Are you stuck in full-screen mode on your Mac and can’t seem to figure out how to get back to normal? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many Mac users have encountered this frustrating issue, and it’s surprisingly easy to resolve. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to get your full screen back to normal on your Mac.
Reasons Why Your Mac Might Be Stuck In Full-Screen Mode
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s quickly explore some common reasons why your Mac might be stuck in full-screen mode:
- Accidental key presses: You might have inadvertently pressed a combination of keys that triggered full-screen mode.
- App-specific issues: Certain applications, such as video players or games, can activate full-screen mode automatically.
- System glitches: Rare system crashes or software conflicts can cause your Mac to get stuck in full-screen mode.
Solution 1: Press The Esc Key
The simplest solution to get out of full-screen mode is to press the Esc key on your keyboard. This is usually the quickest way to revert back to normal screen view. Try pressing the Esc key and see if your screen returns to its normal state.
Why The Esc Key Works
The Esc key is a universal command in most Mac applications to exit full-screen mode or cancel a current action. When you press the Esc key, your Mac sends a signal to the operating system to cancel the full-screen mode and return to the normal desktop view.
Solution 2: Use The Command + F Key Combination
If pressing the Esc key doesn’t work, try using the Command (⌘) + F key combination. This is another common shortcut to toggle full-screen mode on and off.
Understanding The Command Key
The Command key, also known as the Apple key, is a modifier key that combines with other keys to perform specific actions on your Mac. In this case, the Command + F key combination is a shortcut to toggle full-screen mode.
Solution 3: Use The Green Zoom Button
Another way to exit full-screen mode is to click the green zoom button in the top-left corner of the window. This button is usually present in most Mac applications and allows you to toggle between full-screen mode and normal view.
Where To Find The Green Zoom Button
The green zoom button is typically located in the top-left corner of the window, next to the red close button and the yellow minimize button. Clicking this button will toggle full-screen mode on and off.
Solution 4: Restart Your Mac
If none of the above solutions work, try restarting your Mac. This is a more drastic measure, but it can sometimes resolve system glitches that might be causing the issue.
Why Restarting Your Mac Works
Restarting your Mac reloads the operating system and closes all running applications, which can resolve system conflicts and glitches that might be causing the full-screen mode issue.
Solution 5: Disable Full-Screen Mode In Specific Applications
If you’re experiencing full-screen mode issues with specific applications, you might need to disable full-screen mode within those apps.
Disabling Full-Screen Mode In Safari
For example, if you’re experiencing full-screen mode issues in Safari, you can disable it by following these steps:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open Safari and click on the Safari menu in the top-left corner. |
| 2 | Click on “Preferences” and then select the “Websites” tab. |
| 3 | Click on the “General” tab and uncheck the box next to “Allow pages to open in full screen.” |
Disabling Full-Screen Mode In Other Applications
The process for disabling full-screen mode might vary depending on the application. You can usually find the option to disable full-screen mode in the application’s preferences or settings.
Conclusion
Getting stuck in full-screen mode on your Mac can be frustrating, but it’s usually an easy fix. By trying out the solutions mentioned above, you should be able to get your full screen back to normal in no time. Remember to try the Esc key, Command + F key combination, green zoom button, restarting your Mac, and disabling full-screen mode in specific applications. If none of these solutions work, you might need to seek further assistance from Apple support or a professional technician.
Don’t let full-screen mode get in the way of your Mac experience! With these solutions, you’ll be back to enjoying your Mac’s normal screen view in no time.
How Do I Know If My Mac Is Stuck In Full-screen Mode?
If your Mac is stuck in full-screen mode, you’ll notice that the menu bar at the top of the screen is missing, and the application or window will fill the entire screen. You may also see a gray line or a thin border around the edge of the screen, indicating that you’re in full-screen mode. Additionally, you might find it difficult to access other applications or windows, as they will be hidden behind the full-screen window.
