Click: How to Quickly Show the Desktop on a Mac

This updated guide examines Click: How to Quickly Show the Desktop on a Mac and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 3:

Using a Keyboard Shortcut

1. PressFn+F11. Doing so will reveal your desktop.
   • Alternatively, you can press?Command+F3.

Method 2of 3:

Swiping on the Trackpad

1. Place your thumb and first three fingers on the trackpad. Make sure you've got a window up, such as a browser, to switch to the desktop from.
2. Spread your thumb and three fingers apart. Doing so will reveal your desktop.
   • For a demonstration of the gesture, click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of the menu bar.
   • ClickSystem Preferences.
   • Click the "Trackpad" icon.
   • ClickMore Gestures.
   • Click on "Show Desktop." An example animation will play on the right side of the window.

Method 3of 3:

Adding a Custom Keyboard Shortcut

1. Click on the Apple icon in the top menu bar. If you want to make your own keyboard shortcut for accessing the desktop quickly, simply navigate to the shortcuts menu.^[1]
2. ClickSystem Preferences.
3. Click the "Keyboard" icon.
4. ClickShortcuts.
5. ClickMission Control. It's on the left side of the window.
6. ClickShow Desktopon the right side of the window.
7. Click it again to highlight the keystroke text.
8. Type in your custom keyboard shortcut.
   • If you're using an "F" function key, you will have to hold down theFnkey to type your command.
9. Click the red "X" button. Your keyboard shortcut will be saved!