Alt + D R Mac Excel Shortcut: Legacy Refresh Data (2026 Guide)

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Quick Answer

To do Alt + D R on Mac in Excel, install Accelerator Keys, then press Option, then D, then R. It runs the Excel 2003 command Data > Refresh Data. The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + A + R + R.

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If you are looking for the Alt + D R shortcut on Mac Excel, you may know it from Excel 2003, where Alt + D opened the Data menu. Windows Excel still accepts these menu keys. With Accelerator Keys, they work on your Mac too.

What Does Alt + D R Do?

Alt + D + R is the legacy shortcut for Data > Refresh Data. It refreshes the PivotTable, query, or external data range that holds the active cell. Excel gets the latest data from the source.

Legacy vs. Modern Shortcut Comparison

Shortcut Era Menu Path
Alt + D + R Legacy (Excel 2003) Data > Refresh Data
Alt + A + R + R Modern (Ribbon) Data > Refresh All > Refresh

Both shortcuts work with Accelerator Keys.

How It Works on Mac

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

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

  1. Install the Fix: Download Accelerator Keys (14-day free trial, no credit card required).
  2. Select a cell: Click a cell in the PivotTable or the data range you want to refresh.
  3. Press Option: Press the Option key. It works like Alt on Windows.
  4. Press the letters one at a time: Press D, then R.
  5. Result: Excel refreshes the data.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alt + D R 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 R.

What is the modern equivalent of Alt + D R?

The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + A + R + R (Data > Refresh All > Refresh). Both work on Mac with Accelerator Keys.

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