When it comes to using a Mac, there are many functionalities that you may not be aware of. One such feature is the ability to switch between windows seamlessly. If you are new to the Mac world, you might still be familiarizing yourself with the operating system and may not know how to switch between windows. Fear not, as we are here to guide you through the process.
Steps
Step One: Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of switching between windows in a Mac, it is fundamental to understand some basics. A new window in a Mac can be opened by pressing Command+N, and the current window can be closed by pressing Command+W. To switch between different applications, you can use Command+Tab.
Step Two: The Keyboard Shortcuts
Now that you have a basic idea of the keyboard shortcuts let’s dive into some more advanced ones. To switch between windows within an app, you can use Command+`. The ` symbol is located to the left of the number 1 key on the keyboard.
Step Three: The Double-Click Method
Another easy way to switch between windows on a Mac is to double-click on the app’s top bar. This method will automatically switch to the last active window of the app.
Step Four: Using the Dock Icons
The dock at the bottom of the Mac screen displays the apps that are currently running. To switch between windows within an app, right-click on the dock icon of the app, and choose the desired window from the pop-up menu.
Step Five: The Mission Control Functionality
Mission Control is a function in Mac that allows you to view all the opened windows of an app. To access the Mission Control view, click on the Mission Control button (located in the F3 key) or swipe up with three fingers on the trackpad.
Step Six: The App Expose Functionality
App Expose is a feature in Mac that allows you to see all the windows of a specific application. To access this feature, click on the app icon in the dock and choose App Expose from the pop-up menu or swipe down with three fingers on the trackpad.
Step Seven: The Switching using the Keyboard Control Functionality
Mac provides an inbuilt functionality that helps you navigate through different windows of an app without having to use the mouse. This feature is called Keyboard Control. To enable this feature, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Keyboard and enable the checkbox next to ‘Move focus to the next window.’
Step Eight: The Switching using the Mouse/Trackpad Functionality
If you prefer using the mouse or trackpad for switching between windows, this feature is for you. Go to System Preferences > Mission Control and enable the checkbox next to ‘When switching to an application, switch to a Space with open windows for the application.’
Step Nine: The Split View Functionality
The Split View feature in Mac allows you to view two windows side by side on the screen. To enable this feature, click and hold the green full-screen button in the top left corner of the window and drag it to the left or right of the screen.
Step Ten: The Swap Windows Functionality
Some applications, like Safari, allow you to swap windows. To do this, click and hold on the green full-screen button and select one of the windows you want to swap from the pop-up menu.
Step Eleven: The External App Functionality
If you have multiple apps running on your Mac, another way to switch between them is to use an external app. Some apps, like Alfred and LaunchBar, provide advanced functionality to navigate between opened windows.
Step Twelve: Customizing Shortcuts
Mac allows you to customize the shortcuts for switching between windows to make it even easier for you. To do this, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts and select ‘Mission Control.’ From there, you can customize the keyboard shortcuts for the different functionalities.
Explanation
In this section, we will provide an in-depth explanation of some of the features mentioned in the steps above.
The Mission Control feature is a powerful way to switch between windows in a Mac. It essentially gives you an overview of all the windows that are currently open, allowing you to choose the one that you want to work on. If you regularly work with multiple apps and windows, this feature is a lifesaver.
The Split View functionality is a handy way to view two windows side-by-side. By enabling this feature, you can work on two different documents or web pages simultaneously without having to switch between them continuously.
Finally, customizing shortcuts is an excellent way to streamline your workflow. By assigning shortcuts that you are comfortable with, you can switch between windows seamlessly, making your work more efficient.
Tips and Tricks
Tip One: Learn the Keyboard Shortcuts
Learning the keyboard shortcuts is the best way to switch between windows in a Mac efficiently. Mastering the different shortcuts mentioned in the Steps section will significantly speed up your workflow.
Tip Two: Use Mission Control for Productivity
Mission Control is an excellent productivity feature in Mac that can help you stay organized by giving you an overview of all the windows and apps that are currently open.
Tip Three: Use App Expose for a Cleaner Screen
App Expose is an excellent way to declutter your screen when working with multiple windows of an app. Instead of using Mission Control, App Expose allows you to open all the windows of a specific app simultaneously.
Tip Four: Customize Your Trackpad Gestures
Customizing your trackpad gestures is an excellent way to switch between windows seamlessly. By enabling the right swipes and pinches, you can navigate between different windows and apps with ease.
Tip Five: Use External Apps for More Customizability
Using external apps like Alfred and LaunchBar can provide you with advanced features and more customizability options. These apps allow you to set up your keyboard shortcuts and trackpad gestures according to your preference.
Tip Six: Use the Native Features of Mac
Mac provides many in-built features to switch between windows, such as Mission Control, Keyboard Control, and App Expose. By using these features, you can save time and improve your workflow.
Tip Seven: Customize Your Shortcuts
Customizing your keyboard shortcuts can help you remember them better and make your workflow more efficient. Assigning shortcuts that are easy to remember can make the switching process even faster.
Tip Eight: Use Split View for Multitasking
By enabling the Split View feature in Mac, you can work on two different windows simultaneously. This feature is especially useful when working on multiple documents or web pages.
