How to Enter and Exit Full Screen Mode on Your Mac

If you run apps on your Mac with the default settings, you might not be aware of the different display modes available. Most macOS apps support full-screen mode. So if you want an app to fill the entire screen when you’re using it, you can easily go full screen and enjoy every inch of your Apple computer.

Switching modes on Mac is extremely easy. So if you’re stuck in full screen mode not knowing how to get out, follow this tutorial and learn how to enter and exit full screen mode on your computer.

How to Enter Full Screen Mode on Your Mac

The ability to run apps in full screen mode was first introduced in macOS X 10.7 Lion in 2011. Since then, Apple also introduced Split View, which allows you to split screen on your Mac and place multiple app windows side-by-side to use them simultaneously. Split View comes in handy when you need to open web pages in two different browsers. For example, you open one of them in Google Chrome and another one in Safari.

Use the Green Button to Enter Full Screen Mode

There are several methods you can use to enter full screen mode on your Mac. The easiest way is to use the green button on top of the screen. Bear in mind that not all Mac apps support full screen mode. Some windows can’t display full screen due to their size being fixed. For example, in apps like System Preferences, you won’t see the green button at all.

For other apps that support full screen mode, follow the steps below.

1. Open an app on your Mac.
2. In the top left corner, select the green circle icon to enter full screen mode.

3. Alternatively, hover the cursor over the green circle icon and select Enter Full Screen from the pop-up with options.

Use the Menu Bar to Go Full Screen

Some apps like Finder or Google Chrome allow you to switch to full screen mode using the Menu bar.

To do that, go to the app’s Menu bar, and select View. Then from the drop-down menu, select Enter Full Screen.

Use a Keyboard Shortcut to Enter Full Screen Mode

Learning essential keyboard shortcuts can completely change the way you use your Mac. For example, there’s a shortcut that allows you to enter full screen mode.

In macOS Big Sur and earlier, press Command+Control+F (Cmd + Ctrl + F) to enter full screen mode.

In macOS Monterey and later, use the Function+F (Fn + F) shortcut to do the same.

The Fn + F has only recently been introduced, so if it doesn’t work on your macOS Monterey or later, it’s because not all apps recognize it yet. If that happens, try using the Cmd + Ctrl + F instead.

Things You Can Do in Full Screen Window Mode

In full screen, you can switch between different full-screen apps, show or hide the Menu bar and the Dock.

To show or hide the Menu bar, move the cursor away or toward the top of the screen. You can also modify your Desktop & Dock settings to make sure the Menu bar is always shown in full screen mode. To do that, follow the path Apple Menu > System Settings > Dock & Menu Bar > Menu Bar. Then uncheck the box next to Automatically hide and show the menu bar in full screen.

To show or hide the Dock, move the cursor away or toward the Dock’s location (bottom of the screen).

To switch between other apps in full screen, swipe left or right on the trackpad using three or four fingers depending on your trackpad settings. You can also press Command + Tab and use the application switcher or press the Mission Control key (F3) to move between apps in full screen mode.

How to Exit Full Screen Mode on a Mac

Unlike Windows, Mac doesn’t allow you to exit full screen mode just by pressing the Esc key. However, it’s not much more difficult than that.

Once you’re already in full screen mode, move your pointer to the upper-left corner of the screen until you see the green button appear. Select the green circle icon or select Exit Full Screen on the left side of the screen to get out of the full screen mode.

You can also use the Menu bar and select View > Exit Full Screen or use the same keyboard shortcut Cmd + Ctrl + F or Fn + F to exit full screen mode.

You Can Now Switch Between Different Window Modes

Full screen mode comes with a lot of advantages. The biggest advantage is that it makes it easier for you to focus on a single app or a single task, removing the distractions like other apps and notifications.

If you don’t want to go full screen but just want to work in a bigger window, you can maximize the window – i.e. expand the window while also keeping the Menu bar and the Dock visible.