Easy Shortcut to Switch Between Workbooks in Excel on Mac
Working with multiple Excel workbooks on a Mac can be cumbersome if you rely solely on a mouse or trackpad. Keyboard shortcuts help improve productivity by allowing you to switch between workbooks quickly.
In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the best Excel Mac shortcuts for switching between open workbooks, navigating worksheets, managing files efficiently, and customizing shortcuts to optimize workflow.
Shortcut to Switch Between Workbooks in Excel on Mac
1. Primary Shortcut for Switching Workbooks
The most effective shortcut to switch between open Excel workbooks on Mac is:
⌘ (Command) + ` (Grave Accent): Cycles through all open workbooks in Excel.
⌘ (Command) + Shift + ` (Grave Accent): Cycles through open workbooks in reverse order.
Important Notes:
- This shortcut works only if Excel windows are not in full-screen mode.
- If the shortcut is not working, check System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Keyboard to ensure it is enabled.
- This shortcut allows quick switching without using a mouse or trackpad.
2. Switching Between Different Applications
If you have multiple applications open and want to switch between them, use:
⌘ (Command) + Tab: Switches between different applications, including Excel.
Using ⌘ + Tab in combination with ⌘ + ` (Grave Accent) allows seamless navigation between multiple Excel workbooks and other applications.
Other Useful Keyboard Shortcuts for Managing Multiple Workbooks
Opening, Closing, and Saving Workbooks
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open a new workbook | ⌘ (Command) + N |
| Open an existing workbook | ⌘ (Command) + O |
| Save the current workbook | ⌘ (Command) + S |
| Save As (Save with a new name) | ⌘ (Command) + Shift + S |
| Close the active workbook | ⌘ (Command) + W |
| Quit Excel (Close all workbooks) | ⌘ (Command) + Q |
If you frequently work with multiple files, using these shortcuts in combination with workbook switching shortcuts will make file management significantly faster.
Navigating Worksheets Within a Workbook
Managing multiple sheets in a single workbook is equally important as switching between workbooks. Use the following shortcuts:
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Move to the next sheet | Control (⌃) + Page Down |
| Move to the previous sheet | Control (⌃) + Page Up |
| Move to the next sheet (Mac keyboards without Page Up/Down keys) | Fn + Control (⌃) + Down Arrow |
| Move to the previous sheet (Mac keyboards without Page Up/Down keys) | Fn + Control (⌃) + Up Arrow |
Selecting and Managing Worksheets
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Select multiple worksheets | Shift + Fn + Up/Down Arrow |
| Select all sheets | Right-click a sheet > Select All |
| Rename a worksheet | Double-click the sheet name |
| Insert a new worksheet | Shift + Fn + F11 |
| Delete a worksheet | Right-click > Delete |
These shortcuts help manage multiple worksheets more efficiently, especially when handling complex Excel files.
Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel for Mac
If the default shortcuts do not fit your needs, you can customize them by following these steps:
- Open Excel for Mac.
- Go to Tools in the menu bar.
- Select Customize Keyboard.
- Choose a category and find the specific command.
- Assign a new keyboard shortcut of your choice.
By customizing shortcuts, you can streamline frequent actions and make Excel navigation more intuitive for your workflow.
Troubleshooting Excel Shortcut Issues on Mac
If your keyboard shortcuts are not working as expected, try these fixes:
1. Check System Preferences
- Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Keyboard.
- Ensure that the shortcuts are enabled.
2. Disable Full-Screen Mode
- If Excel is in full-screen mode, the shortcut ⌘ + ` (Grave Accent) may not work.
- Exit full-screen by pressing Esc or clicking the green button in the top-left corner of the Excel window.
3. Update Excel
- Open Excel, go to Help > Check for Updates.
- Keeping Excel updated ensures that all shortcuts function properly.
4. Restart Mac and Excel
- If shortcuts still do not work, restart your Mac and Excel application.
- Try using an external keyboard if issues persist.
Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel on Mac?
Using keyboard shortcuts in Excel provides several benefits:
- Saves time by reducing reliance on a mouse or trackpad.
- Boosts productivity by allowing seamless navigation between workbooks and worksheets.
- Reduces repetitive strain caused by excessive mouse movement.
- Increases workflow efficiency, especially for professionals who work with large datasets.
If you frequently switch between multiple workbooks, using shortcuts can greatly improve your overall Excel experience.
Final Thoughts
Mastering Excel keyboard shortcuts on Mac helps users switch between workbooks effortlessly, navigate worksheets, and improve efficiency. The ⌘ + ` (Grave Accent) shortcut is the fastest way to move between open workbooks. For a smoother workflow, combine it with other essential shortcuts like ⌘ + Tab for application switching and Control + Page Up/Page Down for navigating worksheets.
Additionally, customizing shortcuts allows you to tailor Excel’s functionality to suit your specific needs. By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily workflow, you can save time, work more efficiently, and enhance your productivity in Excel on Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortcut to switch between workbooks in Excel on Mac?
The shortcut to switch between open workbooks in Excel on Mac is ⌘ (Command) + ` (Grave Accent). To cycle through workbooks in reverse order, use ⌘ (Command) + Shift + ` (Grave Accent).
Why is the shortcut not working on my Mac?
If the shortcut is not working, make sure that Excel is not in full-screen mode. Also, check your system settings under System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Keyboard to ensure the shortcut is enabled.
How do I switch between different applications while working in Excel?
To switch between different applications, including Excel, use ⌘ (Command) + Tab. This will cycle through all open applications on your Mac.
Can I customize the shortcut for switching workbooks in Excel on Mac?
Yes, you can customize keyboard shortcuts in Excel for Mac by going to Tools > Customize Keyboard. Here, you can assign a new shortcut to specific commands based on your preferences.
How do I navigate between sheets within a workbook?
To navigate between worksheets in a workbook, use Control (⌃) + Page Up to move to the previous sheet and Control (⌃) + Page Down to move to the next sheet. If your keyboard doesn’t have Page Up/Page Down keys, use Fn + Control (⌃) + Up/Down Arrow.
What are some other useful keyboard shortcuts in Excel for Mac?
Some essential keyboard shortcuts include:
- ⌘ (Command) + N – Create a new workbook
- ⌘ (Command) + O – Open an existing workbook
- ⌘ (Command) + S – Save the current workbook
- ⌘ (Command) + W – Close the active workbook
- ⌘ (Command) + Q – Quit Excel and close all workbooks
Vaishvi Desai is the founder of Excelsamurai and a passionate Excel enthusiast with years of experience in data analysis and spreadsheet management. With a mission to help others harness the power of Excel, Vaishvi shares her expertise through concise, easy-to-follow tutorials on shortcuts, formulas, Pivot Tables, and VBA.