Alt + I M Mac Excel Shortcut: Legacy Insert Comment (2026 Guide)

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Quick Answer

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

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If you are looking for the Alt + I M 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 M Do?

Alt + I + M is the legacy shortcut for Insert > Comment. It adds a new comment to the active cell. Type your comment and post it.

Legacy vs. Modern Shortcut Comparison

Shortcut Era Menu Path
Alt + I + M Legacy (Excel 2003) Insert > Comment
Alt + R + C Modern (Ribbon) Review > New Comment

Both shortcuts work with Accelerator Keys.

How It Works on Mac

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

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

  1. Install the Fix: Download Accelerator Keys (14-day free trial, no credit card required).
  2. Select a cell: Click the cell that needs a comment.
  3. Press Option: Press the Option key. It works like Alt on Windows.
  4. Press the letters one at a time: Press I, then M.
  5. Result: A new comment box opens on the cell. Type your comment.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alt + I M 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 M.

Does Alt + I M add a comment or a note?

It runs Insert > New Comment, so it adds a threaded comment. In Excel 2003, Insert > Comment made what Excel now calls a note.

What is the modern equivalent of Alt + I M?

The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + R + C (Review > New Comment). Both work on Mac with Accelerator Keys.

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