The full screen shortcut mac apps share is Control + Command + F. Press it again to leave full screen. Newer Mac keyboards also accept Fn + F for the same toggle, and moving the pointer to the top of the screen reveals the menu bar while in full screen.
For other window jobs, Command + M sends the active window down into the Dock, Command + H hides the whole app, and Command + Tab switches between apps. Macs do not have a separate maximize key; the options for filling the screen without full screen mode are explained below.
Quick facts
Full screen
Control + Command + FMinimize
Command + MMinimize all of app
Option + Command + MHide app
Command + HSwitch apps
Command + TabSwitch windows of one app
Command + `
Full screen shortcut mac and window keys
| Action | Keys |
|---|---|
| Enter or leave full screen | Control + Command + F |
| Minimize the front window | Command + M |
| Minimize all windows of the app | Option + Command + M |
| Hide the app | Command + H |
| Hide all other apps | Option + Command + H |
| Close the window | Command + W |
| Quit the app | Command + Q |
| Switch apps | Command + Tab |
| Next window of the same app | Command + ` |
| Mission Control | Control + Up |
Shortcut to maximize window in Mac
By default, the green traffic light button switches a window to full screen. To fill the screen without full screen mode, hold Option and click the green button, or double click the window's title bar. Newer macOS versions also let you drag a window to the top edge or use the Window menu's Move and Resize options to fill the screen or tile it to one half.
Shortcut to minimize window in Mac
- Make the window you no longer need the active one.
- Press Command + M. It shrinks into the right side of the Dock.
- Click it in the Dock to bring it back.
Minimized windows stay in the Dock even when you switch apps. Hiding with Command + H is often better, because Command + Tab brings hidden apps back at once, while minimized windows need a click.
Mission Control and spaces
Control + Up opens Mission Control, showing every open window and desktop space. Control + Down shows only the windows of the current app. Add a desktop with the plus button at the top of Mission Control, and move between desktops with Control + Left and Control + Right. Keeping one desktop for work and another for personal browsing keeps distractions apart.
When window shortcuts do not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Control + Command + F does nothing | The app does not support full screen; use Option click on the green button |
| Command + M ignored | Some panels and dialogs cannot be minimized |
| Command + ` does nothing | Your keyboard layout puts the key elsewhere; check Keyboard settings |
| Mission Control keys changed | Check Keyboard Shortcuts in System Settings |
Windows equivalents and more Mac keys
The Windows versions are on full screen shortcut key, minimize shortcut key and maximize shortcut key. Our main Mac page gathers the remaining Apple combinations. Many people who move from Windows find Command + Tab and Command + H the biggest time savers in their first week.
Frequently asked questions
Which keys make a Mac app fill the screen?
What is the minimize shortcut on Mac?
Can a Mac window fill the screen without full screen mode?
Yes. Option click the green circle, or double click the title bar.
How do I hide an app on Mac?
How do I switch between windows of the same app?
How do I exit full screen on Mac?
Press Control + Command + F again, or Esc in many apps.