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Mac OS X Window Tips

Windows in Mac OS X are somewhat different from those in earlier versions of the Macintosh OS. Some elements are the same... the title of the window is still in the same location ... you can still generally resize a window by clicking and dragging its lower right corner ... and the close box is still in the same location.

Buttons

While the close box is still in the same location, it has changed shape and been joined by two other elements ... the minimize and maximize buttons.

window control buttons

The buttons at the left end of a window's titlebar are similar to stoplights. The red button on the left closes the window. The yellow button in the middle minimizes the window. The green button on the right maximizes the window.

window buttons with hints

The buttons will give clues as to their purpose when you move the mouse pointer near them.

window buttons with unsaved changes

Additionally, the buttons will tell you when you have made changes to your document. Even without the pointer near it, the close button will generally have a black dot in the middle if changes have been made but not saved.

window toolbar capsule

If present, a capsule at the right end of the titlebar indicates that the window has a toolbar that can be shown and hidden. Clicking on the capsule will toggle the visibility of the toolbar.

Document Path Tip

The path to a document or window can often be found by holding down the command (apple) key and clicking on the title of the window. A menu will pop up showing you the path and allowing you to jump to any portion of it (i.e. open the folder containing the document you are viewing). This works in earlier versions of the Mac OS too.

Bringing Windows to the Foreground

Unlike earlier versions of the Macintosh OS, clicking on a window for a particular application will not bring all the windows for that application to the foreground. To bring all the windows for a particular application to the front of others, click the application's icon in the dock.

Moving Windows Without Activating Them

You can move a window without bringing it to the foreground by holding down the command (apple) key, clicking the title bar of the window and dragging it to move it. This tip works in earlier versions of the Mac OS as well.

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