In this blog, we’ll explore everything about the macOS full screen shortcut, its benefits, how to use it, alternatives, and how it can help boost your productivity.
What is the macOS Full Screen Shortcut?
The macOS full screen shortcut is:
Control + Command (⌘) + F
Pressing these keys together toggles the current active app window into full-screen mode. Pressing the same combination again brings it back to its previous window size. This feature works in most macOS applications including Safari, Mail, Notes, Pages, Xcode, and many third-party apps like Chrome and VS Code.
It’s fast, intuitive, and removes the need to click the green traffic light button in the window's title bar every time.
Why Use Full Screen Mode?
Here are a few reasons why full-screen mode can be beneficial:
1. Distraction-Free Environment
Going full screen hides the menu bar and Dock, reducing on-screen clutter and allowing you to focus entirely on the application. For writers, developers, and designers, this can mean higher concentration levels.
2. Maximized Workspace
Apps like Final Cut Pro, Xcode, and Adobe Creative Suite benefit immensely from the extra real estate. Full screen lets you see more tools, lines of code, or media without resizing manually.
3. Simplified Multitasking
Full screen pairs perfectly with Split View, allowing you to have two apps side by side. For example, you can have Safari on one side and Notes on the other, creating an efficient research and writing workflow.
How to Use the Full Screen Shortcut on macOS
Using the shortcut is easy:
- Open any app that supports full-screen mode.
- Make sure the app is the active window.
- Press Control + Command + F.
- The window will expand to occupy the entire screen.
To exit full screen, press the same keys again, or hover your mouse to the top and click the green button.
Split View: Take Full Screen a Step Further
One of the most useful features combined with full screen is Split View. You can activate it by:
- Hovering over the green full-screen button.
- Choose Tile Window to Left of Screen or Right of Screen.
- Select the second app to display side by side.
Although there’s no dedicated keyboard shortcut for activating Split View, combining full-screen mode with app-switching (Command + Tab) offers a smooth multitasking flow.
Customizing macOS for Better Full Screen Experience
Here are a few tips to make the most out of the full-screen feature:
- Disable Auto-Hide Dock: If you find the Dock popping up when your cursor reaches the bottom, go to System Settings > Desktop & Dock and adjust the auto-hide behavior.
- Show Menu Bar in Full Screen: In macOS Ventura and later, you can choose to keep the menu bar visible by going to System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Automatically hide and show the menu bar in full screen and toggling it off.
- Use Mission Control: Swipe up with three fingers or press F3 to see all full-screen apps and desktops. This makes switching between them seamless.
macOS Full Screen Shortcut vs. Maximizing Window
It’s important to note that maximizing a window (by dragging corners or double-clicking the title bar) is not the same as full screen. Full-screen mode creates a new "desktop space" for the app, hiding the Dock and menu bar, while maximizing simply enlarges the window within your current desktop.
Troubleshooting: When Full Screen Doesn’t Work
If the full screen shortcut doesn’t work:
- Check App Compatibility: Some apps (especially legacy ones) don’t support full-screen mode.
- System Shortcuts Conflict: Another app or system setting may override the shortcut. Check System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts to reassign or fix it.
- Restart the App or Mac: Occasionally, a restart is all it takes to fix minor UI glitches.
Conclusion
Mastering the macOS full screen shortcut is a small step that can have a big impact on your workflow. It allows you to stay focused, eliminate distractions, and create an immersive environment tailored to productivity. Whether you're coding in Visual Studio Code, designing in Figma, or writing in Pages, the ability to enter and exit full screen in a flash makes macOS feel more seamless and powerful.
So next time you’re about to reach for the green button, try pressing Control + Command + F instead. It’s quicker, cleaner, and once you get used to it, you’ll never go back.
Read more on https://keploy.io/blog/community/how-to-exit-full-screen-on-mac