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How to Use Mission Control (Virtual Desktops) on Mac

Tap each step to see how to use Mission Control on a Mac.

  1. Press F3 or swipe up with three fingers

    Press the F3 key, or swipe up on the trackpad with three fingers, to open Mission Control.

  2. See every open window at a glance

    All currently open windows spread out on screen without overlapping, so you can see everything at once.

  3. Add a new desktop with the "+" button at the top

    Hover near the top of the screen to reveal a "+" button, and click it to create a new virtual desktop.

  4. Switch between desktops with Control+Left/Right

    Move quickly between the desktops you have created using this keyboard shortcut.

  5. Why is this useful?

    With several windows open, it helps you find the one you need quickly, and keep work and personal screens neatly separated by desktop.

Give Each Project Its Own Desktop

Instead of hunting through a pile of overlapping windows, setting up a separate desktop for each project or context β€” one for work, one for browsing, one for a side project β€” makes it much easier to stay oriented.

Pin an App to a Specific Desktop

Beyond simply switching between desktops, assigning an app to always open on one particular desktop keeps your setup consistent every time you start working, without having to drag windows around again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pin a specific app to a specific desktop?

Yes, right-click the app icon in Mission Control and choose "Assign To β†’ This Desktop," and that app will always open on that desktop from then on.

Can I view two windows side by side?

Yes, dragging one window on top of another in Mission Control merges them into Split View, showing both windows side by side on the same desktop.