Mac multitasking tips that actually help

Good multitasking on a Mac comes down to three things: getting to a window fast, seeing two things at once, and not losing your place. Here are the habits that do each.

Getting to a window fast

1. ⌘ Tab switches apps; ⌘ ` switches windows of the same app.
2. ⌃ ↓ shows every window of the front app.
3. Spotlight (⌘ Space) opens or switches to any app by typing two letters.
4. Hot corners put Mission Control a flick away. See hot corners.

Seeing two things at once

1. Tile with Fn ⌃ ← and → on Sequoia and later.
2. Picture in Picture for a video while you work.
3. Two windows of one app with ⌘ N, for comparing.
4. A second display, or an iPad with Sidecar.

Not losing your place

1. Close windows when done, not to make room; ⌘ W is fast.
2. Hide, don't minimise: ⌘ H brings everything back in one go.
3. One desktop per task, if you use Spaces at all.
4. Batch notifications with a Focus so they do not pull you away.

The habit that replaces most of these

Most of these tips exist because windows overlap. ClutterFreeMac removes the overlap: every window sits beside the others on a strip, the next one is a swipe away, and the order stays the same, so your hands learn where things are. Try the live demo.