Windows Excel shortcuts on a Mac without Parallels

Windows Excel's Alt-key shortcuts can run in Excel for Mac without Parallels: RibbonKeys is a menu-bar app that draws those letters over the ribbon. Tap Option and type the Windows sequence; RibbonKeys does not run Windows or a virtual machine.

Parallels is a different way to get the Windows keys: it runs Windows, and Excel for Windows then has its own Alt key. MacCove's homepage, checked 5 October 2026, describes Parallels Desktop as “Runs a full Windows VM”, and the same table says a Windows licence is an extra cost. A lifetime licence for RibbonKeys is €39.99 once, including VAT.

Free for 7 days, with no account and no card. After that €3.99 a month or €39.99 once, including VAT.
Needs macOS 13 or later and Excel for Mac.

Windows Excel shortcuts on a Mac · RibbonKeys compared · Every shortcut · RibbonKeys