The Most Underrated macOS Keyboard Shortcut You Should Use Daily

Most macOS users know about ⌘ + Tab for app switching—but what if you want to stay within one app and switch between its multiple windows? Enter one of the most underrated shortcuts: ⌘ + ` (backtick).

It’s simple, fast, and wildly effective once you start using it. And chances are, you're not.

Why ⌘ + ` Deserves More Attention

We often juggle multiple windows in the same app—especially with browsers, Finder, or IDEs. Without ⌘ + `, we’re stuck with:

• Cycling between tabs manually
• Hunting with the mouse
• Minimizing and maximizing windows repeatedly

⌘ + ` allows you to cycle between open windows of the current app, all while keeping your hands on the keyboard.

Common Use Cases

1. Web Browsers (Safari, Chrome)

• Switch between different browser windows
• Keep one for research, another for personal browsing

2. Finder

• Jump across Finder windows open in different directories
• Great for file transfers or comparisons

3. Text Editors

• Toggle between documentation and code editor windows
• Move across projects quickly

How to Use It

• Just press: ⌘ + ` (that’s the key above Tab on most keyboards)
• To reverse cycle, use: ⌘ + Shift + `

Pro Tip: On non-US keyboards, the backtick key might be in a different position.

Combine It With Window Snapping

Use ⌘ + ` to switch windows, then use a window snapping tool (or macOS split view) to position them instantly. Keyboard-driven multitasking at its best.

Take It Further with Assignee

While ⌘ + ` is powerful, it still forces you to cycle. With Assignee, you can:

• Assign shortcuts to specific windows, not just apps
• Jump directly to a project window or terminal session
• Avoid cycling entirely—you go exactly where you need to go

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about keyboard productivity, ⌘ + ` is a shortcut worth mastering. Use it for a few days, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Ready to go beyond window cycling? Try Assignee to assign precise shortcuts for the apps and windows you rely on.