How to Disable Excel for Mac Ribbon KeyTips Triggered by the Option Key
Question details
The user wants to stop the Option key from triggering numbered and lettered KeyTip labels over the ribbon menu commands in Excel for Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Using keyboard shortcuts or navigating spreadsheets with the Option key in older builds of Excel for Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Pressing the Option key unexpectedly overlays Ribbon KeyTips (numbers and letters) over ribbon commands, interfering with normal workflow.
Ensure you have saved all your open workbooks and completely quit Microsoft Excel before running any system updates or macOS Terminal commands.
Update Microsoft Excel to the Latest Version
Updating to a newer version of Microsoft 365 is the most reliable method, as newer builds may include accessibility settings that natively disable KeyTips triggered by the Option key.
Open Microsoft Excel on your Mac. Click on 'Help' in the top macOS menu bar and select 'Check for Updates'.
In the Microsoft AutoUpdate window, click the 'Update' button to install the latest version of Excel. Restart the application once the update is complete.
Navigate to 'Excel' > 'Preferences' > 'Accessibility' in the updated version to see if a native toggle for Ribbon KeyTips has been added.
Apply an Unofficial macOS Terminal Preference
If you are using an older build without native settings, you can use a macOS Terminal command to manually disable Option key ribbon access.
Try WPS Office for Mac for a Distraction-Free Spreadsheet Experience
If unchangeable ribbon settings and frustrating keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Excel are slowing down your productivity, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly spreadsheet tool tailored for Mac users, without unexpected ribbon overlays.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click on the 'Free Download' button for Mac.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the application on your Mac.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Excel files to continue working distraction-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ribbon KeyTips in Excel?
Ribbon KeyTips are accessibility shortcuts that display small letters or numbers over ribbon commands. They allow users to navigate the ribbon menu entirely using their keyboard instead of relying on a mouse.
Why does the Option key trigger KeyTips on Mac?
In certain older builds of Excel for Mac, Microsoft mapped the Option key to activate Ribbon KeyTips. This behaves similarly to how the Alt key functions in the Windows version of Microsoft Excel.
Can I disable KeyTips natively in Excel settings?
In older versions of Excel for Mac, there is no documented or officially supported setting to disable this. However, newer Microsoft 365 versions may provide an Accessibility preference to toggle it off natively.
Is the Terminal command to disable Ribbon KeyTips safe to use?
Yes, while it is an unofficial workaround, it is generally safe and easily reversible. The command only modifies a specific application preference file for Excel and will not damage your macOS system.
