How to use Mission Control and multiple desktops on a Mac

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Mission Control shows every open window at once, so you can find the one you want. From the same view you can add extra desktops, for example one for email and one for a project, and move between them.

The pictures are diagrams of the keys to press.

Step by step

1. Open Mission Control

   Press the Mission Control key, which is F3 on most Apple keyboards. On a trackpad, swipe up with three or four fingers. On a Magic Mouse, swipe up with two fingers.

   Done

2. Click a window to go to it

   Every open window is shown as a small picture. Click the one you want and Mission Control closes.

   Done

3. Add a desktop

   Move the pointer to the bar at the top of the screen, called the Spaces bar, and click the plus button on the right. You can create up to 16 spaces.

   Done

4. Move a window to another desktop

   While Mission Control is open, drag the window onto the desktop you want in the Spaces bar. Without Mission Control, drag the window to the edge of the screen and hold it there. After a moment it moves to the next desktop.

   Done

5. Move between desktops

   Hold Control and press the Right Arrow or Left Arrow key. On a trackpad, swipe left or right with three or four fingers. On a Magic Mouse, swipe with two fingers.

   Done

6. Delete a desktop

   Open Mission Control, move the pointer over the desktop in the Spaces bar and click the delete button that appears. Windows that were open there move to another desktop. Nothing is closed.

   Done

Good to know

An app in full screen gets a space of its own. It appears in the same bar and you reach it with the same swipe.

The settings are in System Settings, Desktop & Dock, in the Mission Control section at the bottom.

A trackpad or mouse gesture can be changed or switched off in System Settings under Trackpad or Mouse.

In short: F3 or swipe up for Mission Control. Plus button adds a desktop. Control and the arrow keys move between them.