MacMost Q&A Forum • View All Forum QuestionsAsk a Question

How Do I Look At My Desktop Quickly Without Having To Close or Minimize?

If I have several apps open, and I want to get back to see my Desktop, is there a quick way of doing that without quitting or minimizing the things I already have open on my desktop?

I want to look at my desktop quickly without having to close or minimize everything.
—–
Tom Daily

Comments: 6 Responses to “How Do I Look At My Desktop Quickly Without Having To Close or Minimize?”

    2 years ago

    It somewhat depends on what else you have going on. Are you using a Full Screen (or Split View) window at the moment? Are you using Stage Manager? If your answer is no to these, then you are just using a plain Desktop with some windows, correct?

    If so, go to System Settings, Desktop & Dock. Under Mission Control, look for the Shortcuts button. Click that. Now note (or set) your shortcut for "Show Desktop." Using this will temporarily clear out the windows you have open, and allow you to view your Desktop icons and use them as well, such as double-clicking or dragging an icon.

    tomdaily40
    2 years ago

    Excellent instruction. Works perfectly! Thanks

    Huts Isles
    2 years ago

    Would a Hot Corner not be good for this?

    Clive Kitchener
    2 years ago

    Good question. Great tip! On a full size keyboard F13 works well.

    Wysiwyg
    2 years ago

    I found this shortcut very useful when viewing changes to Desktop Wallpaper in Photos.

    Braden Minaker
    2 years ago

    If you have a trackpad there's a gesture for this. Check System Settings > Trackpad > More Gestures. It's a movement that almost feels like you're pushing things out of your way to see what's on the desktop so it's pretty easy for me to remember.

Comments Closed.