ADVERTISEMENT

How to quickly switch between windows on your Mac computer using 4 different shortcuts

You can switch between windows on your Mac with a few quick keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts can save you time and keep your workflow orderly.

macbook pro wwdc
  • Hitting the F3 button at the top of your Mac's keyboard, for example, will display all the windows you have open, and let you quickly click on the one you want front and center.
  • You can also use the Mac's Command key to switch between windows in two different ways, or you can swipe up on your trackpad on a MacBook to open Mission Control.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .
ADVERTISEMENT

If you're like pretty much everyone, you probably have many windows open every time you use your Mac .

It might be a group of Word documents, a host of browser windows, or collection of pictures whatever the case, having too many windows open means frustration when it comes time to switch between them.

If you have too many windows open, finding the file, webpage, or document you want at any given moment can take a surprisingly long time. That is, unless you know a few Mac keyboard shortcuts that make navigating between windows quick and easy.

ADVERTISEMENT

There are several ways to switch windows on your Mac.

First of all, if you hit the F3 key (in the very top row on your keyboard), your windows will shrink so you can see them all. If you have multiple monitors, each monitor will show all the windows currently on that screen.

ADVERTISEMENT

Once you're in this view, you can click any window to switch to it, or press F3 again to return to your current window.

You can also switch windows using your Command key. Try hitting Command + Tab a pop-up will appear showing every app that currently has windows open on your computer. Press Tab to cycle through them, and release Command when you've highlighted the one you want to switch to.

While you're holding the Command key, tapping the tilde key will bring you to the next window of the same type. This is great if you're working with lots of windows in the same program, like Word documents.

ADVERTISEMENT

Finally, if you're using a MacBook, swiping up on the trackpad with three or four fingers (depending on your settings) will open Mission Control, which shows all the windows that you have open. If this isn't working, make sure it's enabled in the "Trackpad" section of System Preferences.

See Also:

ADVERTISEMENT

SEE ALSO: These 2 cases will keep any MacBook protected for under $25

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

10 African countries with the lowest life expectancy according to the World Bank

10 African countries with the lowest life expectancy according to the World Bank

Kenyan women are more obese than their men - here’s why

Kenyan women are more obese than their men - here’s why

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Navigating the future: How AI transforms selling on Amazon

Navigating the future: How AI transforms selling on Amazon

Wall decor tips: Transforming your space with style and creativity

Wall decor tips: Transforming your space with style and creativity

ADVERTISEMENT