Text to Columns Shortcut in Excel on Mac (Alt + D E)

💡
Quick Answer

The Excel 2003 Text to Columns shortcut is Alt + D E. It splits the text in one column into several columns. On a Mac, install Accelerator Keys, select the column, then press Option, then D, then E. Follow the wizard steps.

Download Accelerator Keys for Free Now

If you are looking for the Text to Columns shortcut in Excel on Mac, Alt + D E is the one many Windows users know from Excel 2003. Windows Excel still accepts it. With Accelerator Keys, it works on your Mac too.

What Does Alt + D E Do?

Alt + D + E is the legacy shortcut for Data > Text to Columns. It opens the Convert Text to Columns wizard. You split the text in one column at a delimiter, such as a comma or a space, or at fixed widths. Excel puts each part in its own column.

Legacy vs. Modern Shortcut Comparison

Shortcut Era Menu Path
Alt + D + E Legacy (Excel 2003) Data > Text to Columns
Alt + A + E Modern (Ribbon) Data > Text to Columns

Both shortcuts work with Accelerator Keys.

How It Works on Mac

On your Mac, Accelerator Keys runs Data > Text to Columns in the Excel menu bar. It works on any ribbon tab and at any window width.

Step-by-Step: How to do Alt + D E on Mac Excel

  1. Install the Fix: Download Accelerator Keys (14-day free trial, no credit card required).
  2. Select the column: Select one column of text. Make sure the columns to its right are empty, or Excel writes over them.
  3. Press Option: Press the Option key. It works like Alt on Windows.
  4. Press the letters one at a time: Press D, then E.
  5. Result: The Convert Text to Columns wizard opens. Choose Delimited or Fixed width, then follow the steps.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alt + D E work natively on Mac Excel?

No. Excel for Mac’s own KeyTips do not support the legacy Alt + E, Alt + I, Alt + O, and Alt + D menu keys. Accelerator Keys adds them. Press Option, then D, then E.

What is the modern equivalent of Alt + D E?

The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + A + E (Data > Text to Columns). Both work on Mac with Accelerator Keys.

Related Links