Tip Nine: Swap Windows Like a Pro
Using the Swap Windows functionality in some apps like Safari can make your workflow even faster. By swapping windows, you can avoid having to find the window you want to switch to manually.
Tip Ten: Practice
As with any skill, practice makes perfect. The more you use the different switching functionalities, the easier it will become. Keep practicing until it becomes second nature.
In conclusion, switching between windows in a Mac can seem daunting at first. However, by using the different features and functionalities mentioned above, you can switch between windows seamlessly and improve your workflow. Remember to practice and customize the shortcuts to suit your preferences, and you will be switching between windows like a pro in no time!
Advantages of Switching Between Windows in Mac
Switching between windows in Mac is a very useful feature that can help users to multitask efficiently. Here are some of the advantages of switching between windows in Mac:
| Advantages |
|---|
| 1. Helps users to multitask |
| 2. Improves productivity |
| 3. Saves time |
| 4. Allows users to access multiple windows at a time |
| 5. Makes it easy to compare data from different windows |
| 6. Helps users to organize their work efficiently |
| 7. Makes it easy to switch between applications |
| 8. Enables users to work on different projects simultaneously |
| 9. Enhances the user experience |
| 10. Provides a seamless workflow |
Disadvantages of Switching Between Windows in Mac
While there are many advantages of switching between windows in Mac, there are also some drawbacks that users need to be aware of. Here are some of the disadvantages:
| Disadvantages |
|---|
| 1. Can be overwhelming for users who are not used to multitasking |
| 2. May slow down the computer if too many windows are open |
| 3. Users may lose track of what they were doing if they have too many windows open |
| 4. Can be distracting for users who need to focus on one task at a time |
| 5. May cause confusion if windows are not organized properly |
| 6. Users may accidentally close important windows if they are not careful |
| 7. Some applications may not be compatible with this feature |
| 8. Multiple windows may lead to clutter on the desktop |
| 9. The feature may be difficult to use for users who are not tech-savvy |
| 10. May require additional hardware or software to work optimally |
Overall, switching between windows in Mac has both advantages and disadvantages. While it can help users multitask efficiently and improve productivity, it can also be overwhelming and distracting if not used properly. Users should weigh the pros and cons before deciding to use this feature.
FAQ
1. What is the command to switch between windows in Mac?
The command to switch between windows in Mac is “Command + Tab”.
2. What is the difference between “Command + Tab” and “Command + `”?
“Command + Tab” is used to switch between different applications, whereas “Command + `” is used to switch between the windows of the same application.
3. Is there a shortcut to switch between full-screen apps on Mac?
Yes, there is a shortcut to switch between full-screen apps on Mac which is “Control + Left Arrow” or “Control + Right Arrow”.
4. How do I switch between windows using Mission Control?
You can switch between windows using Mission Control by clicking on the application window that you want to switch to in the Mission Control view.
5. Can I customize the keyboard shortcuts for switching between windows?
Yes, you can customize the keyboard shortcuts for switching between windows by going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Mission Control and selecting the shortcut that you want to customize.
6. How do I switch between tabs in Safari?
You can switch between tabs in Safari by using the keyboard shortcut “Command + Shift + ]” to move to the next tab, and “Command + Shift + [“ to move to the previous tab.
7. Is there a shortcut to switch between windows in Finder?
Yes, there is a shortcut to switch between windows in Finder which is “Command + ~”.
8. How do I switch between windows in Microsoft Word?
You can switch between windows in Microsoft Word by using the keyboard shortcut “Command + Tab” to switch to the Word application, and then using the shortcut “Command + `” to switch between the Word windows.
9. How do I switch between windows using the Dock?
You can switch between windows using the Dock by clicking and holding on the application icon, and selecting the window that you want to switch to from the menu.
10. How do I switch between windows using Expose?
You can switch between windows using Expose by pressing the “F3” key on your keyboard, and then clicking on the window that you want to switch to in the Expose view.
11. Can I use a trackpad gesture to switch between windows?
Yes, you can use a trackpad gesture to switch between windows by swiping left or right with three or four fingers, depending on your trackpad settings.
12. How do I switch between windows in Adobe Photoshop?
You can switch between windows in Adobe Photoshop by using the keyboard shortcut “Command + Tab” to switch to the Photoshop application, and then using the shortcut “Shift + Command + `” to switch between the Photoshop windows.
13. How do I switch between windows in Google Chrome?
You can switch between windows in Google Chrome by using the keyboard shortcut “Command + Option + ” to move to the next tab, and “Command + Option + Shift + ” to move to the previous tab.
How to Switch Between Windows in Mac
When you are working on a Mac, you may often find yourself with multiple windows open on your screen. It can be challenging to switch between these windows if you are not familiar with the process. However, with a few simple keyboard shortcuts, you can easily switch between windows and become more efficient in your work.
Conclusion
Navigating between windows on a Mac can be hassle-free if you know the right shortcuts. Using Command + Tab or Mission Control can help you quickly switch between open windows and applications, as well as provide an overview of all your open windows. By taking advantage of these shortcuts, you can make the most of your time and become more productive.
Closing
We hope that this article has been helpful in teaching you how to switch between windows on your Mac. Remember to use the keyboard shortcuts that work best for you and practice using them regularly to maximize their benefits. Thank you for reading and best of luck in your work!