macOS Window Switching

Discussions center on macOS keyboard shortcuts like Cmd+` for switching windows within apps, comparisons to Windows Alt-Tab for cross-app switching, and recommendations for third-party tools like AltTab to mimic Windows behavior.

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Sample Comments

ximeng May 22, 2017 View on HN

Alt ` (backtick) switches between Windows in the same app for me - maybe not ideal but might help.

yodon Feb 27, 2022 View on HN

Anyone know of a roughly equivalent utility or config setting that lets one do Windows-style app-independent window switching on Macs?

Destiner Jun 2, 2023 View on HN

Cute app, but you can already switch tabs (opt + cmd + arrows) and windows (cmd + `)?

lukeholder Apr 25, 2013 View on HN

switching between app windows is command+` just above command+tab

ferriswil Nov 30, 2023 View on HN

I use AltTab [0] for this. I find using a mac without it horrendous.[0]: https://alt-tab-macos.netlify.app/

mouth Oct 29, 2025 View on HN

To switch between windows of the same app, use Cmd-`

cmiller1 Jun 2, 2023 View on HN

I love the mac alt-tab behavior, you just move your finger up one key to switch between windows in the current app grouping them nicely unlike Windows where they're all a big mishmash.

justinv Mar 17, 2015 View on HN

You can use Cmd+` to switch between windows within apps.

kawsper Oct 24, 2022 View on HN

Don't forget CMD+` that switches to another window of the same application.

temporallobe Oct 15, 2019 View on HN

I used to think I needed a third-party app for window switching in macOS, until I discovered Command + ` (back-tick) shortcut- which switches between windows of the sane app. Now I use it combination with Command + Tab and my workflow is so much easier. In fact, I wish Windows had this feature sometimes, but I do think Windows’ window switching is better and more intuitive.