Alt + E F Mac Excel Shortcut: Legacy Find (2026 Guide)

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Quick Answer

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

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If you are looking for the Alt + E F 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 F Do?

Alt + E + F is the legacy shortcut for Edit > Find. It opens Find. You type text, a number, or part of a formula, and Excel goes to the next cell that matches.

Legacy vs. Modern Shortcut Comparison

Shortcut Era Menu Path
Alt + E + F Legacy (Excel 2003) Edit > Find
Alt + H + F + D + F Modern (Ribbon) Home > Find & Select > Find

Both shortcuts work with Accelerator Keys.

How It Works on Mac

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

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

  1. Install the Fix: Download Accelerator Keys (14-day free trial, no credit card required).
  2. Select the range: Click a cell to search the full sheet, or select a range to search only that range.
  3. Press Option: Press the Option key. It works like Alt on Windows.
  4. Press the letters one at a time: Press E, then F.
  5. Result: Find opens. Type what you want to find and press Return.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alt + E F 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 F.

What is the modern equivalent of Alt + E F?

The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + H + F + D + F (Home > Find & Select > Find). Both work on Mac with Accelerator Keys.

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