Filed under: Mac 101
Mac 101: Switching apps within Exposé
By now, everyone knows about the awesome power/productivity achieved by using Exposé. Well, here is one time saver that Apple built into OS X which you might not have known about. After you invoke Exposé by using either the Exposé key, F9, or F10, pressing the tab key will cycle through your open windows, one application at a time (all the Safari windows, then all the Mail windows, then... etc.). Keep pressing the tab key until you reach the application that you are looking for.
If you want to return to the previous application while Exposé is still activated, just press shift + tab. You can select a specific open window in the app by clicking with the mouse or using the left/right arrow keys.
Want more tips and tricks like this? Visit TUAW's Mac 101 and TUAW Tips sections.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
slembcke said 3:25PM on 9-03-2008
You can also hit cmd-tab to bring up the app switcher while in expose to switch applications. That way you can use the mouse to select the app more quickly.
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Matt Bernstein said 3:26PM on 9-03-2008
Funny isn't it that however long you use Mac it never fails to surprise you with it's brilliance.
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Michael said 3:28PM on 9-03-2008
Cool. Never knew about the tab thing! This and the cmd in dialogue menus tip have made my computing a little easier :)
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Julian Gall said 3:30PM on 9-03-2008
Windows has Alt-tab to cycle through all open windows (not applications). If you're working in two different apps or in two different docs in the same app, Alt-tab toggles between the two. One shortcut is all you need. This is so simple, it could have been designed by Apple.
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CaptSaltyJack said 3:59PM on 9-03-2008
Another related tip: after invoking Spaces and you're presented with your 2 (or 4, or 8, or whatever) mini screens, invoke Expose. In each space, you'll see all the windows scatter, and you can choose one from there.
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Tanner said 4:51PM on 9-03-2008
In Spaces, it switches the space, not the application even if Expose is activated.
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a ham sandwich said 5:05PM on 9-03-2008
AWESOME TIPS GUYS!
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Rowdehaj said 5:14PM on 9-03-2008
It still amazes me how many Mac users (specifically in college/university) don't know about, or refuse to use what is, in my opinion, one of Mac OS X's key features!
I'm *used* to it, and I don't even own a Mac!
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Kevlar said 5:22PM on 9-03-2008
Exposé + hot-corners is amazing. You can drag a file into that corner, which invokes Exposé, hover over the window you want to drop it on for a few seconds, which switches to that window, and drop the file. Same works for Spaces.
My co-workers are dumbfounded when I pull this move, simply because there are no key-presses, and it's all so smooth and natural-looking. Drag and drop a file, moving from Space 6 to an application hiding behind a large Firefox window on Space 2 without a hassle.
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Alan said 4:50AM on 9-05-2008
Here's my own little easter egg:
I binded the "QuickSearch" (http://i.testfreaks.com/images/products/600x400/110/logitech-mx-revolution.570222.jpg) mouse button on my Logitech MX Revolution to F9.
I believe Mighty Mouse users can bind it to the "Third Button" which is pressing down the scroller and clicking the mouse at the same time?
Anyways, to switch applications I:
- Press and hold the button; Expose is invoked
- Move the cursor over the window I want (while still holding the button)
- Release the button over the desired application
Switch applications in one fell swoop. I probably never use cmd+tab anymore.
I'm still long waiting for one of the XP Expose wannabes to catch on so I can do this on the Thinkpad at work. All the ones I've tried still require 2 presses.... its just less fluid =)
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