Help

Keyboard shortcuts, quick start tips, and answers to common questions.

Getting started

1

Open a file or start fresh

Launch Nought and open any .xlsx, .ods, or .csv file. Or start with a blank workbook.

2

Navigate and edit

Click a cell or use arrow keys. Start typing to replace the contents. Press Return to commit and move down, Tab to commit and move right.

3

Use formulas

Type = then a function name. Autocomplete suggests matching functions. Press Tab to accept a suggestion, then fill in the arguments.

4

Format your data

Use the toolbar for bold, italic, colors, borders, and number formats. Select cells first, then apply formatting.

5

Save and export

Cmd+S saves in the original format. Use File > Export to PDF for a printable version with charts.

Keyboard shortcuts

Navigation

Arrow keysMove one cell
Tab / Shift+TabMove right / left
Return / Shift+ReturnMove down / up (commits edit)
Cmd+HomeJump to cell A1
Cmd+ArrowJump to edge of data region
Page Down / Page UpScroll one screen
Name boxClick the cell reference box, type a ref (e.g. B12), press Return

Editing

Start typingReplace cell contents
F2Enter edit mode on the selected cell
EscapeCancel editing, clear copy selection
Delete / BackspaceClear selected cells
Cmd+ZUndo
Cmd+Shift+ZRedo

Selection

Shift+ArrowExtend selection one cell
Shift+ClickExtend selection to clicked cell
Cmd+ASelect all cells
Click row headerSelect entire row
Click column headerSelect entire column

Clipboard

Cmd+CCopy (shows marching ants)
Cmd+XCut
Cmd+VPaste (with formatting and formula adjustment)

Formatting

Cmd+BToggle bold
Cmd+IToggle italic
Cmd+UToggle underline

View

Cmd+PlusZoom in
Cmd+MinusZoom out
Cmd+0Reset zoom to 100%
Cmd+FFind (Cmd+Shift+F for Find and Replace)

Columns & Rows

Double-click column borderAuto-fit column width to content
Drag column borderManually resize column
Right-clickInsert or delete rows and columns

FAQ

What file formats does Nought support?

Nought reads and writes .xlsx (Excel), .ods (OpenDocument), and .csv files. It can also export to PDF. When you open a .xlsx file, Nought edits it in-place and saves it back - no import/export step needed.

Does Nought need the internet?

No. Nought makes zero network requests. Everything runs locally on your Mac. There is no account, no login, no sync, and no telemetry.

Is Nought really free?

Yes. Nought is free during early access. There is no subscription, no in-app purchase, and no feature gating. The goal is to build a great Mac spreadsheet first and figure out pricing later.

Will my Excel files look the same?

Nought preserves formatting, formulas, charts, conditional formatting, data validations, merged cells, frozen panes, and sheet structure when opening .xlsx files. Some advanced Excel features (VBA macros, Power Query, advanced pivot table layouts) are not yet supported.

How do I enter a formula?

Select a cell and type = followed by your formula, then press Return. Autocomplete shows matching function names as you type. You can also click the fx button in the formula bar to browse all available functions.

How do I insert a chart?

Select a data range, then click Insert in the toolbar and choose Chart. Pick a chart type in the dialog and click Insert. Charts can be moved, resized, and edited after insertion.

Can I freeze rows or columns?

Yes. Select the cell below and to the right of where you want the freeze, then go to View > Freeze Panes. The frozen area stays visible as you scroll.

How do I report a bug or request a feature?

Use the feedback link on the main page or email directly. Every piece of feedback is read and shapes what gets built next.

What macOS version do I need?

macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later. Nought is a native Apple Silicon app, so it runs at full speed on M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs.

Is Nought signed and notarized?

Yes. Nought is code-signed with a Developer ID certificate and notarized by Apple. It launches without any Gatekeeper warnings.