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Are you tired of looking at your screen in full-screen mode on your Mac? Do you want to exit the full-screen view and get back to your regular desktop? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss various methods you can use to close full screen on Mac.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Close Full Screen on Mac
Using the full-screen mode on your Mac can be convenient in certain situations, such as when you want to focus on one application or when you’re giving a presentation. However, there are also times when you may want to exit the full-screen mode. Here are a few reasons why you might need to close full screen on Mac:
1. To access other applications: If you have multiple applications open in full-screen mode, it can be challenging to switch between them quickly. Closing full screen allows you to easily navigate between different apps on your Mac.
2. To view multiple windows simultaneously: Full-screen mode takes up your entire screen, which means you can’t view multiple windows side by side. If you need to compare information or work on multiple tasks simultaneously, closing full screen is necessary.
3. To access the menu bar: When you’re in full-screen mode, the menu bar at the top of your screen is hidden. If you need to access certain features or settings available in the menu bar, you’ll need to close full screen.
4. To avoid distractions: Full-screen mode can provide a distraction-free environment, but sometimes you may find it overwhelming or inhibiting your productivity. Closing full screen allows you to take a break from the immersive experience and switch to a more traditional desktop view.
Now that you understand why closing full screen on Mac can be beneficial, let’s explore different methods you can use to achieve this.
Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Step 1: Press the "Esc" key on your keyboard. This will exit the full-screen mode for the currently active application.
Pros:
– Quick and easy.
– Keyboard shortcuts can be used in any application.
Cons:
– May not work if the application doesn’t support the "Esc" key to exit full screen.
Method 2: Using the Menu Bar
Step 1: Move your mouse cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the menu bar.
Step 2: Click on the green button icon located on the top left corner of the window. This button is usually used to enter full-screen mode, but it also serves as the exit button when you’re already in full screen.
Pros:
– Simple and intuitive.
– Works in most applications.
Cons:
– Requires mouse interaction.
– May not be as fast as using keyboard shortcuts.
Method 3: Using Gesture Controls
Step 1: Swipe with three or four fingers on your trackpad from left to right. This gesture will exit full screen and bring you back to the regular desktop screen.
Pros:
– Convenient for MacBook users with trackpads.
– Smooth and fluid gesture control.
Cons:
– Limited to devices with trackpads.
– May require some practice to master the gesture.
Method 4: Using Mission Control
Step 1: Press the "Mission Control" key on your keyboard or use a three-finger swipe up gesture on your trackpad to enter Mission Control view.
Step 2: Locate the full-screen application in the Mission Control view.
Step 3: Hover your mouse cursor over the full-screen application window.
Step 4: Click on the "X" button that appears on the top left corner of the full-screen application window.
Pros:
– Allows you to see all open application windows at once.
– Easy to close full screen from the Mission Control view.
Cons:
– Requires multiple steps to access Mission Control view.
– May not be as intuitive for users who are not familiar with Mission Control.
Method 5: By Closing the Application
Step 1: Move your mouse cursor to the top left corner of the full-screen application window.
Step 2: Click on the red button icon to close the application. This will automatically exit the full-screen mode.
Pros:
– Closes the full-screen mode and the application simultaneously.
– Works in all applications.
Cons:
– Closes the application completely, which may not be ideal if you’re planning to continue using it later.
What to Do If You Can’t Close Full Screen on Mac
If you’re unable to close full screen on your Mac using the methods mentioned above, here are a few fixes you can try:
1. Restart your Mac: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve any software glitches or conflicts that may be preventing you from closing full screen.
2. Update your software: Keeping your operating system and applications up to date can help resolve compatibility issues that may affect the full-screen functionality.
3. Force quit the application: If a particular application is causing issues with closing full screen, you can try force quitting it. Press "Command + Option + Esc" on your keyboard to open the force quit window, select the problematic application, and click "Force Quit".
Bonus Tips
1. Customize your trackpad gestures: Mac allows you to customize trackpad gestures according to your preferences. Consider exploring the Trackpad settings to configure gestures that make closing full screen easier for you.
2. Use the Dock: If an application is on your Dock, you can right-click on its icon and select the "Exit Full Screen" option to close full screen.
3. Use third-party apps: There are third-party applications available that provide additional features and options to customize your full-screen experience. You can explore these apps to find alternative methods for closing full screen.
5 FAQs
Q1: How do I enter full-screen mode on my Mac?
A: To enter full-screen mode on your Mac, you can either click on the green button located on the top left corner of the window or use the keyboard shortcut "Control + Command + F".
Q2: Can I have multiple windows open in full-screen mode?
A: No, you can only have one application open in full screen at a time. If you try to enter full screen for another application while one is already in full screen, the first application will be automatically exited from full screen.
Q3: Can I switch between full-screen applications?
A: Yes, you can switch between full-screen applications using the "Mission Control" feature. Press the "Mission Control" key on your keyboard or use a three-finger swipe up gesture on your trackpad to enter Mission Control view. From there, you can select the full-screen application you want to switch to.
Q4: Can I close full screen using a shortcut in any application?
A: No, the effectiveness of keyboard shortcuts to exit full screen mode may vary depending on the application you’re using. Some applications may not support keyboard shortcuts to exit full screen at all.
Q5: My menu bar is not visible in full-screen mode. How do I access it?
A: To access the menu bar while in full-screen mode, simply move your mouse cursor to the top of the screen. The menu bar will appear, allowing you to access the various options and features.
Final Thoughts
Closing full screen on your Mac is essential for multitasking, accessing menu options, and increasing productivity. We have discussed several methods you can use to exit the full-screen mode, including keyboard shortcuts, menu bar options, gesture controls, and Mission Control. If you’re unable to close full screen, try restarting your Mac or force quitting the application causing issues. Additionally, consider customizing trackpad gestures or exploring third-party apps for a more personalized full-screen experience. With these methods and tips, you’ll be able to effortlessly close full screen on your Mac and enjoy a more flexible and efficient workflow.