MacOS Fullscreen: Open New Windows Beside Current One
Hey there, Mac users! Ever get frustrated when you're working in a fullscreen app and then open another one, only to have your current window whisked away to another space? It's a common issue, and luckily, there's a fix! Let's dive into how you can manage fullscreen windows in macOS to keep your workflow smooth and efficient. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to open new fullscreen windows next to your current one, ensuring you maintain a streamlined workspace.
Understanding MacOS Fullscreen Behavior
Before we jump into the solution, let's quickly understand how macOS handles fullscreen windows by default. When you put an application into fullscreen mode (by clicking the green button in the top-left corner or using the Control + Command + F shortcut), macOS typically creates a new space for that application. A space, in macOS terminology, is essentially a virtual desktop. This means that when you open a new application in fullscreen, it often shoves your current fullscreen app to another space, which can be disruptive if you're trying to work between multiple applications seamlessly.
The default behavior of macOS, while designed to provide a distraction-free environment, can sometimes hinder productivity, especially when multitasking is crucial. Imagine you're writing a report in fullscreen and need to reference a document or spreadsheet. Opening the secondary application in fullscreen would typically switch your focus to a new space, requiring you to swipe between desktops. This constant switching can break your flow and reduce efficiency. Understanding this default behavior is the first step in customizing your Mac to work the way you want it to. By adjusting a simple setting, you can drastically change how macOS handles fullscreen applications, allowing for a more integrated and fluid workflow.
The Simple Fix: Mission Control Settings
The key to solving this lies within Mission Control settings. Mission Control is your Mac's command center for managing open windows, spaces, and desktops. It's a powerful tool that allows you to see everything at a glance and quickly switch between tasks. To change how fullscreen windows behave, we need to tweak one specific setting within Mission Control. Let's get started!
To access Mission Control settings, follow these steps:
- Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select System Preferences.
- In System Preferences, click on Mission Control.
Once you're in the Mission Control preferences, you'll see a few options. The one we're interested in is labeled **_
