5 Ways To Use Alt Key In Excel On Mac

The Alt key in Excel on Mac is a powerful tool that can help you streamline your workflow, increase productivity, and access a wide range of functions with ease. While the Alt key is commonly used in Windows, Mac users can access similar functionality by using the Option (⌥) key or the Command (⌘) key in combination with other keys. In this article, we'll explore five ways to use the Alt key in Excel on Mac, helping you unlock new levels of efficiency and proficiency in your spreadsheet work.

1. Accessing Excel Shortcuts

One of the primary uses of the Alt key in Excel on Mac is to access a wide range of shortcuts. By pressing the Option (⌥) key in combination with other keys, you can quickly perform various tasks, such as selecting cells, formatting data, and navigating your spreadsheet. For example, pressing ⌥ + = (equals sign) will automatically sum a range of cells, while pressing ⌥ + ' (apostrophe) will open the Format Cells dialog box.

Some other useful shortcuts that can be accessed using the Alt key in Excel on Mac include:

• ⌥ + Tab: Switches between open workbooks
• ⌥ + Shift + >: Increases font size
• ⌥ + Shift + <: Decreases font size
• ⌥ + F1: Opens the Excel Help window

2. Creating Custom Shortcuts

In addition to accessing built-in shortcuts, you can also create custom shortcuts using the Alt key in Excel on Mac. To do this, go to the "Tools" menu, select "Customize Keyboard," and then click on the "Shortcuts" tab. From here, you can assign custom shortcuts to specific commands or functions, making it easier to access the features you use most often.

For example, you could create a custom shortcut to quickly format a range of cells as currency or to insert a specific type of chart. By creating custom shortcuts, you can streamline your workflow and increase your productivity in Excel.

3. Navigating Your Spreadsheet

The Alt key can also be used to navigate your spreadsheet quickly and efficiently. By pressing the Option (⌥) key in combination with the arrow keys, you can move your cursor to specific locations in your spreadsheet, such as the beginning or end of a row or column.

Some other navigation shortcuts that can be accessed using the Alt key in Excel on Mac include:

• ⌥ + Home: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the row
• ⌥ + End: Moves the cursor to the end of the row
• ⌥ + Page Up: Moves the cursor up one screen
• ⌥ + Page Down: Moves the cursor down one screen

4. Selecting Cells and Ranges

The Alt key can also be used to select cells and ranges in your spreadsheet. By pressing the Option (⌥) key in combination with the Shift key and the arrow keys, you can select a range of cells quickly and efficiently.

Some other selection shortcuts that can be accessed using the Alt key in Excel on Mac include:

• ⌥ + Shift + Space: Selects the entire row
• ⌥ + Shift + Ctrl + Space: Selects the entire column
• ⌥ + Shift + Up Arrow: Selects the cells above the active cell
• ⌥ + Shift + Down Arrow: Selects the cells below the active cell

5. Accessing Excel Functions

Finally, the Alt key can be used to access a wide range of Excel functions, including formulas, formatting options, and data analysis tools. By pressing the Option (⌥) key in combination with other keys, you can quickly access the functions you need to perform specific tasks.

Some other functions that can be accessed using the Alt key in Excel on Mac include:

• ⌥ + = (equals sign): Automatically sums a range of cells
• ⌥ + ' (apostrophe): Opens the Format Cells dialog box
• ⌥ + Shift + >: Increases font size
• ⌥ + Shift + <: Decreases font size

Gallery of Excel Shortcuts on Mac

By mastering the Alt key in Excel on Mac, you can take your spreadsheet skills to the next level and achieve greater productivity and efficiency. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, learning to use the Alt key can help you unlock new levels of functionality and performance in Excel. So why not start exploring the Alt key today and discover the power and flexibility it can bring to your spreadsheet work?