In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Mac fullscreen shortcut—how to use it, what it does, the benefits, and some useful tips to make the most out of fullscreen mode on macOS.
What Is the Mac Fullscreen Shortcut?
The Mac fullscreen shortcut is:
Control + Command (⌘) + F
This simple keyboard combo toggles the currently active app window between fullscreen and windowed mode. It works on most macOS applications that support native fullscreen functionality—Safari, Chrome, Finder, Notes, and more.
Why Use Fullscreen Mode?
Fullscreen mode is more than just making a window bigger. It’s a productivity booster for many reasons:
1. Distraction-Free Workspace
By eliminating the Dock, Menu Bar, and other open windows, fullscreen mode allows you to focus on the task at hand.
2. Better Use of Screen Real Estate
Especially helpful on smaller MacBooks, fullscreen mode uses every pixel available to show more of your document, spreadsheet, or video.
3. Streamlined Multitasking
Fullscreen apps get their own virtual desktops in Mission Control, making it easier to switch between workspaces using swipe gestures.
4. Improved Presentation
When sharing your screen or giving a presentation, fullscreen mode ensures your audience sees only what you want to show.
How to Use the Mac Fullscreen Shortcut
Using the Control + Command + F shortcut is easy:
- Open the app or window you want to maximize.
- Press Control + Command + F.
- The app will enter fullscreen mode.
- To exit, press the same shortcut again.
You can also move your cursor to the upper-left corner of the window and click the green button, but the shortcut is much faster and ideal for power users.
Applications That Support Fullscreen Mode
Most modern Mac apps support fullscreen mode, including:
- Safari / Chrome / Firefox – Ideal for immersive browsing.
- Pages / Word / Google Docs – Great for focused writing.
- Photos / Preview – Perfect for viewing or editing images.
- Terminal / iTerm – Coders love fullscreen terminals.
- Xcode / VS Code / Sublime Text – Developers can maximize screen usage.
If the shortcut doesn’t work, check whether the app supports fullscreen mode. Some legacy or cross-platform apps may not.
Switching Between Fullscreen Apps
One cool thing about macOS is that each fullscreen app gets its own “Space” (virtual desktop). You can easily switch between them using:
- Swipe with three or four fingers left/right on the trackpad
- Or press Control + Left/Right Arrow
To see all your spaces and fullscreen apps, activate Mission Control using:
- Control + Up Arrow
- Or swipe up with three/four fingers
This is especially handy when juggling between multiple fullscreen apps without minimizing or closing anything.
Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts on Mac
If the default Mac fullscreen shortcut doesn’t suit you, you can customize it:
- Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts
- Choose App Shortcuts
- Click the + button to add a new shortcut
- Enter the app name and menu command (Enter Full Screen)
- Set your desired shortcut (e.g., Command + Shift + F)
This is useful if your current shortcut conflicts with another app or you just prefer a different key combination.
Fullscreen Mode vs. Zoom vs. Maximize
Mac users often get confused between these window management options:
- Fullscreen (Control + Command + F): The app occupies the entire screen and gets a separate space.
- Zoom (Double-click window title bar or Option + Green button): Toggles window between default and larger size (not fullscreen).
- Maximize (Click green button): Depending on the app, this might trigger fullscreen or just resize.
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right mode based on your workflow needs.
Limitations of Fullscreen Mode
While fullscreen mode is useful, it has some limitations:
- No multi-window view of the same app: You can’t view two Safari windows in fullscreen simultaneously (unless you use split view).
- Menu bar is hidden: You need to move the mouse to the top to access it.
- Harder window dragging: You can’t drag or compare multiple apps side-by-side unless you use split view or windowed mode.
If you often need to view two apps at once, consider using Split View (click and hold the green button, then choose another app to pair).
Conclusion
The Mac fullscreen shortcut—Control + Command + F—is a small but powerful tool in any Mac user’s arsenal. It allows for a cleaner workspace, better focus, and a streamlined multitasking experience. Whether you're writing, coding, designing, or just browsing the web, fullscreen mode helps you stay in the zone.
So next time you want a clutter-free screen, skip the mouse—just hit Control + Command + F, and get to work.
Read more on https://keploy.io/blog/community/how-to-exit-full-screen-on-mac