You can quickly view the desktop on a Mac using a keyboard shortcut, making a specific gesture on the trackpad, or creating a custom shortcut.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using a Keyboard Shortcut
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Step 1. Press Fn + F11 to display the desktop immediately.
Alternatively, you can press ⌘ Command + F3
Method 2 of 3: Making a Gesture on the Trackpad
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Step 1. Place your thumb and first three fingers on the trackpad
Make sure you have a window open, such as a browser, from which to switch to the desktop.
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Step 2. Expand your thumb and three fingers to reveal the desktop
- To see a demonstration of this gesture, click on the Apple icon at the top left of the menu bar.
- Click on System Preferences.
- Click on the trackpad icon.
- Click on More gestures.
- Click on "Show desktop". A sample movie will play on the right side of the window.
Method 3 of 3: Adding a Custom Keyboard Shortcut
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Step 1. Click on the Apple icon in the top menu bar
If you want to create a custom keyboard shortcut for quick access to the desktop, just open the shortcut menu.
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Step 2. Click on System Preferences
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Step 3. Click on the keyboard icon
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Step 4. Click on Abbreviations
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Step 5. Click on Mission Control
It is located on the left side of the window.
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Step 6. Click Show Desktop on the right side of the window
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Step 7. Click again to highlight the keystroke text
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Step 8. Type your custom keyboard shortcut
If you use an "F" function key, you will need to hold down the Fn key to type the command
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Step 9. Click on the red "X" button
The keyboard shortcut will have been saved!