Welcome to our tutorial on how to make something full screen on Mac. Whether you’re watching a movie or playing a game, making it full screen can provide a much more immersive experience. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps on how to make something full screen on your Mac. Let’s get started!
Steps
Step 1: Select the Window
The first step in making something full screen on your Mac is to select the window you want to make full screen. You can do this by clicking on the window you want to make full screen or by using the keyboard shortcut Command + Tab to switch to the window.
Step 2: Click the Green Button
Once you have the window you want to make full screen selected, click the green button at the top left of the window. This will make the window full screen, taking up the entire screen of your Mac.
Step 3: Exit Full Screen Mode
To exit full screen mode, simply move your mouse to the top of the screen and click the green button again. This will exit full screen mode and return the window to its original size.
Step 4: Use the Keyboard Shortcut
If you prefer to use the keyboard, you can also make something full screen on your Mac with the keyboard shortcut Control + Command + F.
Step 5: Use the Menu Bar
You can also make something full screen on your Mac by using the menu bar. Simply select the View option from the menu bar and then click the Enter Full Screen option.
Step 6: Use the Dock
Another way to make something full screen on your Mac is to use the Dock. Simply right-click on the icon for the application you want to make full screen, and then select the Enter Full Screen option.
Step 7: Customize Your Full Screen Experience
Once you have made something full screen on your Mac, you can customize your full screen experience by adjusting the settings. For example, you can change the resolution or enable/disable overscan. To access these settings, move your mouse to the top of the screen and click the green button, then click the Settings icon.
Step 8: Use Split View
Another feature that can help make the most of your Mac’s screen real estate is Split View. With Split View, you can divide your screen into two sections and display two windows side by side. To use Split View, click and hold the green button at the top left of the window, then select one of the available options in the Split View menu.
Step 9: Assign a Keyboard Shortcut to Full Screen Mode
If you frequently use full screen mode on your Mac, you may want to assign a keyboard shortcut to make it even easier to access. To do this, go to System Preferences, then Keyboard, then Shortcuts, and then App Shortcuts. Click the plus sign to add a new shortcut, select the application you want to assign the shortcut to, enter the exact menu title (including the ellipsis), and then select the keyboard shortcut you want to use.
Step 10: Use Third-Party Apps
If you want even more control over how you make something full screen on your Mac, you may want to consider using third-party apps. Some popular options include BetterTouchTool, Magnet, and Spectacle.
Step 11: Troubleshoot Issues
If you are having trouble making something full screen on your Mac, there are a few things you can try. First, try restarting the application or restarting your Mac. If that doesn’t work, try resetting the NVRAM or SMC. You can find instructions on how to do this on Apple’s support website.
Step 12: Keep Your Mac Up to Date
Finally, it’s important to keep your Mac up to date with the latest software updates. This can help ensure that you have access to any new features and improvements that can help you make something full screen on your Mac.
Explanation
Now that we’ve gone through the steps on how to make something full screen on your Mac, let’s go into a bit more detail on some of the features and options available.
First, there’s the option to customize your full screen experience. This includes options like adjusting the resolution, enabling or disabling overscan, and more. To access these settings, move your mouse to the top of the screen while in full screen mode and click the Settings icon.
Another useful feature is Split View, which lets you divide your screen into two sections and display two windows side by side. To use Split View, click and hold the green button at the top left of the window, then select one of the available options in the Split View menu.
If you want even more control over how you make something full screen on your Mac, there are several third-party apps available. For example, BetterTouchTool allows you to customize touchpad gestures, while Magnet lets you snap windows into place with keyboard shortcuts.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts can help make it even easier to make something full screen on your Mac. Some useful keyboard shortcuts include Command + Tab to switch between applications and Control + Command + F to enter full screen mode.
Tip 2: Use Split View
Split View is a great way to make the most of your screen real estate by displaying two windows side by side. To use Split View, click and hold the green button at the top left of the window, then select one of the available options in the Split View menu.
Tip 3: Customize Your Full Screen Experience
You can customize your full screen experience by adjusting the settings, such as the resolution or overscan. To access these settings, move your mouse to the top of the screen while in full screen mode and click the Settings icon.
Tip 4: Assign Keyboard Shortcuts to Apps
To make it even easier to access full screen mode for your favorite apps, assign keyboard shortcuts using System Preferences. Go to Keyboard, then Shortcuts, and then App Shortcuts to get started.
Tip 5: Use Third-Party Apps
If you want even more control over how you make something full screen on your Mac, consider using third-party apps like BetterTouchTool or Magnet.
Tip 6: Restart Your Mac or App
If you’re having trouble making something full screen on your Mac, try restarting the application or restarting your Mac. This can often help fix any issues you may be experiencing.
Tip 7: Reset NVRAM or SMC
If restarting doesn’t work, you can try resetting the NVRAM or SMC. Apple’s support website has instructions on how to do this depending on your Mac model.
Tip 8: Keep Your Mac Up to Date
Make sure to keep your Mac up to date with the latest software updates to ensure that you have access to any new features and improvements.
Tip 9: Use Zoom
If you want to zoom in on a specific area of the screen, you can use the Zoom feature. To activate Zoom, go to System Preferences, then Accessibility, then Zoom and select the options that suit your preferences.
