You're not alone. Full-screen mode can enhance focus and productivity, but if you're unsure how to exit it, it can feel a bit frustrating. Luckily, Apple provides multiple intuitive ways to manage full-screen windows.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to exit full screen on Mac using different methods, so you can regain control of your desktop with ease.
What is Full Screen Mode on a Mac?
Full-screen mode on macOS is designed to let a single app take over your entire screen, eliminating distractions and allowing for a cleaner, focused view.
When an app goes full screen:
- The menu bar and dock are hidden
- The app gets its own dedicated "space" in Mission Control
- Multitasking becomes more immersive, especially for creative tools, browsers, or video editors
But exiting full-screen mode isn’t always obvious—especially if you’re coming from a Windows background.
Method 1: Use the Green Button in the Top Left Corner
The easiest way to exit full-screen mode is to use the green window button in the top-left corner of the app.
Here's how:
- Move your mouse cursor to the top-left of the screen
- Wait for the window controls (red, yellow, green) to appear
- Click the green button again
This will return the app to its previous windowed state. It’s that simple.
Method 2: Use the Keyboard Shortcut
Prefer keyboard commands? You're in luck. macOS supports a handy shortcut:
Press Control + Command + F
This toggles full-screen mode on and off for most Mac apps. It's particularly useful for fast transitions without reaching for the mouse.
Works great with:
- Safari
- Notes
- Finder
- Chrome
- Calendar
- And most third-party apps
Method 3: Use Mission Control
Mission Control gives you a bird’s eye view of all open windows, desktops, and full-screen spaces.
Steps:
- Swipe up with three fingers on your trackpad, or press Control + ↑
- You’ll see a row of spaces at the top — each app in full-screen has its own space
- Hover over the full-screen app and click the exit icon in the corner
- Alternatively, drag the window down into a regular desktop space
This is useful if you’re multitasking across several full-screen apps and want to re-organize quickly.
Bonus Tip: Split View and Full Screen
macOS also supports Split View, where you can run two apps side by side in full-screen mode.
To exit:
- Move your mouse to the top of the screen
- Click the green button on either side of the split view
- The app exits full-screen, and Split View ends
If you find yourself stuck in Split View, this method helps restore a more traditional desktop view.
What to Do if Full-Screen Exit Isn't Working
Sometimes, especially with older or misbehaving apps, you might find the green button missing or the shortcut unresponsive.
Here are a few things to try:
- Press Esc: Some apps, especially video players like VLC or YouTube in browsers, respond to the Escape key
- Force Quit: Press Command + Option + Esc, select the app, and quit it if unresponsive
- Restart the App: Quit and relaunch to restore normal window behavior
- Update macOS: Older macOS versions may have bugs related to window management
Quick Recap: 4 Easy Ways to Exit Full Screen on Mac
| Method | Action |
| Green Button | Hover top-left > Click green button |
| Keyboard Shortcut | Press Control + Command + F |
| Mission Control | Swipe up or Control + ↑ > Exit space |
| Escape Key | Press Esc (for supported apps) |
Why Knowing This Helps Productivity
Mastering full-screen management on Mac can streamline your daily workflows—especially when juggling multiple apps or working across multiple desktops. It keeps your screen organized and reduces frustration caused by “disappearing” toolbars or inaccessible windows.
Whether you’re watching Netflix, writing code, or presenting in a meeting, knowing how to exit full screen on Mac gives you smoother control over your workspace.
Pro Tip:
Want more macOS tips like this? Check out our related guides and learn how to run tests in Visual Studio Code—perfect for developers using Macs!