How to enter and exit full screen on a Mac: The quickest ways I use

Whether you're working on a 13-inch MacBook or a massive external monitor, I've found that mastering full screen mode can really transform how you work with your apps. Even with the largest displays, I often put apps in full screen to stay focused and minimize distractions.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the methods I use most often to enter and exit full screen mode, plus share some apps I've discovered that make the whole experience even better.

Full screen on Mac: Quick overview

Short on time? Here’s a fast, no-fluff summary of how full screen works on Mac, when to use it, and how to get more out of it with the right tools.

What is full screen mode on Mac?

Mac's full screen mode expands an app to fill the entire display. This creates a distraction-free workspace. When activated, only the top menu bar remains visible while the Dock hides automatically.

In web browsers like Chrome and Safari, full screen mode also conceals the address bar and tabs. This gives you maximum screen real estate for your content.

When to use a full screen shortcut? 

Anytime! Definitely every time you watch Netflix. Also, when you're working, sometimes. Here are a few examples of when full screen might be useful: 

• Focused attention. Having a bunch of apps open on one desktop can be confusing. Placing the ones you need most in full screen mode allows you to focus, and swiping between desktops is better than pinching to get to your control center, then finding the app you need.

• Editing photos. If you're getting granular with photo editing, you should consider full screen mode on your Mac. You get far more screen real estate in full screen, allowing you to hone in on small details, and see your edits on a larger screen.
• Multitasking on multiple screens. Those with multiple monitor setups also love full screen mode for Mac! It allows you to have a dedicated space for each app, or apps, and have multiple full-screen or half-screen apps in view. If you use an app like Mosaic or Swish, you can get even more control over your desktop setup and full screen apps.

How to enter full screen on a Mac

There are a few ways to activate full screen for Mac apps:

• Click the green full screenbutton in the top-left corner of any app window.
• Use keyboard shortcuts: Press Command + Control + F (works on all macOS versions) or Press Fn + F on macOS Monterey or later.
• Use the menu bar: Select View → Enter Full Screen

In macOS Sequoia and Tahoe, there's also a great feature that lets you tile windows, so you can view up to four apps in full screen at the same time: 

1. Hover over the green icon on the top left of your window to reveal a pop-up menu.
2. Select a layout under Fill and Arrange.
3. The active apps will be automatically fitted to the selected layout. 

If you want to split your screen into more than four workspaces and customize your window layouts as you wish, grab Mosaic. 

The Mosaic app for Mac allows you full customization on how you put apps in full screen mode, and how to arrange your screen if you want apps to share full screen mode on your Mac. You can even define the precise area you want an app to occupy on your screen!

All you have to do is drag an app window and Mosaic will trigger the layout options. Drop your window on a layout — and that's it! The app also has user-defined keyboard shortcuts for all settings, including grids you set up. Mosaic works with multiple monitors, and even an iPad you have connected to your desktop. 

How to exit full screen on a Mac

Getting out of full screen mode is just as straightforward as entering it. I use the same methods, just in reverse:

• Click the green button in the top-left corner (hover to reveal it)

• Press keyboard shortcuts:

  • Command + Control + F (all macOS versions)
  • Fn + F (macOS Monterey or later)
  • Escape key — Esc (works in most video players and some apps)
• Use the menu bar: Select View → Exit Full Screen

Note that you can't minimize a full-screen app directly. Your Mac treats each full-screen app as its own desktop space.

How to switch apps in full screen mode 

If you're viewing a window in full screen but then want to move to a different window, simply swipe right or left on your Trackpad with three or four fingers. You can always customize your Trackpad gestures (and not just Trackpad, any input device!) using BetterTouchTool. 

If BetterTouchTool feels a bit too confusing, try Trackpad automation with Swish. 

Swish is fully focused on gestures. The app has 28 built-in gestures you can take advantage of for managing full screen mode on Mac. There are some super clever functions like pinching an app to quit, swiping down to minimize, and pinching away from the center of your trackpad to go full screen. The app also works with multiple monitors.

If you're more prone to swipe around your screen than use keyboard shortcuts or a full screen hotkey, Swish is for you. 

Enhance Mac window management with Setapp

Full screen mode for Mac is amazing, and we suggest everyone give it a shot. It works literally on all Apple Macs, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, and more. It will make you more productive, and most apps are just better in full screen mode.

Swish, BetterTouchTool, and Mosaic can help you take more control of your Mac's display options, including full screen, and using them will leave you wondering why they aren't built into macOS! Best of all, these apps are available for free during a seven day trial of Setapp, the world's largest and most complete suite of Mac and iPhone apps. 

When your trial ends, continued unlimited access to Setapp is only $9.99 + tax per month. It's a sensational offer, so why wait? Give Setapp a shot today!