Using the ALT key in MAC excel to get the Quick Access Toolbar shortcut Keyboard keys?

Question

Hi,

I want to be able to press the ALT key and then have the keyboard letters pop up near each toolbox items so I can use excel without a mouse.Like shown in the attachement picture.

But this is not working on my MacBook.Is there any fix to this?

Im using the 2021 version of Microsoft Office

2019 MacBook Pro Intel

Microsoft Team please help

Answer 1

I really can't understand why it takes 15 paragraphs to not answer your question... he 9th one is all it takes 🙂 What you're asking about is a Windows Office feature not available in Mac Office programs.

There is a macOS feature for accessing the Ribbon but it's so complicated & inefficient that I don't know of anyone who uses it.

Answer 2

Hi, thank you for reaching out. My name is Deeksha and I'm a Microsoft user like yourself and I will try to help you as best as I can today.

Use the Built-in Shortcuts: Excel for Mac has a set of predefined keyboard shortcuts that are different from the Windows version. You can find a list of these shortcuts in the Excel Help menu or on the Microsoft Office website.

Customize Keyboard Shortcuts: Excel for Mac allows you to customize keyboard shortcuts. You can do this by going to Tools > Customize Keyboard. From there, you can assign shortcuts to commands that you frequently use.

Use the Command Key: Unlike Windows, which uses the ALT key, Mac applications, including Excel, typically use the Command key (⌘) for shortcuts. However, this won't bring up Key Tips.

Accessibility Features: Consider using Mac's built-in accessibility features. For instance, Voice Control or VoiceOver can help navigate without relying heavily on the mouse.

Add the Accessibility Button to the Toolbar: This can provide quicker access to accessibility features.

Third-party Tools: There are third-party applications available that can enhance keyboard navigation in macOS, although their compatibility with Excel or specific Office versions would need to be verified.

Update or Reinstall: Ensure your Excel is up to date. Sometimes, updating or reinstalling the application can resolve unexplained issues.

Unfortunately, the exact "Key Tips" feature as it exists in Excel for Windows does not have a direct counterpart in Excel for Mac. The Mac version of Office tends to focus more on using the Command key for shortcuts rather than navigating the ribbon via ALT key tips.

Use Excel’s Built-in Help To find more shortcuts:

Press ⌘ + / to open Excel's Help search. Here, you can type "keyboard shortcuts" to get a comprehensive list of shortcuts available in Excel for Mac.

You can add commonly used commands to the Quick Access Toolbar for easy keyboard access:

Click on the Excel menu > Preferences. Go to the Ribbon & Toolbar. In the Quick Access Toolbar, add commands you use frequently.

Update Excel Make sure your Excel is up-to-date:

Go to the Help menu in Excel and choose Check for Updates. This ensures you have the latest features and bug fixes.

Try these steps and hopefully, it resolves your issue. In case you need further help or assistance, please let us know. You can also contact Microsoft Support if the problem persists.

Best regards Deeksha