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Switching between full screens on a Mac can be a useful feature when you are multitasking or working with multiple applications. It allows you to easily switch from one application in full-screen mode to another, improving your productivity and workflow. In this blog post, we will discuss how to switch between full screens on a Mac and explore various methods to achieve this.
The Challenge of Switching Between Full Screens on Mac
Switching between full screens on a Mac can sometimes be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the different methods available. Here are a few common challenges you may face:
- Difficulty in locating the full-screen option in applications
- Lack of knowledge about keyboard shortcuts for switching between full screens
- Inability to switch quickly between full screens when working with multiple applications
- Limited understanding of alternative solutions if the preferred method is not available or feasible
Video Tutorial:
Method 1. How to Switch Between Full Screens using Mission Control
Switching between full screens using Mission Control is a convenient method that allows you to view all open full-screen applications in one place. Follow the steps below to switch between full screens using Mission Control:
1. Open Mission Control by either using the keyboard shortcut: Control + Up Arrow or using the Multi-Touch gesture: Swipe upward with three or four fingers on your trackpad.
2. In Mission Control, you will see all your open applications in separate windows at the top of the screen.
3. Locate the full-screen application you want to switch to and click on its window.
4. This will bring the chosen full-screen application to the forefront, while keeping other applications visible but minimized.
Pros:
– Provides a visual overview of all open full-screen applications.
– Easy access using keyboard shortcuts or Multi-Touch gestures.
Cons:
– May require additional steps if many applications are open in full-screen mode.
– Requires familiarity with Mission Control and its features.
Method 2. How to Switch Between Full Screens using the App Expose Feature
The App Expose feature on Mac allows you to view all the windows of a specific application, including full-screen windows. Follow the steps below to switch between full screens using the App Expose feature:
1. Activate the App Expose feature by either using the keyboard shortcut: Control + Down Arrow or using the Multi-Touch gesture: Swipe downward with three or four fingers on your trackpad.
2. All the open windows of the current application will be displayed in a grid-like fashion.
3. Locate the full-screen window you want to switch to and click on it.
4. The chosen full-screen window will come into focus, allowing you to resume working on it.
Pros:
– Efficient method to switch between full-screen windows of a specific application.
– Quick access using keyboard shortcuts or Multi-Touch gestures.
Cons:
– Limited to switching between full-screen windows of the current application.
– May require additional steps if many windows are open within the same application.
Method 3. How to Switch Between Full Screens using Keyboard Shortcuts
Mac provides various keyboard shortcuts that enable you to switch between full-screen applications without the need to access Mission Control or App Expose. Here are the steps to switch between full screens using keyboard shortcuts:
1. Press the Control + Left Arrow or Control + Right Arrow keys to switch to the previous or next full-screen application respectively.
2. This will instantly bring the desired full-screen application to the forefront.
Pros:
– Provides a quick and efficient method to switch between full-screen applications.
– Requires minimal effort with no need to access Mission Control or App Expose.
Cons:
– Limited to switching between the previous or next full-screen application, without providing a visual overview of all open full-screen applications.
– May require familiarity with keyboard shortcuts.
Method 4. How to Switch Between Full Screens using Trackpad Gestures
If you prefer using trackpad gestures instead of keyboard shortcuts, Mac offers a convenient method to switch between full screens using gestures. Follow the steps below:
1. Swipe left or right with three or four fingers on your trackpad to switch between full-screen applications.
2. This will smoothly transition between different full-screen applications, giving you instant access.
Pros:
– Intuitive and seamless trackpad gestures for switching between full screens.
– Provides a more touch-friendly method compared to keyboard shortcuts.
Cons:
– Limited to switching between the previous or next full-screen application, similar to the keyboard shortcut method.
– Requires a compatible Mac trackpad with Multi-Touch gestures.
Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Switch Between Full Screens
If you are unable to switch between full screens using the above methods, here are three alternative options:
1. Use Split View: Instead of switching between full-screen applications, consider using the Split View feature to work with two applications side by side. To activate Split View, click and hold the green maximize button on the top left corner of an application window, then choose the other application you want to split with.
2. Use Desktop Spaces: Organize your open applications across different desktop spaces. You can create multiple desktop spaces and easily switch between them using Mission Control or the Control + Left Arrow / Control + Right Arrow keyboard shortcuts.
3. Use Multiple Monitors: If you have multiple monitors connected to your Mac, you can dedicate each monitor to a specific application or workspace. This allows you to switch between full screens effortlessly by moving your cursor between different monitors.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your full-screen switching experience:
1. Customize Keyboard Shortcuts: You can customize the default keyboard shortcuts for switching between full-screen applications in the Keyboard preferences of your Mac. This allows you to define your preferred shortcuts based on your workflow and personal preferences.
2. Use the Dock: The Dock on your Mac displays icons of open applications. By enabling the "Show indicators for open applications" option in System Preferences, you can easily identify which applications are open in full-screen mode. Clicking on the application icon in the Dock brings you back to its full-screen window.
3. Enable Swipe between Full-Screen Apps: In System Preferences, under Trackpad or Mouse settings, you can enable the option to "Swipe between full-screen apps." This allows you to switch between full-screen applications by swiping left or right with three or four fingers on your trackpad.
5 FAQs about Switching Between Full Screens on Mac
Q1: Can I switch between full screens using keyboard shortcuts?
A: Yes, Mac provides keyboard shortcuts such as Control + Left Arrow or Control + Right Arrow to switch between full-screen applications.
Q2: Can I see all open full-screen applications at once?
A: Yes, you can use Mission Control to view all open full-screen applications in one place.
Q3: Is it possible to switch between full screens using trackpad gestures?
A: Yes, you can swipe left or right with three or four fingers on your trackpad to switch between full-screen applications.
Q4: Are there alternative methods to switch between full screens?
A: Yes, you can consider using Split View, Desktop Spaces, or multiple monitors as alternative solutions if the preferred method is not feasible.
Q5: Can I customize the keyboard shortcuts for switching between full-screen applications?
A: Yes, you can customize the keyboard shortcuts in the Keyboard preferences of your Mac.
In Conclusion
Switching between full screens on a Mac is a useful feature that allows for efficient multitasking and improved productivity. By utilizing methods such as Mission Control, the App Expose feature, keyboard shortcuts, or trackpad gestures, you can easily switch between full-screen applications based on your preference. Alternative solutions like Split View, Desktop Spaces, or multiple monitors provide additional flexibility for managing your workspace. Customizing keyboard shortcuts and enabling trackpad gestures further enhance the full-screen switching experience. With these methods and tips at your disposal, you can effortlessly navigate between full-screen applications on your Mac.