To confirm, try moving your mouse to the top of the screen to see if the menu bar appears. If it doesn’t, try pressing the Esc key on your keyboard or using the Command + Shift + F keyboard shortcut to exit full-screen mode. If none of these methods work, it’s likely that your Mac is stuck in full-screen mode.
What Causes A Mac To Get Stuck In Full-screen Mode?
There are several reasons why your Mac might get stuck in full-screen mode. One common cause is accidentally pressing the green “zoom” button in the top-left corner of a window, which can toggle full-screen mode. Another reason is that a particular application or software may be malfunctioning or behaving erratically, causing the full-screen mode to become stuck.
Other possible causes include issues with your Mac’s display settings, a malfunctioning keyboard or mouse, or even a software bug. In some cases, a simple reboot may resolve the issue, while in other cases, you may need to try more advanced troubleshooting techniques to restore your Mac’s normal screen view.
How Do I Exit Full-screen Mode Using Keyboard Shortcuts?
To exit full-screen mode using keyboard shortcuts, try pressing the Esc key on your keyboard or use the Command + Shift + F keyboard shortcut. This should toggle full-screen mode off and restore your Mac’s normal screen view. If this doesn’t work, try pressing Command + Shift + > to zoom out of full-screen mode or Command + Shift + < to zoom in.
If you’re using a MacBook with a Touch Bar, you can also try pressing the Touch ID button or the Power button to exit full-screen mode. Additionally, you can try pressing the F11 key to toggle full-screen mode on and off. If none of these keyboard shortcuts work, you may need to try other methods to restore your Mac’s normal screen view.
Can I Use The Mouse To Exit Full-screen Mode?
Yes, you can use the mouse to exit full-screen mode. One way to do this is to move your mouse to the top of the screen and click on the green “zoom” button in the top-left corner of the window. This should toggle full-screen mode off and restore your Mac’s normal screen view. You can also try moving your mouse to the top-right corner of the screen and clicking on the “Exit Full Screen” button.
If you’re having trouble finding the green “zoom” button, try moving your mouse to the top of the screen and waiting for a few seconds. The button should appear, allowing you to click on it and exit full-screen mode. Alternatively, you can try using the trackpad gestures to zoom in and out of full-screen mode.
What If I’m Using A MacBook With A Touch Bar?
If you’re using a MacBook with a Touch Bar, you can exit full-screen mode by pressing the Touch ID button or the Power button. This should toggle full-screen mode off and restore your Mac’s normal screen view. You can also try pressing the F11 key to toggle full-screen mode on and off.
Alternatively, you can try using the Touch Bar to exit full-screen mode. To do this, click on the “Exit Full Screen” button on the Touch Bar or use the Touch ID button to authenticate and exit full-screen mode. If none of these methods work, you may need to try other troubleshooting techniques to restore your Mac’s normal screen view.
How Do I Prevent My Mac From Getting Stuck In Full-screen Mode?
To prevent your Mac from getting stuck in full-screen mode, be careful when using the green “zoom” button in the top-left corner of a window. Instead of clicking on the button, try using the keyboard shortcuts or mouse gestures to toggle full-screen mode on and off. Additionally, make sure to regularly update your Mac’s software and operating system to ensure that you have the latest bug fixes and security patches.
You can also try adjusting your Mac’s display settings to prevent full-screen mode from becoming stuck. To do this, go to System Preferences > Displays and adjust the “Arrangement” settings to prevent windows from becoming too large or too small. By taking these precautions, you can reduce the likelihood of your Mac getting stuck in full-screen mode.
What If None Of The Above Methods Work?
If none of the above methods work, you may need to try more advanced troubleshooting techniques to restore your Mac’s normal screen view. One option is to try restarting your Mac in Safe Mode, which can help resolve issues with software or applications that may be causing the problem. You can also try booting up your Mac in Recovery Mode and running the Disk Utility tool to repair any disk errors.
Another option is to try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and the Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) on your Mac. This can help resolve issues with your Mac’s display settings and restore your normal screen view. If none of these methods work, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.