Have you ever found yourself needing multiple desktops on your Mac computer? Maybe you need one desktop for work-related tasks and another for personal tasks. Or maybe you want to keep your desktop organized by putting certain apps and windows on a separate desktop. Luckily, Mac computers have a feature that allows you to create and switch between multiple desktops. In this article, we’ll show you how to open another desktop on your Mac computer and provide some tips and tricks for using this feature efficiently.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Open Another Desktop on Mac
There are several reasons why you might want to open another desktop on your Mac computer:
1. Organize your workspace – if you have multiple windows and programs open, it can be helpful to separate them into different desktops based on their purpose or task.
2. Multitasking – opening another desktop can enable you to work on multiple tasks simultaneously without having to constantly switch between windows.
3. Keeping things private – if you’re working on something that you don’t want others to see, you can open a separate desktop and keep that window or program hidden from view.
Method 1: Using Mission Control
Mission Control is a feature on Mac computers that allows you to easily see all of your open windows and spaces (or desktops). Here’s how to open another desktop using Mission Control:
1. Swipe up with three fingers on your trackpad or press the Mission Control button (F3) on your keyboard.
2. Move your cursor to the upper right corner of the Mission Control screen.
3. Click the "Add Desktop" button (represented by a plus sign).
4. A new desktop will appear at the top of the screen, and you can now switch to it by clicking on it.
Pros:
– Easy to use and accessible via a keyboard shortcut
– Allows for a visual preview of all open spaces and desktops
Cons:
– May not be intuitive for new MacOS users
– Can become cluttered if too many desktops are added
Method 2: Using a Keyboard Shortcut
If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, there’s a quick way to open another desktop on your Mac using just a few keystrokes:
1. Press the Control + Up Arrow keys simultaneously.
2. Click the "Add Desktop" button (represented by a plus sign) in the upper right corner of the screen.
3. A new desktop will appear at the top of the screen, and you can now switch to it by pressing Control + Left Arrow or Control + Right Arrow, depending on the location of the desktop.
Pros:
– Quick and efficient for frequent users of keyboard shortcuts
– Minimal steps required for creating new desktops
Cons:
– Can be difficult for users who are not familiar with keyboard shortcuts
– Limited visual feedback and previews of open spaces and desktops
Method 3: Using a Trackpad Gesture
If you prefer using trackpad gestures over keyboard shortcuts, you can use the following method to open another desktop:
1. Swipe up with three fingers on your trackpad to enter Mission Control.
2. Swipe down with three fingers on your trackpad.
3. Click the "Add Desktop" button (represented by a plus sign) in the upper right corner of the screen.
4. A new desktop will appear at the top of the screen, and you can now switch to it by swiping right or left with three fingers, depending on the location of the desktop.
Pros:
– Easy and intuitive for users who are familiar with trackpad gestures
– Allows for quick and efficient creation of new desktops
Cons:
– Not all MacOS users are comfortable using trackpad gestures
– Limited visual previews and feedback of open spaces and desktops
What to Do If You Can’t Open Another Desktop on Mac
If you’re having trouble opening another desktop on your Mac, there are a few steps you can try:
1. Make sure you’re running an updated version of MacOS. Some older versions may not support the feature.
2. Restart your computer. This can help to clear any software issues that may be preventing you from opening new desktops.
3. Check your system preferences. Make sure that the feature is enabled in your system preferences under the "Mission Control" tab.
Bonus Tip
Did you know that you can move windows and programs between desktops? Simply drag the window or program to the edge of the screen, and it will move to the adjacent desktop.
5 FAQs
Q1: How many desktops can I create on my Mac?
A: The number of desktops you can create on your Mac is virtually unlimited, but keep in mind that too many desktops can become cluttered and difficult to manage.
Q2: Can I customize the look and feel of my desktops?
A: Yes, you can customize your desktops with different wallpapers, spaces, and layouts. Go to your system preferences and click on "Desktop & Screen Saver" to customize your desktops.
Q3: Can I open multiple instances of the same program on different desktops?
A: Yes, you can have multiple instances of the same program or window open on different desktops.
Q4: Can I switch desktops using the keyboard?
A: Yes, you can switch between desktops using keyboard shortcuts. Press Control + Left Arrow or Control + Right Arrow to switch between desktops.
Q5: Can I delete desktops that I no longer need?
A: Yes, you can delete desktops by going into Mission Control and hovering your mouse over the desktop you want to delete. Click the "X" button that appears in the upper left corner of the desktop to delete it.
Final Thoughts
Opening multiple desktops on your Mac can greatly improve your productivity and organization. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, trackpad gestures, or Mission Control, there are multiple ways to create and switch between desktops. Experiment with different methods to see which one works best for you, and don’t forget the bonus tip of moving windows between desktops. With a little practice, you’ll become a pro at managing multiple desktops on your Mac.