Welcome to this article on how to get out of full screen mode on your Mac. Many of us have been in that situation where we accidentally went into full screen mode and then wondered how to get back out. Well, worry no more because in this article we will guide you through the steps to exit full screen mode on your Mac.
Steps
Step 1: Use Keyboard Shortcut
Press F11
If you pressed the green button on the top left corner of your window to enter full screen mode, you can simply press the F11 key on your keyboard to exit it.
Step 2: Use Menu Bar
Click on the Apple Menu and choose Exit Full Screen
If the first method doesn’t work, you can try using the menu bar. Click on the Apple icon on the top left corner of your screen and find the option “Exit Full Screen”.
Step 3: Use Dock
Click on the Full Screen Button from the Dock
If the previous method didn’t work, the full screen button on the dock may help. Hover your mouse on the icon for the app that’s in full screen mode and click on the button that looks like two arrows pointing outwards.
Step 4: Use Touchpad
Swipe Four Fingers Upwards
For MacBooks, you can use the touchpad to exit full screen mode. Simply swipe four fingers upwards on your touchpad and you’ll be taken out of full screen.
Step 5: Use Application Switcher
Click Command + Tab and Press Option
The application switcher also doubles up as a full screen toggle for a specific app. To exit full screen mode, press Command + Tab on your keyboard and hold down the Option key while still holding the Command key.
Step 6: Use Escape Button
Press Esc Key
Yet another way to exit full screen is by hitting the escape (Esc) key on your keyboard. Most apps exit full screen with this shortcut.
Step 7: Use Terminal
Enter Command on the Terminal
If all the previous methods fail, the Terminal may be your last resort. Open the Terminal app and enter the command “killall Dock” and hit enter.
Step 8: Use Mission Control
Swipe Up with 3-4 Fingers
Mission Control is a feature that helps you manage multiple windows and spaces on your Mac. Swiping up with three to four fingers activates it and you can exit full screen mode from there.
Step 9: Use Windowed Mode
Click on the Green Button on the Top Left Corner
One easy way to exit full screen is to simply click on the green button on the top left corner of your window. This takes you out of full screen and brings the window to its previously normal size.
Step 10: Use Finder
Click on Full Screen Button
If the app you’re using is Finder, you can use the full screen button to exit it. Click on the button that looks like two arrows pointing inwards and it will take you out of full screen mode.
Step 11: Use App’s Full Screen Option
Click on Full Screen Icon or Option From Menu bar
Not all apps have the same keyboard shortcuts or full screen buttons. Some apps have their own options to exit full screen. Look for the full screen icon or option in the menu bar to exit.
Step 12: Use System Preferences
Select Mission Control and Uncheck “Displays Have Separate Spaces”
If you still can’t get out of full screen, go to System Preferences > Mission Control and uncheck the box that says “Displays have separate Spaces”. Now try the previous methods again.
Explanation and Tips
Now that you know how to exit full screen mode on your Mac, there are some things you should keep in mind. Know that not all apps have the same shortcuts or methods to exit full screen mode. Be sure to check the menu bar for specific options. Also, if your app has a dedicated full screen button, use that. Lastly, if you have multiple displays, check that they are set up properly in System Preferences.
To make your life even easier, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Tip 1: Find the Full Screen Button
Some apps have their full screen button on the bottom right corner of the window. Look for it.
Tip 2: Use Gestures
Gestures on MacBooks can really speed things up. Use them to get out of full screen mode.
Tip 3: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Always check the keyboard shortcuts for a specific app. It might save you some time.
Tip 4: Use Right Click
Right click on the app’s icon on the dock may reveal other options, including exiting full screen.
Tip 5: Check for Updates
If your app is outdated, it may have some bugs. Keep your apps updated for a smoother experience.
Tip 6: Check the Menu Bar
Some apps’ options to exit full screen may be hidden in the menu bar. Taking a quick look can save you time.
Tip 7: Use Spotlight
If you’re unable to locate the app to exit full screen, use spotlight to find it.
Tip 8: Use Script Editor
If other methods don’t work, you can create a script and assign a keyboard shortcut to it.
Tip 9: Check for Shortcuts in Settings
Make sure your keyboard shortcuts are enabled in System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts.
Tip 10: Restart your App or Mac
If nothing really works, why not restart your app or the Mac? It is the easiest way to get back to where you started.
In conclusion, getting out of full screen mode on your Mac is not that difficult. Follow the steps mentioned above and try out the tips and tricks provided. You’ll be back to your normal productive self in no time.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Knowing How to Get Out of Full Screen on Mac
Advantages
1. Improves productivity – Being able to quickly switch between full-screen and regular mode can help you focus on the task at hand without distractions.
2. Makes sharing easier – If you need to share your screen with someone, quickly getting out of full-screen mode can make it easier for them to see what’s on your screen.
3. Reduces eye strain – Full-screen mode can strain your eyes, and knowing how to exit it quickly can help reduce eye fatigue.
