When working on a Mac, full screen mode can be a useful way to maximize focus and minimize distractions. However, there may come a time when you need to exit full screen mode to access other applications or features. Fortunately, there are several keyboard shortcuts that allow you to do this quickly and easily.

The most common keyboard shortcut for exiting full screen mode is **Control + Command + F**. This shortcut works in most applications, including Safari, Mail, and Pages. Simply press these three keys simultaneously to return to the normal windowed view.

If the Control + Command + F shortcut does not work, you can try using the **Escape** key. This key is located in the upper-left corner of the keyboard and is often used to cancel or exit various actions. Pressing the Escape key will typically exit full screen mode in most applications.

Another option for exiting full screen mode is to use the **Mission Control** feature. Mission Control allows you to view all of your open windows and desktops at once. To access Mission Control, press the **F3** key or swipe up with three fingers on the trackpad. Once Mission Control is open, you can click on the window you want to exit full screen mode from.

If you are using an external monitor, you may need to use a different keyboard shortcut to exit full screen mode. On some external monitors, the **Control + Command + F** shortcut may not work. Instead, you may need to use the **Function (Fn) + Control + Command + F** shortcut.

Finally, if none of the above keyboard shortcuts work, you can try restarting the application. This will force the application to close and reopen in normal windowed view. To restart an application, press the **Command + Q** shortcut to quit the application and then relaunch it from the Dock or Applications folder.

By using these keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly and easily exit full screen mode on your Mac. This can be useful for accessing other applications, viewing multiple windows at once, or simply returning to the normal windowed view.

Exiting Full Screen Using the Menu Bar

When working on a Mac, you may occasionally find yourself in full-screen mode, which can be useful for maximizing your workspace. However, there may come a time when you need to exit full screen to access other applications or features. Fortunately, there are several ways to do this, one of which is through the menu bar.

To exit full screen using the menu bar, follow these steps:

1. Move your cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the menu bar.

2. Click on the “View” menu.

3. Select “Exit Full Screen” from the drop-down menu.

Your Mac will immediately exit full screen mode, returning you to the standard desktop view. This method is quick and easy, making it a convenient option for exiting full screen.

Alternatively, you can also use keyboard shortcuts to exit full screen. Press the “Esc” key or the “Control” + “Command” + “F” key combination to instantly exit full screen mode. These shortcuts provide a faster way to exit full screen, especially if you are already familiar with them.

If you find yourself frequently entering and exiting full screen mode, you may want to consider customizing your keyboard shortcuts. You can assign a specific key combination to the “Exit Full Screen” command, making it even easier to toggle between full screen and standard desktop view.

To customize your keyboard shortcuts, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”

2. Click on “Keyboard.”

3. Select the “Shortcuts” tab.

4. In the left-hand sidebar, click on “App Shortcuts.”

5. Click on the “+” button to create a new shortcut.

6. In the “Application” field, select “Finder.”

7. In the “Menu Title” field, type “Exit Full Screen.”

8. In the “Keyboard Shortcut” field, enter your desired key combination.

9. Click on the “Add” button to save your shortcut.

Once you have customized your keyboard shortcut, you can simply press the assigned key combination to exit full screen mode. This can significantly streamline your workflow and save you time.

Exiting full screen using the menu bar or keyboard shortcuts is a simple and effective way to regain access to your desktop and other applications. Whether you prefer the convenience of the menu bar or the speed of keyboard shortcuts, there is a method that suits your needs. By following these steps, you can easily exit full screen mode and continue working efficiently on your Mac.

Quitting Full Screen with the Dock

When working in full screen mode on a Mac, it can be frustrating to find yourself unable to access the menu bar or other desktop elements. Fortunately, there are several ways to exit full screen mode, including using the Dock.

To quit full screen using the Dock, simply move your cursor to the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock. Once the Dock is visible, click on the green button in the top-left corner of the active window. This button will minimize the window and return you to the desktop.

If you have multiple windows open in full screen mode, you can use the Dock to cycle through them. To do this, move your cursor to the bottom of the screen and hover over the Dock icon for the active window. A small preview of the window will appear. Click on the preview to switch to that window.

Another way to quit full screen using the Dock is to use the Mission Control feature. To do this, move your cursor to the top of the screen and click on the Mission Control icon in the menu bar. This will open a new window that shows all of the open windows on your Mac. To quit full screen for a particular window, simply click on the red button in the top-left corner of the window’s preview.

In addition to using the Dock, there are several other ways to quit full screen mode on a Mac. You can use the keyboard shortcut Command + Control + F, or you can click on the green button in the top-left corner of the menu bar. You can also use the Mission Control feature to quit full screen for multiple windows at once.

No matter which method you choose, quitting full screen mode on a Mac is a simple process. By following these steps, you can quickly and easily return to the desktop and access the menu bar and other desktop elements.