activities. The Ribbon can be customized by right-clicking.

• Windows 7 Ribbons: In Windows 7, a ribbon is a command bar that organizes a programs features into a series of tabs at the top of a window. Using a ribbon increases discoverability of features and functions, enables quicker learning of the program as a whole, and makes users feel more in control of their experience with the program. A ribbon can replace both the traditional menu bar and toolbars. A typical ribbon consists of tabs, groups, an Application button, and a Quick Access Toolbar.

• Graphical control element: In computer interface design, a ribbon is a graphical control element in the form of a set of toolbars placed on several tabs. The typical structure of a ribbon includes large, tabbed toolbars, filled with graphical buttons and other graphical control elements, grouped by functionality. The usage of the term "ribbon" dates back to the 1980s and was originally used as a synonym for plain toolbar. However, in 2007, Microsoft used the term to refer to its own implementation of tabbed toolbars encompassing a conglomerate of controls for Microsoft Office 2007, which Microsoft calls "The Fluent UI").

In summary, a ribbon in computing can refer to a device used in impact printing, a cable, a feature in Microsoft Office programs, a command bar in Windows 7, or a graphical control element in computer interface design.