Show desktop on the Mac

Show desktop on the Mac cover image
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The one thing I used on my previous Windows system was “Show desktop“. It was a small icon on Windows Vista which, and was later changed to a “glassy” rectangle (as I like to call it) on Windows 7 located at the bottom right.

So it was but natural that I wanted the “Show Desktop” functionality on my new MacBook Pro. I soon found out that the Mac offers a variety of ways to reveal the desktop. And since I’m new to the Mac, I’m in no position to say which is the best. It all depends what I finally get used to.

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Two key combinations for viewing the desktop on the Mac

The simplest, and probably the oldest, way to show desktop on the Mac is to use the F11 key. On my Macbook Pro, I have to use the Fn + F11 key combination because the latter, by default, decreases the volume. I also know that one can change this in the settings but I prefer F11 with its default function.

Fn + F11 : Key combination on Mac for showing desktop

Another key combination to view the desktop is Command + F3.
By the way, pressing only the F3 key on my Macbook Pro shows thumbnails of all the active windows (the Mission Control), the desktop and the dashboard. I can then click on the desktop to view it.

Mission Control key on the Mac keyboard

Reveal the desktop by pinching on the trackpad

Lastly, the slickest way to get the desktop on the Mac is to pinch-out on the trackpad. It works great on my Macbook Pro with it’s new trackpad but may not be supported on older models. Anyway, you probably know that “pinching” on the trackpad will zoom in and zoom out, right? Now use your thumb and three fingers (instead of one or two). “Pinching in” will show the Launchpad and “Pinching out” will reveal the desktop.

I’ve also learnt that the speed with which one pinches-out, determines the speed with which the windows disperse to show the desktop beneath.

Let me know which one you prefer. I think I’ll adopt the trackpad pinching to reveal the desktop or the launch pad. I would also like to know if there are other ways to get this functionality.

You may also like the Mac keyboard shortcuts that I found useful.

Update: As predicted, I’ve grown used to the pinching-out on the trackpad to show the desktop It’s convenient and quick. For accessing Mission Control and virtual desktops on my Mac, I use the F3 key.

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