Keyboard shortcuts to switch desktops on a Mac

⌃ ← and ⌃ → move between desktops; ⌃ and a number jumps straight to one, once turned on. Every shortcut and gesture for Spaces, and how to set them.

Guide · Updated 13 October 2026

Press ⌃ ← or ⌃ → to move one desktop left or right. Swipe left or right with three or four fingers on a trackpad for the same thing.

Jump to a desktop by number

  1. Make sure you have the desktops: open Mission Control and click + to add one.
  2. Open System Settings, Keyboard, Keyboard Shortcuts, Mission Control.
  3. Open Mission Control in the list and tick Switch to Desktop 1, 2, 3 and so on.
  4. Now ⌃ 1 goes to the first desktop, ⌃ 2 to the second.

The Switch to Desktop entries only appear for desktops that exist. Add the desktops first, then come back.

Other Spaces shortcuts

ToPress
Open Mission Control⌃ ↑, or F3
Show the front app's windows⌃ ↓
Show the desktop⌘ F3, or F11
Take a window to the next desktopHold its title bar and press ⌃ →

A different shortcut set

ClutterFreeMac uses ⌃ ⌥ with the arrows so it never clashes with the desktop shortcuts: ⌃ ⌥ → moves to the next window on the strip, and ⌃ ⌥ 1 to 9 jumps straight to a window by its place. If you do keep several desktops, each has its own strip.

Questions

What is the shortcut to switch desktops on a Mac?

⌃ ← and ⌃ →. To jump straight to a desktop, turn on Switch to Desktop 1, 2 and so on in Keyboard Shortcuts, Mission Control, then press ⌃ and its number.

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