Alt + O C W Mac Excel Shortcut: Legacy Column Width (2026 Guide)

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Quick Answer

To do Alt + O C W on Mac in Excel, install Accelerator Keys, then press Option, then O, then C, then W. It runs the Excel 2003 command Format > Column > Width. The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + H + O + W.

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

What Does Alt + O C W Do?

Alt + O + C + W is the legacy shortcut for Format > Column > Width. It opens the Column Width dialog. You type an exact width for the selected columns.

Legacy vs. Modern Shortcut Comparison

Shortcut	Era	Menu Path
Alt + O + C + W	Legacy (Excel 2003)	Format > Column > Width
Alt + H + O + W	Modern (Ribbon)	Home > Format > Column Width

Both shortcuts work with Accelerator Keys.

How It Works on Mac

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

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

Install the Fix: Download Accelerator Keys (14-day free trial, no credit card required).
Select the columns: Select the columns you want to change.
Press Option: Press the Option key. It works like Alt on Windows.
Press the letters one at a time: Press O, then C, then W.
Result: The Column Width dialog opens. Type the width and click OK.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alt + O C 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 O, then C, then W.

What is the modern equivalent of Alt + O C W?

The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + H + O + W (Home > Format > Column Width). Both work on Mac with Accelerator Keys.