Cycle Through Active And Application Windows

Looking for an easy way to cycle through your active windows? Pressing Command+Tab will allow you to switch to the next application just like Alt+Tab allowed you to on Windows.

You can also cycle backwards by holding Shift, so Command+Shift+Tab will take you to the previous application.

If you only want to cycle through the current application’s windows, press Command+` (The ` is the key above tab key).

This Mac tip contains a related tip for Windows users Alt+Tab

[Submitted By Brooke]

Update:

Ryan Schwartz adds in the comments that pressing Command+` while the switcher panel is open accomplishes the same thing as Command+Shift+Tab . This is much easier on the fingers than stretching for that Shift key, thanks Ryan!

Eric Kornblum (via E-mail) and Matt (via Comments) have added that you can also hit Q to quit or H to hide an application while selected on the switcher panel.

Similar Posts:

I Like This Tip!

Written by Brad Jasper on August 4, 2005 at 12:55 pm - Cycle Through Active And Application Windows has 22 comments - Categorized in Easy Tips, keyboard shortcuts

22 Responses to “Cycle Through Active And Application Windows”

Ryan Schwartz

If you're displaying the application switcher (apple-tab), in addition to apple-shift-tab cycling backwards, apple-` works too, and is easier than adding the shift key modifier. August 4th, 2005 at 1:12 pm
Brad

Thanks Ryan, you're exactly right. That's much easier than pressing Shift. August 4th, 2005 at 1:22 pm
Simon Roe

You can also use command + ` after command tabbing. It does the same as command + shift + tab but it's better for the hands! August 4th, 2005 at 1:22 pm
Simon Roe

sorry, posted that before i saw the last 2 comments! August 4th, 2005 at 1:23 pm
Jeremy

Once you have the application switcher opened with Apple-Tab, you can use your mouse to quickly select an app that isn't near the current active app in the switcher. Just release the Command/Apple key when the app you want is highlighted. August 4th, 2005 at 1:55 pm
Matt

After command-tabbing, while still holding down command, you can also hit Q to quit whatever application is higlighted, or H to hide it. August 4th, 2005 at 2:18 pm
Brad

Great tips guys,

Thanks for the additions!

- Brad August 4th, 2005 at 2:30 pm
mardoen

FYI: command + ' does not work on my localized (German) keyboard. I use Witch to switch between individual windows: http://www.petermaurer.de/nasi.php?section=witch&layout=default August 4th, 2005 at 2:44 pm
Frampton

This site is kicking butt. I've been driven crazy by the apple + tab not being able to cycle between windows in word or keynote or excel or whatever. Thanks. August 4th, 2005 at 4:52 pm
Brad

Thanks for the compliment Frampton, I'd have to agree with you there :) August 4th, 2005 at 5:12 pm
Frampton

Hey, what's the program in your dock with the checklist and the light bulb? August 4th, 2005 at 6:24 pm
Brad

Frampton, It's OmniOutliner--highly recommended: http://www.omnigroup.com/applications/omnioutliner/ August 4th, 2005 at 7:27 pm
mardoen

...which should be included with current macs. At least is was with my powerbook, which I got in April. August 4th, 2005 at 8:04 pm
Paul

I was wondering what the widgit was that has the sattelite and the 368 on it? August 4th, 2005 at 8:48 pm
Carlos Tayag

Command + ` will also cycle through windows/applications in Expose. It's pretty neat. August 4th, 2005 at 10:08 pm
Anthony

What's the program in your dock that has the icon of a world with an orbiting sattelite, and the number 368?? I'm curious. Thanks! August 5th, 2005 at 12:44 am
Brad

Hey guys,

The icon with the 368 is NetNewsWire (http://ranchero.com/netnewswire/), the best feed reader I've ever used. I wrote some tips about it a few days ago (http://www.mactips.org/archives/2005/07/29/netnewswire-efficiency-tips/)

The other icon with the space shuttle is ecto (http://ecto.kung-foo.tv/), the best desktop blogging client I've ever used. You can expect some tips about ecto shortly :).

- Brad August 5th, 2005 at 1:21 am
Brad

Carlos,

Very cool, I didn't know that.

- Brad August 5th, 2005 at 1:22 am
Adrianna

Has anyone given Witch a shot?

http://www.petermaurer.de/witch August 5th, 2005 at 2:36 pm
mahzilla

You can use the left and right arrow keys or use the mouse wheel if you hold down the command button after hitting tab. August 6th, 2005 at 4:10 pm
mahzilla

or you can also use your mouse pointer to select the program while holding command August 6th, 2005 at 4:15 pm
rasmus

Has anyone figured out a way to make ⌘+` work on localized (other than US) keyboard layouts? It worked in Tiger and it is a real pain now it doesn't... January 22nd, 2008 at 6:23 am