Learn about the keyboard shortcut that will help you save time switching between windows...
If you regularly work with multiple documents or windows open in the same app on your Mac like Finder, Safari, Word, or Preview, switching between them efficiently can save you a lot of time. While many users rely on the mouse or Mission Control, macOS has a built-in keyboard shortcut that makes this effortless.
Here’s how it works…
The keyboard shortcut you need: ⌘ + `
To switch between windows within the same application:
- Make sure the app is active.
- Press Command (⌘) + ` (the backtick key, usually located above the Tab key).
- Each press cycles you through the app’s open windows.
To move in the opposite direction, use:
⌘ + Shift + `
This works in most macOS apps, including Finder, Safari, Notes, Preview, Pages, and many third-party applications.
How this is different from ⌘ + Tab
It’s easy to confuse this shortcut with ⌘ + Tab, but they do different things:
- ⌘ + Tab → Switches between different apps
- ⌘ + ` → Switches between windows within the same app
Knowing both shortcuts gives you full control over app and window navigation.
When this shortcut is especially useful
- Switching between multiple Finder windows
- Jumping between several documents in Word or Pages
- Managing multiple browser windows
- Comparing files side by side
- Working faster without lifting your hands from the keyboard
What if ⌘ + ` doesn’t work?
If the shortcut doesn’t seem to work:
- Make sure the app has multiple windows open (tabs don’t count)
- Check System Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts to ensure the shortcut hasn’t been reassigned
- Some apps override or disable this shortcut
Final Tip
Once you build the habit, ⌘ + ` becomes one of those “can’t-live-without-it” Mac shortcuts. It’s fast, simple, and a huge productivity boost, especially if you prefer keyboard navigation over the mouse.