Switching windows on OS X?

Posted by: Roger

Switching windows on OS X? - 12/05/2014 16:21

While we're talking about UI annoyances, here's one from me:

On OS X, how do I get Cmd-Tab to switch windows, not applications? That is: how do I switch from Chrome to my most-recently-used terminal window using the keyboard without bringing *every* terminal window to the front?

Or, in other words, how do I get the Windows behaviour? In particular, how do I get Cmd-Tab, release, Cmd-Tab to alternate between the top two windows?
Posted by: canuckInOR

Re: Switching windows on OS X? - 12/05/2014 16:53

Originally Posted By: Roger
While we're talking about UI annoyances, here's one from me:

On OS X, how do I get Cmd-Tab to switch windows, not applications? That is: how do I switch from Chrome to my most-recently-used terminal window using the keyboard without bringing *every* terminal window to the front?

Or, in other words, how do I get the Windows behaviour? In particular, how do I get Cmd-Tab, release, Cmd-Tab to alternate between the top two windows?

I've never figured this one out, but would love to know the answer. AFAIK, OS X is strictly focused on applications, not windows. If you want one window of an application, you must want all of them. The only half-assed solution I've found is to minimize all the other windows from those two applications. The Mac UI drives me bonkers. :-p
Posted by: K447

Re: Switching windows on OS X? - 12/05/2014 17:32

Originally Posted By: canuckInOR
Originally Posted By: Roger
While we're talking about UI annoyances, here's one from me:

On OS X, how do I get Cmd-Tab to switch windows, not applications? That is: how do I switch from Chrome to my most-recently-used terminal window using the keyboard without bringing *every* terminal window to the front?

Or, in other words, how do I get the Windows behaviour? In particular, how do I get Cmd-Tab, release, Cmd-Tab to alternate between the top two windows?

I've never figured this one out, but would love to know the answer. AFAIK, OS X is strictly focused on applications, not windows. If you want one window of an application, you must want all of them. The only half-assed solution I've found is to minimize all the other windows from those two applications. The Mac UI drives me bonkers. :-p
Don't forget about Command-H (Hide)
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Switching windows on OS X? - 12/05/2014 17:48

Originally Posted By: Roger
While we're talking about UI annoyances, here's one from me:

On OS X, how do I get Cmd-Tab to switch windows, not applications? That is: how do I switch from Chrome to my most-recently-used terminal window using the keyboard without bringing *every* terminal window to the front?

Or, in other words, how do I get the Windows behaviour? In particular, how do I get Cmd-Tab, release, Cmd-Tab to alternate between the top two windows?

This was one of the many little irritations I had with OSX when I started using it on my laptop. I found an application which enabled another shortcut: Option+Tab, which switched between windows exactly like you would in Windows. When I get a chance, I'll get my Macbook out and figure out what the program is...
Posted by: drakino

Re: Switching windows on OS X? - 12/05/2014 18:26

A few options.
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Switching windows on OS X? - 12/05/2014 18:57

Originally Posted By: drakino

Ha! I'm pretty sure Witch is the one I'm using. I think it's fine.
Posted by: Roger

Re: Switching windows on OS X? - 13/05/2014 08:22

I went with Contexts. Seems to do exactly what I want.