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How to Reassign Personal Macro Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel for Mac
Question details
The user needs to reassign a keyboard shortcut for a personal macro because the current key combination conflicts with a default Excel for Mac command introduced in a recent update.
- Product
- Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Running a personal macro using a custom keyboard shortcut after upgrading the spreadsheet application.
- Observed behavior
- Pressing Option-Command-U opens the Selection Pane instead of executing the assigned personal macro, though the macro still functions correctly when run manually from the dialog box.
Before reassigning your macro shortcut, ensure you know the exact name of the personal macro you wish to modify and verify that your desired new keyboard combination isn't currently used by macOS system shortcuts.
Change the Macro Keyboard Shortcut via the Macros Dialog
This is the most direct method to fix conflicting macro shortcuts by assigning a new, unique key combination within the application's macro settings.
Software updates can sometimes introduce new built-in features that take over previously assigned custom shortcut keys. By changing the shortcut in the macro options, you can bypass the newly introduced conflict.
Launch Excel on your Mac. Navigate to the top menu bar, select 'Tools', choose 'Macro', and then click on 'Macros'.
In the Macro dialog box, scroll through the list and click on the specific personal macro whose shortcut is no longer working.
Click the 'Options' button located on the right side of the dialog box to open the Macro Options window.
In the 'Shortcut key' field, enter a new letter to create a shortcut (e.g., Option+Command+letter). Ensure this combination is not already in use by default app commands or macOS.
Click 'OK' to save your changes, close the Macros dialog, and then restart the application to ensure the new shortcut configuration takes effect.
Experience Seamless Macro Compatibility with WPS Office
If keyboard shortcut conflicts in Microsoft Excel for Mac consistently disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with excellent VBA macro support, a familiar interface, and no subscription fees.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package tailored for macOS.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to install the software, then open WPS Spreadsheet.
- 3. Enable and Run Macros: Open your existing .xlsm files to seamlessly view, edit, and run your VBA macros using custom shortcuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Excel macro shortcut stop working after an update?
Software updates often introduce new features or change default key bindings. If a default action (like the Selection Pane) is assigned to your custom macro shortcut by a recent update, the built-in command will typically override your custom macro trigger.
Can I use the Control key instead of Command for macro shortcuts on a Mac?
Yes, when setting up your macro shortcut on a Mac, you can utilize combinations like Option+Command or Control, depending on the application's specific keyboard mapping allowances and macOS system limitations.
How do I find out which keyboard shortcuts are already taken?
Unfortunately, spreadsheet applications rarely provide a master list of unassigned shortcuts within the app interface. It is best to test your desired combination first or avoid universally common shortcuts like Command+C, Command+V, or Command+S.
Where are personal macros saved on Mac?
Personal macros are typically saved in a hidden workbook named the 'Personal Macro Workbook' (Personal.xlsb). This hidden workbook automatically loads in the background every time you open the application, making its macros available across all open spreadsheets.
