Alt + I S Mac Excel Shortcut: Legacy Insert Symbol (2026 Guide)

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Quick Answer

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

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

Alt + I + S is the legacy shortcut for Insert > Symbol. It opens the Symbol window. You pick a character that is not on your keyboard, such as a currency sign, an arrow, or a math sign, and Excel puts it in the cell.

Legacy vs. Modern Shortcut Comparison

Shortcut Era Menu Path
Alt + I + S Legacy (Excel 2003) Insert > Symbol
Alt + N + U Modern (Ribbon) Insert > Symbols

Both shortcuts work with Accelerator Keys.

How It Works on Mac

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

Step-by-Step: How to do Alt + I S 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, or click in the text where the symbol goes.
  3. Press Option: Press the Option key. It works like Alt on Windows.
  4. Press the letters one at a time: Press I, then S.
  5. Result: The Symbol window opens. Pick a symbol to insert it.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alt + I S 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 S.

What is the modern equivalent of Alt + I S?

The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + N + U (Insert > Symbols). Both work on Mac with Accelerator Keys.

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