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I like using my Mac, but one thing bothers me: the command + tab shortcut.
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On Windows and most Linux systems, Alt + Tab switches between all open windows. On Mac, the command + tab only switches between applications.
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Here’s what it looks like.
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You can’t see how many windows are open for each app. Using this shortcut, You can’t switch between windows in the same app.
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To do that, use the command + ` (the backtick key above the tab key).
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If you need to switch between Chrome windows on Mac, use the command + `. That’s all.
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Mac’s method works, but Windows does it better—first, one shortcut switches between all windows in all apps. Second, you get window previews.
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AltTab is a free app that fixes this problem. It gives Mac an Alt + Tab function. Here’s how to use it.
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Switch Windows on Mac with the AltTab App
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First, download AltTab. (This is an open-source app, meaning volunteers maintain it, and it is generally safe.)
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After downloading, move it to the Applications folder. The app will request permissions, such as accessibility access to manage Windows and screen recording access to take screenshots.
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After allowing permissions, you can use it. The default shortcut is Option + Tab to move between open windows.
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Each window will have a preview. Here are some options:
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- Hold the option and press the tab repeatedly to cycle through windows. Release option to open the selected window.
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- Hold the option and use the arrow keys to choose a window.
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- Hold option and press W to close, M to minimize, H to hide, or Q to quit the app.
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With just a few keystrokes, you can manage all open windows efficiently.
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Changing AltTab Settings
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You can change how AltTab works. Click the AltTab icon in the menu bar and choose Preferences.
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In the Controls section, you can set up five different keyboard shortcuts. For example, you can replace the default shortcut with Control + Tab.
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You can also create a shortcut that switches only between windows in the current space or remove hidden windows from the list.
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In the Appearance section, you can adjust how the pop-up looks. You can resize it or change the number of thumbnail rows.
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You can also hide apps without open windows to reduce clutter. I suggest enabling this option for a cleaner interface.
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Click on each option to check the settings. After setting them as you prefer, you can use your Mac more efficiently.
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