Alt + E D C Mac Excel Shortcut: Legacy Delete Sheet Columns (2026 Guide)

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Quick Answer

To do Alt + E D C on Mac in Excel, install Accelerator Keys, then press Option, then E, then D, then C. It runs the Excel 2003 command Edit > Delete > Delete Sheet Columns. The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + H + D + C.

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

What Does Alt + E D C Do?

Alt + E + D + C is the legacy shortcut for Edit > Delete > Delete Sheet Columns. It deletes each column that has a selected cell. The columns to the right move left. You do not have to select the full column first.

Legacy vs. Modern Shortcut Comparison

Shortcut Era Menu Path
Alt + E + D + C Legacy (Excel 2003) Edit > Delete > Delete Sheet Columns
Alt + H + D + C Modern (Ribbon) Home > Delete > Delete Columns

Both shortcuts work with Accelerator Keys.

How It Works on Mac

On your Mac, Alt + E selects the Home tab. Then Alt + E + D opens the Home > Delete menu on the ribbon, and C runs Delete Columns. It works on any ribbon tab.

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

  1. Install the Fix: Download Accelerator Keys (14-day free trial, no credit card required).
  2. Select: Select a cell in each column to delete.
  3. Press Option: Press the Option key. It works like Alt on Windows.
  4. Press the letters one at a time: Press E, then D, then C.
  5. Result: Excel deletes the columns, and the columns to the right move left.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alt + E D C 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 E, then D, then C.

What is the modern equivalent of Alt + E D C?

The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + H + D + C (Home > Delete > Delete Columns). Both work on Mac with Accelerator Keys.

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