4. Enhances customization – With the ability to go in and out of full-screen mode, you can customize your display settings to suit your personal preferences.
5. Saves time – You can save time by quickly switching between full-screen and regular mode as needed, without having to close and reopen applications.
6. Provides flexibility – Knowing how to get out of full-screen mode can make it easier to use your Mac in different environments and settings.
7. Prevents accidental clicks – When in full-screen mode, it’s easy to accidentally click on the wrong button. Knowing how to exit full-screen mode can avoid these mishaps.
8. Aids navigation – Knowing how to get out of full-screen mode can help you quickly navigate between applications and programs.
9. Improves multitasking – Being able to quickly switch between full-screen and regular mode can help you stay organized and productive while multitasking.
10. Improves user experience – Being knowledgeable in how to get out of full-screen mode can improve your overall user experience on a Mac.
Disadvantages
1. Limited screen space – Exiting full-screen mode means that you lose the extra screen space that full-screen mode provides.
2. Can be distracting – Constantly switching between full-screen and regular mode can be distracting and disrupt your workflow.
3. Can cause confusion – If you are not used to switching between full-screen and regular mode, it can be confusing and frustrating to do so.
4. Takes practice – Learning how to get out of full-screen mode quickly requires practice and familiarity with your Mac.
5. May not be necessary – Some people may not need to use full-screen mode or know how to exit it; it’s all a matter of personal preference.
6. Can be time-consuming – Constantly switching between full-screen and regular mode can be time-consuming, especially if you have to do it frequently.
7. Not applicable for all users – Some people may only use their Macs for specific purposes and never need to exit full-screen mode.
8. Inconsistent across applications – Different applications may have different methods for exiting full-screen mode, which can be confusing and frustrating.
9. May cause errors – Inexperienced users may accidentally close an application or make mistakes while trying to exit full-screen mode.
10. Can cause frustration – If you are not familiar with how to get out of full-screen mode, it can be frustrating and disrupt your workflow.
FAQ
1. What does full screen mode mean on a Mac?
Full screen mode on a Mac means that the application or webpage you are using is maximized to take up the entire screen, hiding the menu bar and dock.
2. How do I exit full screen mode on a Mac?
To exit full screen mode on a Mac, simply move your mouse to the top of the screen to reveal the menu bar, where you can click on the green button or use the keyboard shortcut (Control + Command + F) to exit full screen mode.
3. Why won’t my Mac exit full screen mode?
If you are unable to exit full screen mode on your Mac, try using the keyboard shortcut (Control + Command + F) or force quitting the application.
4. Can I exit full screen mode on a specific application?
Yes, you can exit full screen mode on a specific application by using the same method of moving your mouse to the top of the screen and clicking on the green button or using the keyboard shortcut (Control + Command + F).
5. How do I disable full screen mode on my Mac?
To disable full screen mode on your Mac, go to System Preferences > General and uncheck the box next to “Close windows when quitting an app”.
6. How do I enable full screen mode on my Mac?
To enable full screen mode on your Mac, simply click on the green button in the upper left corner of the application window or use the keyboard shortcut (Control + Command + F).
7. Can I customize the shortcut for exiting full screen mode?
Yes, you can customize the shortcut for exiting full screen mode by going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts and selecting the App Shortcuts option.
8. Is there a way to automatically exit full screen mode when I close an application?
Yes, you can enable the option to automatically exit full screen mode when you close an application by going to System Preferences > General and checking the box next to “Close windows when quitting an app”.
9. How do I enable split screen mode on my Mac?
To enable split screen mode on your Mac, click and hold on the green button in the upper left corner of one application window and drag it to the left or right side of the screen. Then, select another application to fill the remaining space.
10. Can I use split screen mode with more than two applications?
No, split screen mode on a Mac only allows for two applications to be used side-by-side.
11. How do I resize the windows in split screen mode?
To resize the windows in split screen mode, simply click and drag the divider between the two windows to adjust the size.
12. How do I exit split screen mode?
To exit split screen mode, simply click and hold on the green button in the upper left corner of one application window and drag it back to its original position.
13. Can I use split screen mode on different desktops?
Yes, you can use split screen mode on different desktops by using Mission Control to switch between them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting out of full screen mode on a mac is an important skill to have to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow. Whether you accidentally entered full screen mode or decided it’s time to switch back to normal viewing, the process can be completed with just a few simple steps. Remember to use the keyboard shortcuts or the green full screen button to exit full screen mode and customize your dock and desktop settings to avoid accidentally entering full screen mode in the future.
Closing
Thank you for taking the time to read our article on how to get out of full screen mode on a mac. With the knowledge and skills provided in this article, you can now navigate the full screen mode with ease and improve your mac experience overall. We hope you found this article informative and helpful. As always, strive to learn more and explore the various features of your mac. Until next time, happy computing!