How To Exit Full Screen On Mac

How to exit full screen on mac full-screen mode on a Mac can be incredibly convenient, especially when you want to focus on a single task without any distractions. However, knowing how to exit full-screen mode when you’re ready to multitask or switch applications is just as important. This guide will walk you through various methods to How to exit full screen on mac full-screen mode on a Mac, whether you’re using macOS Ventura, Monterey, or an earlier version.

How to exit full screen on mac

Full-screen mode is a feature that allows you to expand an application or window to fill the entire screen, How to exit full screen on mac hiding the dock, menu bar, and other open windows. This mode is particularly useful for tasks like watching videos, working on documents, or browsing the web without distractions. However, there are times when you’ll need to exit full-screen mode to access other How to exit full screen on mac applications or return to your desktop.

Method 1: Using the Green Button

The simplest way to exit full-screen mode on a Mac is by using the green button in the upper-left corner of the window. Here’s how to do it:

1. Hover Your Cursor: Move your cursor to the top of the screen. This will reveal the menu bar, including the green button in the top-left corner.
2. Click the Green Button: Click the green button (which may also appear as a double-arrow icon) to exit full-screen mode. The window will return to its previous size and position on your desktop.

This method works across most applications and is the most straightforward way to toggle between full-screen and windowed mode.

Method 2: Using the Keyboard Shortcut

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, macOS provides a quick and easy way to exit full-screen mode:

1. Press Control + Command + F: This is the default keyboard shortcut for toggling full-screen mode. Pressing these keys simultaneously will exit full-screen mode and return the window to its normal size.

This method is particularly useful if you often switch between full-screen and windowed modes, as it saves time and avoids the need to move your mouse.

Method 3: Using the Menu Bar

Another method to exit full-screen mode involves using the application menu bar:

1. Reveal the Menu Bar: Move your cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the menu bar.
2. Click on the View Menu: In most applications, you’ll find a View menu in the menu bar. Click on it to reveal a drop-down menu.
3. Select Exit Full Screen: In the drop-down menu, select Exit Full Screen (or a similar option, depending on the application). The window will return to its original size.

This method is useful when you want to make sure you’re using the correct command for exiting full-screen mode in a particular application.

Method 4: Using Mission Control

Mission Control is a powerful feature on macOS that allows you to see all open windows, desktops, and full-screen applications at once. You can use Mission Control to exit full-screen mode by following these steps:

1. Activate Mission Control: Swipe up with three or four fingers on your trackpad, press the Mission Control key (F3), or use the Control + Up Arrow shortcut.
2. Locate the Full-Screen Window: In Mission Control, you’ll see all your open windows and full-screen applications. Find the window that is in full-screen mode.
3. Drag the Window: Click and drag the full-screen window towards the desktop thumbnails at the top of the screen. This action will remove the window from full-screen mode and place it back on your desktop.

Mission Control is especially handy if you have multiple applications open in full-screen mode and want to quickly rearrange your workspace.

Method 5: Using Hot Corners

Hot Corners is a macOS feature that allows you to trigger specific actions when you move your cursor to the corners of your screen. You can set up a Hot Corner to exit full-screen mode:

1. Open System Settings: Go to System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Hot Corners.
2. Set a Hot Corner: Choose a corner and assign it the Exit Full Screen action.
3. Use the Hot Corner: Move your cursor to the designated corner to exit full-screen mode.

Hot Corners can be a convenient way to quickly exit full-screen mode without using the keyboard or menu bar.

Conclusion

How to exit full screen on mac full-screen mode on a Mac is a simple task once you know the right methods. Whether you prefer using the green button, a keyboard shortcut, the menu bar, Mission Control, or Hot Corners, there’s a method to suit your workflow. By mastering these techniques, you can easily switch between focused tasks and multitasking, How to exit full screen on mac enhancing your productivity on macOS.