Alt + I E Mac Excel Shortcut: Legacy Insert Cells (2026 Guide)

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Quick Answer

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

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

What Does Alt + I E Do?

Alt + I + E is the legacy shortcut for Insert > Cells. It opens the Insert dialog. You choose to shift cells right, shift cells down, insert an entire row, or insert an entire column.

Legacy vs. Modern Shortcut Comparison

Shortcut Era Menu Path
Alt + I + E Legacy (Excel 2003) Insert > Cells
Alt + H + I + I Modern (Ribbon) Home > Insert > Insert Cells

Both shortcuts work with Accelerator Keys.

How It Works on Mac

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

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

  1. Install the Fix: Download Accelerator Keys (14-day free trial, no credit card required).
  2. Select the cells: Select the cells where you want new blank cells.
  3. Press Option: Press the Option key. It works like Alt on Windows.
  4. Press the letters one at a time: Press I, then E.
  5. Result: The Insert dialog opens. Choose an option and click OK.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alt + I 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 I, then E.

What is the modern equivalent of Alt + I E?

The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + H + I + I (Home > Insert > Insert Cells). Both work on Mac with Accelerator Keys.

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