I like the full screen mode that apps can run in on Mac OS X Lion, but if you are just now experimenting with this new feature you may feel a little lost. The reason you might feel lost is because while apps run in full screen mode a lot of navigations elements are missing. Today you’ll find out that they aren’t missing just hiding.
If you move the mouse pointer past the top of your screen you’ll see your apps menus and in the upper right corner a button that will allow you to turn off full screen mode for that particular app.
David W. Martin has more than 20 years of experience in the industry as a programmer, systems and business analyst, author, and consultant. David has written for CNET’s iPhoneatlas.com, MacLife.com, CultofMac.com, BYTE.com and recently for aNewDoman.net. He comes to Cult of Mac’s website with deep knowledge and passion for the all things Apple. Follow David on Twitter @david_w_martin or see what he’s up to now at davidwmartin.com.
31 responses to “Reveal The Finder Dock and App Menus in Full Screen Apps In Lion [OS X Tips]”
Truly surprising tips…Â
I honestly have no idea how I managed before CoM gave me all these handy hints, I was stuck for so long on how to use Lion, I was just fumbling around – To be honest with you I was stuck inside Lion for a whole day once until I restarted so I could get to an Application on my Dock – NO MORE with this Tip I know how to get to the Dock!! MY GODS THANKYOU!
Nice tip! Mind, I have my dock hidden and it would not appear in full screen. Once I do a keyboard combo to show the dock and try your tip again. It works! I think this might be a bug…
This tip was really randy, thank you. Could you guys please find a way to close a single window without closing all the other windows of that application while in full screen? Thank you.
With the window active, press cmd+W. Hope this helps :)
The real helpful tip would be how you can drag (or copy and paste) something while in full scree mode. For example get an album artwork while in full screen safari and placing in iTunes while again in full screen mode on another space
Drag the item to the icon in the dock and it will switch to the window and app
amazing
I didn’t understand how to “push” to my pointer past the edge of the screen…Â
Is it the same mouse action as usual re-calling hiding Dock?
Really? Â People are having trouble finding their dock? Â It works (in full screen) the same way it works if your dock is hidden. Â It’s not rocket science.
I just got a $829.99 iPad2 for only $103.37 and my mom got a $1499.99 HDTV for only $251.92, they are both coming with USPS tomorrow. I would be an idiot to ever pay full retail prices at places like Walmart or Bestbuy. I sold a 37″ HDTV to my boss for $600 that I only paid $78.24 for. I use  http://l-k.be/9l
I was expecting a trick to open a finder window over a fullscreen app.
No, it’s just doesn’t work for me. I can easily reach menu bar but not Dock. So stupid.
Nice. If only someone could find a way to open URLs in safari in true fullscreen without the toolbar showing in the top.
You know, I figured this out by myself but thought it was a glitch in Lion. I was like “Why does the dock still show when i point towards the bottom?” In any case i guess it’s a good feature.
Or have Mission Control activated on a screen corner, then drag the item to that corner and when Mission Control comes up, to the desired desktop or application… I know it sounds harder but it is out-of-your swifter