How to Display the Desktop on an Apple Computer: Quick Guide and Practical Tips
In daily use of Apple computers, quickly displaying the desktop is a high-frequency requirement, whether it is to quickly access files or to temporarily hide all windows. This article will use structured data to introduce in detail the various methods of displaying the desktop in macOS systems, and attach an analysis of the hot topics in the past 10 days.
Directory:

1. Shortcut keys to display the desktop
2. Touchpad gesture operation
3. Manage the desktop through the dispatch center
4. Hot topic correlation analysis
1. Shortcut keys to display the desktop
In macOS, the fastest way is to use keyboard shortcuts:
| Operation | Shortcut keys |
|---|---|
| Show desktop | Command + F3 (Mission Control key) |
| Temporarily display the desktop (press and hold to take effect) | Command+Option+F3 |
Note: Some keyboards require replacing F3 with Fn+F3.
2. Touchpad gesture operation
Apple’s trackpad supports efficient gesture operations:
| gesture | Operation mode |
|---|---|
| Spread your fingers | All windows spread out to show the desktop |
| Slide up with four fingers | After entering the dispatch center, click on the desktop area |
Available atSystem Settings > Trackpad > More GesturesCustomize in.
3. Manage the desktop through the dispatch center
Mission Control is the multi-task management core of macOS:
| Function | Operation path |
|---|---|
| Create new desktop | Dispatch Center>"+" button in the upper right corner |
| Switch desktop | Swipe the trackpad left or right with three fingers |
4. Hot topic correlation analysis
The correlation between the hot topics in the science and technology field in the past 10 days and the technical points of this article:
| hot topics | Related points | heat index |
|---|---|---|
| macOS Sequoia new features | Added desktop widget support | ★★★★☆ |
| WWDC 2024 Review | Desktop-level AI feature preview | ★★★★★ |
| Trackpad vs mouse efficiency comparison | Gesture operation efficiency advantage | ★★★☆☆ |
Advanced techniques:
• UseHot corner function: Move the mouse to the corner of the screen to automatically display the desktop (setting path: System Settings > Desktop and Dock > Hot Corner)
• When viewing the desktop temporarily, hold down Command+Option to keep the window floating.
FAQ:
Q: What should I do if the gesture fails?
A: Check the trackpad settings and make sure "mouse only" mode is not enabled.
Q: The shortcut keys don’t work?
A: The keyboard mapping may have been modified. Try resetting it in System Settings > Keyboard > Shortcut Keys.
By mastering these methods, you can efficiently manage your macOS desktop space like a pro. With the update of macOS Sequoia, desktop operations will become more intelligent in the future. It is recommended to continue to pay attention to the system update log.
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