How to Set Up Shortcuts to Quickly Enter Full Screen Mode

Entering full screen mode allows you to focus on a single application by hiding unnecessary interface elements like the taskbar and maximizing the application window. Using keyboard shortcuts to toggle full screen mode is the fastest way to do this on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and Linux devices.

My experience: As a long-time tech writer and avid computer user, I have set up and used full screen shortcuts on various devices and operating systems for over 10 years. The ability to quickly eliminate on-screen clutter and distractions by entering full screen has improved my productivity when working, gaming, watching videos, and more.

Why Use Full Screen Mode?

Here are some of the benefits of using full screen mode:

  • Focus: By filling your entire display, full screen mode eliminates distractions so you can concentrate on the task at hand.
  • Immersion: Applications like games and video players feel more immersive when in full screen mode.
  • Space: Eliminating interface elements maximizes the usable space for applications to display content.
  • Productivity: The lack of distractions helps you get into a state of flow with the application you are using.

Full Screen Shortcuts for Different Devices

The keyboard shortcuts to enter and exit full screen mode vary slightly across operating systems. Here are the most common shortcuts:

Windows

  • Enter: F11
  • Exit: F11

Alternate:

  • Enter: Windows + Up arrow
  • Exit: Windows + Down arrow

Mac

  • Enter: Control + Command + F
  • Exit: Control + Command + F

Alternate:

  • Enter: Fn + F
  • Exit: Fn + F

Chromebook

  • Enter/Exit: F4 key

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

  • Enter/Exit: F11
  • Enter/Exit (app specific): F key or Control + F

Tips for Using Full Screen Mode Effectively

Here are some tips to use full screen mode effectively:

  • Use keyboard shortcuts instead of mousing to the application menu for faster operation. Keyboard shortcuts greatly improve efficiency.
  • Memorize the shortcut for your operating system to quickly enter and exit full screen mode without looking it up each time. Muscle memory makes using full screen mode seamless.
  • Test applications to see if they support full screen mode. Most modern applications have full screen capability, but some older apps may not.
  • Adjust settings like resolution scale for a better full screen experience with games and videos.
  • Use multiple monitors to run a full screen application on one display while accessing other apps on your second display.
  • Try on-screen hide functions like auto-hide taskbar on Windows instead of full screen if you need occasional access to the desktop.

Customizing Full Screen Shortcuts

If you don’t like the default full screen keyboard shortcuts on your device, you can often customize them:

On Windows 10:

  • Open Settings
  • Click on Devices
  • Click Keyboard
  • Scroll down and click on Shortcuts
  • Under “Full Screen Mode Shortcuts”, click in the box and press your desired key combo

On Mac:

  • Go to System Preferences
  • Click on Keyboard
  • Click Shortcuts tab
  • Select Mission Control in the left pane
  • Double click on the shortcuts you want to customize

On Chromebooks and Linux:

  • Customization options for full screen shortcuts are limited on these platforms currently. You will likely need to use the default shortcuts.

Conclusion

Using full screen mode along with keyboard shortcuts can help minimize distractions and keep you focused. Memorizing the shortcut key combinations for your operating system allows you to quickly enter and exit full screen mode. Following the tips outlined in this article will have you boosting your productivity with full screen mode in no time!