Alt + O E Mac Excel Shortcut: Legacy Format Cells (2026 Guide)

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Quick Answer

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

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If you are looking for the Alt + O E 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 E Do?

Alt + O + E is the legacy shortcut for Format > Cells. It opens the Format Cells dialog. You set the number format, alignment, font, border, fill, and protection for the selected cells.

Legacy vs. Modern Shortcut Comparison

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

Both shortcuts work with Accelerator Keys.

How It Works on Mac

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

Step-by-Step: How to do Alt + O 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 you want to format.
  3. Press Option: Press the Option key. It works like Alt on Windows.
  4. Press the letters one at a time: Press O, then E.
  5. Result: The Format Cells dialog opens.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alt + O 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 O, then E.

What is the modern equivalent of Alt + O E?

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

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