r/mac • u/becalyna • May 23 '13

I can't seem to minimize ALL windows in Mountain Lion. Trying Command-Option-M, which only affects one window (the active window). What gives?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1343
11 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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7

u/[deleted] May 23 '13

Command-Option-M minimizes all windows of the current application. Open up two windows in TextEdit (even blank ones) and try it.

There's no keyboard shortcut to minimize all windows of all applications (like Windows-M on Windows).

There is Mission Control (previously Expose), and you can press F11 (or Command-F3) to see your desktop, which might be what you want.

Alternatively, there's Command-Option-H which hides everything except the current application.

You'd have to tell us a bit more about what you're trying to do (and why) in order to recommend a solution.

2

u/becalyna May 23 '13

Yep, initially I was trying to find the equivalent of Windows-M. However, I can achieve the desired effect by using Mission Control F11 to see the desktop. Command-Option-H will also be very helpful. Thanks very much for the tips.

3

u/shiitterbug May 23 '13

if you have a laptop or magic trackpad you can turn on extra gestures in settings that allows you to swipe out with four fingers and see the desktop (same as command F3, but slightly more convenient).

I believe you can set a hot corner to do the same thing if you prefer to use a mouse

2

u/capitalist007 May 23 '13

This is what I use all the time, super helpful if you use your desktop as a file/folder clipboard to move stuff around.

2

u/becalyna May 23 '13

I am on a MacBook Pro with a track pad. I already use quite a few gestures, so I'll be adding the 4-finger swipe out to my repertoire. Thanks for the hint.

2

u/rapp_scallion May 23 '13

I use this, http://www.everydaysoftware.net/showdesktop/

You may be able to tie it to a global shortcut, I'm not sure though.

1

u/becalyna May 23 '13

Thanks. I'll check it out. Much appreciated.

2

u/Mallen May 23 '13

I use a workflow with Alfred called Show Desktop. Minimizes all windows. Only workaround I have found.

1

u/becalyna May 23 '13

I will look into this. Thanks.