Excel Command Guide: Mac Shortcuts for the Platform

Modified on Fri, 20 Mar at 3:23 PM

While we recommend Windows for Ninja Excel courses, if you are working on a Mac, use this guide to navigate the platform's keyboard requirements:

1. Editing and formatting commands

Instead of using the Command (⌘) key, use the Control (Ctrl) key. This ensures the browser and platform interpret the Excel instruction correctly:

Copy and paste: Use Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste. This is the fastest way to move data between cells.
Undo and Redo: If you make a mistake, Ctrl + Z is your best ally. To reapply the action, use Ctrl + Y.
Font formatting: Apply formatting instantly with Ctrl + B (Bold), Ctrl + I (Italic), or Ctrl + U (Underline). If these don’t work, try with Ctrl + N (Bold), Ctrl + K (Italic), or Ctrl + S (Underline).

2. Navigation and data tools

Search: To quickly find data on long bases, activate the search engine with Ctrl + F. If this doesn’t work, try with Ctrl + B.
Tables: Create a professional table structure over a selected range using Ctrl + Q, Ctrl + T, or Ctrl + L.

3. Selecting data

Select an entire column: Use Ctrl + Shift + Down Arrow. This is the quickest way to apply formatting or filters to a full vertical set of data.
Select an entire column: Use Ctrl + Shift + Right Arrow. Ideal for highlighting complete records at a glance.
Select the whole table: Press Ctrl + E or Ctrl + A. This command identifies the current data range and selects it entirely.

4. Symbols on Mac (US Keyboard)

Correct symbol usage is vital for formula syntax. While most symbols keep their usual position, remember that if a combination requires the Option key, you should use a manual alternative (like copying/pasting or using "Insert Symbol"), as the platform may not recognize the Option key.

Quotation Marks (" "): Use Shift + '. Essential for wrapping text inside functions.
Parentheses (( )): Use Shift + 9 to open and Shift + 0 to close.
Semicolon (;): Press the ; key. This is the primary argument separator for functions on the platform.
Equal Sign (=): Insert with the = key. Every formula must start with this.
Greater than (>): Use Shift + . (period key).
Less than (<): Use Shift + , (comma key).
Dollar sign ($): Use Shift + 4. This is fundamental for manually creating absolute references on your Mac.
Ampersand (&): Use Shift + 7. Used primarily to concatenate or join text strings.
At sign (@): Use Shift + 2. Important: If the platform does not recognize the Option command for this symbol, we recommend copying it from the instructions and pasting it.

If a symbol is difficult to find due to your language or keyboard settings, you can insert it directly:

Go to the Insert tab.
On the far right, look for the Symbols group and click on the Symbol icon.
A dialog box opens where you can browse all available characters. Select the one you need and click Insert.

General considerations for Mac users

To ensure a smooth experience, please keep these configuration tips in mind:

Ctrl is the key: On our platform, the functionality of the Command key is mapped to the Control key.
Creating references ($): The platform does not recognize F keys (F1–F12). Therefore, applying absolute or mixed references cannot be done via shortcuts; you must type the $ signs manually.
Option (Alt) Incompatibility: The platform does not support the Option key. Any shortcut you typically use with Option in the desktop version of Excel will not work here. You will need to perform these actions manually using your mouse (such as navigating Ribbon menus).

If you still have questions after reviewing this guide, don't hesitate to reach out via the Chat Box.