task · Mac, Windows
Excel Paste Special Shortcut
Use Ctrl + Alt + V on Windows Excel to open Paste Special. On Mac Excel, try Control + Command + V or use Edit > Paste Special.
Reference table
Shortcut Library
Use this as the main reference: shortcut first, menu fallback second, and the note column for version or platform differences.
| Action | Mac | Windows / Web | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Paste Special | Control + Command + V | Ctrl + Alt + V | Mac shortcut can vary by version. |
| Paste values | Command + Shift + V in some apps | Alt, H, V, V | Excel desktop ribbon sequence on Windows. |
| Paste normally | Command + V | Ctrl + V | Pastes copied content. |
Menu Path Fallback
Home > Paste > Paste Special, or Edit > Paste Special.
Compatibility
Mac Excel shortcut behavior has changed across versions. The ribbon/menu path is the safest fallback.
If It Does Not Work
- Make sure the app or browser tab is focused before pressing the shortcut.
- Check whether a system shortcut, browser extension, or custom keyboard setting is intercepting the keys.
- Use the menu path as a fallback when the shortcut is unavailable on your platform.
FAQ
Why do shortcuts differ between Mac and Windows?
Modifier keys, app versions, browser focus, and keyboard layouts can change the exact shortcut.
What should I do if a shortcut does not work?
Check whether the app window is focused, confirm the platform, try the menu path, and look for system-level shortcut conflicts.
Are these pages a replacement for official docs?
No. They are practical reference pages with links to official sources where version-specific details should be checked.