How to Set Quick Access Toolbar Keyboard Shortcuts in PowerPoint for Mac
Question details
The user wants to use or configure keyboard shortcuts for the Quick Access Toolbar in PowerPoint for Mac, similar to the native Alt+Number shortcuts found on Windows.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to use keyboard shortcuts to quickly trigger frequent commands located on the Quick Access Toolbar.
- Observed behavior
- PowerPoint for Mac does not natively support the automatic Quick Access Toolbar shortcuts (like Alt+1) available in the Windows version, requiring users to set up custom macOS app shortcuts for menu commands.
Before proceeding, note the exact spelling and punctuation of the PowerPoint command as it appears in the top macOS menu bar, as you will need to type it perfectly to create a custom shortcut.
Create a Custom App Shortcut via macOS System Settings
Since PowerPoint for Mac lacks native Quick Access Toolbar shortcuts, you can use built-in macOS features to assign a custom keyboard combination to any standard menu bar command.
This method relies on the macOS App Shortcuts feature. It works flawlessly for any command that exists in the standard application menu bar at the top of the screen (e.g., File, Edit, View). However, it cannot be used for commands that only exist on the Ribbon or the Quick Access Toolbar itself.
Open PowerPoint for Mac and look through the top menu bar (File, Edit, View, etc.) to find the command you want to trigger. Note its exact name, including capitalizations and any ellipses (e.g., 'Save As...').
Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your Mac screen and select 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences' on older versions of macOS).
Click on 'Keyboard' in the sidebar, then click the 'Keyboard Shortcuts...' (or simply 'Shortcuts') button.
Select 'App Shortcuts' from the left list. Click the '+' button to add a new shortcut. In the Application dropdown menu, select 'Microsoft PowerPoint'.
In the 'Menu Title' field, type the exact command name you noted earlier. Click the 'Keyboard Shortcut' field and press your desired key combination on your keyboard. Click 'Done' or 'Add'.
Return to PowerPoint for Mac and press your newly assigned keyboard shortcut to verify that it triggers the intended command.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Presentation Editing on Mac
If you are frustrated by the platform limitations and missing shortcut features in PowerPoint for Mac, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative with intuitive customization options tailored for macOS.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package tailored for macOS.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open and edit seamlessly: Launch WPS Presentation and open your existing .pptx files directly; all formatting and elements will be perfectly preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't Alt+1 work on PowerPoint for Mac?
Unlike the Windows version, PowerPoint for Mac does not natively assign automatic numeric keyboard shortcuts (like Alt+1, Alt+2) to items pinned on the Quick Access Toolbar. macOS handles application shortcuts fundamentally differently at the system level.
Can I assign a keyboard shortcut to a Ribbon command that isn't in the Mac menu bar?
No, the macOS App Shortcuts feature only works for commands that are explicitly listed in the application's top menu bar (such as File, Edit, or View). Ribbon-only commands cannot be targeted using this system method.
How do I remove a custom keyboard shortcut I made for PowerPoint?
Go back to System Settings > Keyboard > Shortcuts > App Shortcuts on your Mac. Select the custom PowerPoint shortcut you created and click the minus (-) button to instantly remove it.
