How to Make Something Full Screen on Mac

In today’s digital age, we are constantly seeking ways to maximize our screen real estate for better productivity and user experience. Whether you are working on a project, watching a movie, or playing a game, having a full-screen view can greatly enhance your focus and immersion. So, if you’re wondering how to make something full screen on your Mac, you’re in the right place!

Why You Need to Make Something Full Screen

There are several reasons why you might want to make something full screen on your Mac. Here are a few points to consider:

• Improved Focus: By eliminating distractions and filling your entire screen with the content you’re working on, you can enhance your focus and concentration.
• Enhanced User Experience: Full-screen mode can provide a more immersive experience when watching movies, playing games, or engaging in other visually intensive activities.
• Increased Productivity: When working on a project or multitasking with multiple windows, maximizing a specific application to full screen can help you stay organized and work more efficiently.
• Optimal View: Some applications or websites are designed to be viewed in full-screen mode, and using them in any other window size may compromise the user interface and experience.

Now that we understand the importance of making something full screen on your Mac, let’s explore different methods to achieve this.

Video Tutorial:

Part 1. Using Built-in Full Screen Function

The first method we’ll discuss is using the built-in full-screen function available on Mac. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the application or window that you want to make full screen.
2. Look for the green button in the top-left corner of the window (next to the red and yellow buttons).
3. Click on the green button, and the window will expand to fill the entire screen.
4. To exit full-screen mode, move your cursor to the top-left corner of the screen and click on the green button again, or press the "Esc" key on your keyboard.

Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to make something full screen.
2. Allows you to quickly switch between full-screen mode and regular window mode.
3. Most applications and websites support this built-in function.

Cons:
1. Some applications may have limited functionality or visual options in full-screen mode.
2. Full-screen mode may not be available for certain applications or windows.
3. It may take some time to get used to the new layout and arrangement of elements in full-screen mode.

Part 2. Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, you’ll be happy to know that there are shortcuts available to quickly make something full screen on your Mac. Follow these steps:

1. Open the application or window that you want to make full screen.
2. Press the "Control + Command + F" keys simultaneously on your keyboard.
3. The window will instantly expand to fill the entire screen.
4. To exit full-screen mode, press the "Control + Command + F" keys again, or press the "Esc" key.

Pros:
1. Quick and efficient way to toggle full-screen mode.
2. Allows you to keep your hands on the keyboard without reaching for the mouse.
3. Works across various applications and windows.

Cons:
1. The keyboard shortcut may not be consistent across all applications.
2. It can be challenging to remember multiple keyboard shortcuts for different applications.
3. Limited customization options for keyboard shortcuts in some applications.

Part 3. Using Mission Control

Mission Control is a powerful feature on Mac that allows you to see all your open windows and applications in a single view. By utilizing Mission Control, you can easily make something full screen. Here’s how:

1. Open the application or window that you want to make full screen.
2. Swipe up with three or four fingers on your trackpad or press the "Mission Control" key (usually F3) on your keyboard.
3. Find the window you want to make full screen and drag it to the top of the screen.
4. Release the window, and it will expand to fill the entire screen.
5. To exit full-screen mode, swipe up with three or four fingers on your trackpad or press the "Mission Control" key again, then click on the window thumbnail or press the "Esc" key.

Pros:
1. Provides a visual overview of all open windows and applications.
2. Offers a flexible and intuitive way to manage and organize your screen.
3. Allows you to easily switch between full-screen and regular window modes.

Cons:
1. Requires a trackpad or compatible input device for multi-finger gestures.
2. The layout and arrangement of windows in Mission Control can be overwhelming for some users.
3. May not be ideal for users with a large number of open windows or multiple displays.

Part 4. Using Third-Party Apps

If you’re looking for additional features and customization options, third-party apps can provide more advanced ways to make something full screen on your Mac. Here are a few popular options:

1. BetterTouchTool: This app allows you to assign custom gestures or keyboard shortcuts to trigger full-screen mode for specific applications or windows. It also offers numerous other customization options for trackpad and keyboard inputs.
2. Magnet: Magnet is a window management app that enables you to resize and position windows with ease. It includes a feature to snap windows to full screen or specific positions on your screen.
3. Spectacle: Spectacle is a free and open-source app that offers various window management shortcuts. It allows you to toggle full-screen mode, move windows between displays, and resize windows using keyboard shortcuts.

Pros:
1. Provides advanced customization options and features.
2. Can enhance your productivity and workflow with specialized shortcuts and functionalities.
3. Allows you to create a tailored full-screen experience based on your preferences.

Cons:
1. Requires installation and setup of third-party apps.
2. Some apps may have compatibility issues with certain macOS versions.
3. Additional cost may be involved for premium versions or advanced features.

What to Do If You Can’t Make Something Full Screen

If you encounter issues while trying to make something full screen on your Mac, don’t worry. Here are a few alternative solutions you can try:

1. Update Your macOS: Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Make sure your Mac is running the latest version of macOS to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
2. Check Application Settings: Some applications have specific settings that control full-screen behavior. Look for options within the application’s preferences or settings menu to enable or customize full-screen mode.
3. Contact Support: If you’re still experiencing difficulties, reach out to the application’s developer or consult the macOS support resources for further assistance.

Bonus Tips

Here are some bonus tips to further enhance your full-screen experience on Mac:

1. Use Split View: If you often work with multiple applications side by side, try using the Split View feature on macOS. It allows you to easily split your screen between two applications and work on them simultaneously in full-screen mode.
2. Customize Full-Screen Gestures: In System Preferences, under the "Trackpad" or "Mouse" settings, you can customize gestures to trigger full-screen mode or specific actions. Experiment with different configurations to find what works best for you.
3. Utilize Multiple Desktops: macOS allows you to create multiple desktop spaces to organize your work. Take advantage of this feature to dedicate specific desktops for full-screen applications or different tasks.

The Bottom Line

Making something full screen on your Mac can greatly enhance your productivity and user experience. Whether you use the built-in full-screen function, keyboard shortcuts, Mission Control, or third-party apps, the choice depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to explore alternative solutions or seek assistance from the application’s support resources. Enjoy maximizing your screen real estate and immersing yourself in your content!

5 FAQs about Making Something Full Screen on Mac

Q1: Can I make any application or window full screen on my Mac?

A1: Most applications and windows support full-screen mode on Mac, but there might be a few exceptions. If you’re encountering difficulties with a specific application, it’s recommended to check the application’s documentation or contact their support for further assistance.

Q2: Can I have multiple windows in full-screen mode at the same time?

A2: No, macOS allows you to have only one application or window in full-screen mode at a time. However, you can use Split View to work with two applications side by side in full-screen mode.

Q3: Can I customize the full-screen keyboard shortcuts on Mac?

A3: While the default keyboard shortcuts for full-screen mode on Mac cannot be customized, some third-party apps, like BetterTouchTool, offer options to assign custom shortcuts for specific applications or windows.

Q4: How do I exit full-screen mode if I don’t have the green button on my window?

A4: If you do not see the green button in the top-left corner of your window, it may indicate that the application or window does not support full-screen mode. In such cases, you can try alternative methods like keyboard shortcuts or third-party apps.

Q5: Can I toggle full-screen mode with a gesture on my trackpad?

A5: Yes, if you have a compatible trackpad, you can enable gestures to trigger full-screen mode. Navigate to System Preferences > Trackpad > More Gestures and customize the "Swipe between full-screen apps" or "Swipe up with three fingers" option.