How to drag and drop between apps and windows on a Mac

Drag a file, photo or text into another app, even one hidden behind others. The app switcher trick, the Dock, spring loading, and other desktops.

Guide · Updated 22 October 2026

How do I drag into an app that is hidden?

  1. Start dragging the file, photo or text, and keep holding.
  2. Press ⌘ Tab with your other hand and switch to the target app. It comes to the front.
  3. Move over its window and let go.

What else can I drop onto?

  • A Dock icon: drop a file on an app to open it in that app; drop it on a folder to move it there.
  • A folder that springs open: hold a dragged file over a folder and it opens after a moment. Spring-loading and its speed are in Accessibility, Pointer Control.
  • Another desktop: drag to the screen edge and hold, and the Mac switches desktops. Or drag the window into Mission Control.

Does dragging move or copy?

Into an app, it usually adds a copy, such as an attachment. Between folders on one disk, it moves; to another disk, it copies. See cut and paste files.

Why does dragging drop the file early?

On a trackpad, lifting your finger ends the drag. Turn on three finger drag, or Drag Lock, so you can lift and keep going.

When you drag between the same apps all day, keep them side by side: split screen. Finder to Finder: two windows side by side.

Checked on 22 October 2026 on a MacBook Air (M1) running macOS 27.0.1: Spring-loading and Drag Lock were read from System Settings.

Questions

How do I drag a file into an app that is behind other windows?

Start the drag, press Command Tab to switch to the app while holding, then drop.

Can I drag a file onto a Dock icon?

Yes. Dropping on an app opens it there; dropping on a folder moves it in.

How do I drag something to another desktop on Mac?

Drag to the edge of the screen and hold until the desktop switches.

Read next