Full screen mode is a feature that allows you to view an application or a web page without any distractions from the menu bar, the taskbar, or other windows. It can help you focus on your work, enjoy a video, or play a game. In this article, you will learn how to use shortcut keys for full screen mode on Mac and Windows, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of it.
Table of Contents
What is Full Screen Mode?
Full screen mode is a way of displaying an application or a web page on your entire screen, hiding the menu bar, the taskbar, and other windows. It can be useful for various purposes, such as:
- Working on a document, a spreadsheet, or a presentation without any distractions
- Watching a video or a movie in full resolution and quality
- Playing a game with immersive graphics and sound
- Browsing the web with more space and less clutter
Full screen mode can also save battery life on laptops, as it reduces the brightness of the screen and the number of background processes.
How to Use Shortcut Keys for Full Screen Mode on Mac
On Mac, you can enter and exit full screen mode by using the shortcut key Control + Command + F. This works for most applications and web browsers, such as Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. You can also use the green button on the top left corner of the window to toggle full screen mode.
When you are in full screen mode on Mac, you can still access the menu bar by moving your cursor to the top of the screen. You can also switch between different full screen apps by using the shortcut key Control + Left Arrow or Control + Right Arrow. To view all your full screen apps and desktops, you can use the shortcut key Control + Up Arrow or swipe up with three or four fingers on the trackpad.
How to Use Shortcut Keys for Full Screen Mode on Windows
On Windows, you can enter and exit full screen mode by using the shortcut key F11. This works for most applications and web browsers, such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. You can also use the maximize button on the top right corner of the window to toggle full screen mode.
When you are in full screen mode on Windows, you can still access the taskbar by moving your cursor to the bottom of the screen. You can also switch between different full screen apps by using the shortcut key Alt + Tab or Windows + Tab. To view all your full screen apps and desktops, you can use the shortcut key Windows + D or swipe in from the right edge of the screen.
Tips and Tricks for Full Screen Mode
Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of full screen mode on Mac and Windows:
- If you want to take a screenshot of a full screen app or web page, you can use the shortcut key Command + Shift + 3 on Mac or Windows + Print Screen on Windows. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop or your Pictures folder.
- If you want to record a video of a full screen app or web page, you can use the shortcut key Command + Shift + 5 on Mac or Windows + G on Windows. You can choose to record the entire screen or a portion of it, and adjust the settings and options. The video will be saved to your desktop or your Videos folder.
- If you want to exit full screen mode quickly, you can use the shortcut key Esc on both Mac and Windows. This will restore the window to its previous size and position.
- If you want to customize the full screen mode settings, you can go to the System Preferences on Mac or the Settings app on Windows. You can change the resolution, the brightness, the color, the sound, and other options for full screen mode.
Conclusion
Full screen mode is a handy feature that can enhance your productivity, entertainment, and gaming experience. By using the shortcut keys for full screen mode on Mac and Windows, you can easily switch between different apps and web pages, and enjoy a distraction-free view. You can also use some tips and tricks to take screenshots, record videos, and customize the full screen mode settings. Try it out and see the difference for yourself.