Alt + I W Mac Excel Shortcut: Legacy Insert Worksheet (2026 Guide)

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Quick Answer

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

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

Alt + I + W is the legacy shortcut for Insert > Worksheet. It adds a new worksheet to the workbook.

Legacy vs. Modern Shortcut Comparison

Shortcut Era Menu Path
Alt + I + W Legacy (Excel 2003) Insert > Worksheet
Alt + H + I + S Modern (Ribbon) Home > Insert > Insert Sheet

Both shortcuts work with Accelerator Keys.

How It Works on Mac

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

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

  1. Install the Fix: Download Accelerator Keys (14-day free trial, no credit card required).
  2. Open the workbook: Open the workbook where you want a new sheet.
  3. Press Option: Press the Option key. It works like Alt on Windows.
  4. Press the letters one at a time: Press I, then W.
  5. Result: Excel adds a new worksheet.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alt + I W 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 W.

What is the modern equivalent of Alt + I W?

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

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