Tip 10: Use Mission Control
Mission Control is a feature that lets you view all of your open windows at once. To access Mission Control, swipe up with three or four fingers (depending on your settings) or press the Mission Control key on your keyboard.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Making Something Full Screen on Mac
Mac computers have a feature that allows users to make applications, videos, or any other content full screen. Although this feature can be helpful in some situations, it also has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some things to consider:
Advantages
- Increased focus: By making an application or video full screen, the user eliminates any distractions from other programs or notifications that could take away their attention from the task at hand.
- Better visibility: Some applications or videos require a certain size to be viewed properly. Making it full screen can help users see more details without having to squint or zoom in.
- Enhanced immersion: When playing games, watching movies, or taking part in other activities, having a full screen can make it feel more immersive, creating a more engaging and enjoyable experience.
- Easier multitasking: Some applications allow users to split the screen between two or more applications, but it might not be enough space to work efficiently. In cases like these, a full screen can help the user work more effectively.
- Less eye strain: By improving visibility and reducing distractions, using full screen mode can help reduce eye strain for the user.
- Accessibility: Full screen mode can also be helpful for individuals with visual impairments, as it provides a larger display for them to view the content.
- Customizable: Some applications allow users to customize the full screen mode to their liking, creating a unique user experience.
- Professional look: When giving a presentation or showcasing work, a full screen can provide a more professional and polished look.
- Saves time: By eliminating distractions and increasing focus, using full screen mode can help users complete tasks more efficiently, ultimately saving them time.
- Consistent look: Full screen mode can provide a consistent look for the user, as it eliminates any background images or wallpapers that might be distracting.
Disadvantages
- Loss of context: When an application or video is in full screen mode, the user loses sight of everything else that is open, making it difficult to refer to other pieces of information from other applications.
- Limited functionality: Full screen mode might not give users access to all the features that the application has to offer, limiting their functionality.
- Less social interaction: When using full screen mode, it can be challenging to communicate with others who might need to share the same screen or view the same content.
- Less flexibility: Full screen mode might not be the best option for users who need to have multiple applications open simultaneously.
- Requires getting used to: Some users might find full screen mode daunting and find it hard to get used to, leading to confusion and frustration.
- Can be unstable: Sometimes, full screen mode can cause an application to crash or become unstable, leading to data loss or other issues.
- Less customization: Full screen mode might not allow users to customize the layout or settings, limiting their creative options.
- Can be distracting: Although full screen mode is intended to eliminate distractions, it might end up causing more distractions due to the loss of context and functionality.
- Not suitable for all applications: Full screen mode might not be the best option for users who need to see multiple applications or windows at the same time.
- Less efficient for certain tasks: Some users might find full screen mode less efficient for certain tasks or activities, leading to a slower workflow.
FAQ
1. Can I make any app full screen on my Mac?
Yes, you can make any app full screen on your Mac.
2. How do I make an app full screen on my Mac?
You can make an app full screen on your Mac by clicking on the green button located on the top left corner of the app window.
3. Is there a keyboard shortcut to make an app full screen?
Yes, you can press the “control + command + F” keys on your keyboard to make an app full screen on your Mac.
4. How do I exit full screen mode on my Mac?
You can exit full screen mode on your Mac by clicking on the green button located on the top left corner of the screen or by pressing the “control + command + F” keys on your keyboard.
5. Can I customize the full screen mode on my Mac?
Yes, you can customize the full screen mode on your Mac by going to System Preferences > Mission Control and adjusting the settings under “Displays have separate Spaces.”
6. Can I make Safari full screen on my Mac?
Yes, you can make Safari full screen on your Mac by clicking on the green button located on the top left corner of the Safari window.
7. Can I make a video full screen on my Mac?
Yes, you can make a video full screen on your Mac by clicking on the full screen button located within the video player or by pressing the “control + command + F” keys on your keyboard.
8. Can I make a PowerPoint presentation full screen on my Mac?
Yes, you can make a PowerPoint presentation full screen on your Mac by clicking on the Slide Show tab and selecting “Play from Start,” or by pressing the “control + command + F” keys on your keyboard.
9. Can I make a Word document full screen on my Mac?
No, you cannot make a Word document full screen on your Mac. However, you can maximize the Word window by clicking on the green button located on the top left corner of the Word window.
10. Can I make a PDF full screen on my Mac?
Yes, you can make a PDF full screen on your Mac by clicking on the full screen button located within the PDF viewer or by pressing the “control + command + F” keys on your keyboard.
11. Can I make a photo full screen on my Mac?
Yes, you can make a photo full screen on your Mac by double-clicking on the photo to open it in Preview and then clicking on the full screen button located on the top right corner of the Preview window.
12. Can I make a game full screen on my Mac?
Yes, you can make a game full screen on your Mac by clicking on the full screen button located within the game or by pressing the “control + command + F” keys on your keyboard.
13. Can I make a video call full screen on my Mac?
Yes, you can make a video call full screen on your Mac by clicking on the full screen button located within the video call window or by pressing the “control + command + F” keys on your keyboard.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make something full screen on your Mac, you can enjoy a better viewing experience. Whether you are watching a movie, giving a presentation, or simply browsing the web, full screen mode can help you focus on what you are doing and minimize distractions. With a few clicks, you can enter and exit full screen mode effortlessly and make the most of your Mac’s screen real estate.
Closing
Thank you for reading this article on how to make something full screen on Mac. We hope you have found the information useful and easy to follow. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And remember, the next time you need to make something full screen on your Mac, you know exactly what to do! Happy full-screening!