How to Minimize Windows on Mac

How to Minimize Windows on Mac

As a Mac user, you may be familiar with the process of minimizing windows to keep your desktop organized and clutter-free. Minimizing windows can help you switch between tasks more efficiently and provide a cleaner workspace. In this tutorial, we will show you different methods to minimize windows on your Mac.

Method 1: Using the Yellow Minimize Button

The most common way to minimize a window is by using the yellow minimize button located in the top-left corner of every window. This button is represented by a ‘-‘ symbol. Here’s how you can use it:

• Step 1: Locate the yellow minimize button in the top-left corner of the window.
• Step 2: Click on the yellow button once.
• Step 3: The window will shrink and disappear from your desktop, but it will still be accessible from the Dock at the bottom of your screen.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts for quick actions, Mac offers several options to minimize windows:

• Option + Command + M: Pressing these three keys simultaneously will minimize the active window.
• Control + Command + F: This shortcut will make the active app go into full-screen mode, which is essentially a form of minimizing other windows while focusing on one specific app.

Method 3: Using Mission Control

Mission Control is a powerful feature on Mac that allows you to view all open windows and spaces on your computer. Here’s how you can use it to minimize windows:

• Step 1: Press the Mission Control key (usually F3) on your keyboard or swipe up with four fingers on your trackpad to activate Mission Control.
• Step 2: Locate the window you want to minimize and hover your mouse over it.
• Step 3: Click on the yellow minimize button that appears in the top-left corner of the window.

Method 4: Using a Trackpad Gesture

If you have a MacBook with a trackpad, you can also use a gesture to minimize windows:

• Pinch with thumb and three fingers: Place your thumb and three fingers together on the trackpad, then pinch them towards each other. This gesture will minimize the active window.

Troubleshooting: Minimized Windows Not Visible

Sometimes, due to certain settings or accidental actions, minimized windows may not be visible on your desktop. Here’s how you can resolve this issue:

1. Check the Dock: Look for icons of minimized windows in the Dock at the bottom of your screen. Clicking on an icon will bring back its corresponding window.
2. Use Mission Control: Activate Mission Control (press F3 or swipe up with four fingers) to view all open windows and spaces. You should be able to locate and restore minimized windows from there.

In Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered various methods to minimize windows on your Mac. Whether you prefer using buttons, keyboard shortcuts, gestures, or Mission Control, you now have the knowledge to keep your desktop clutter-free and improve your productivity. Remember to use the method that suits your workflow best and experiment with different options to find what works for you.