How to Minimize a Game on Mac Without Quitting (Shortcuts)

Quick methods to hide a full-screen or windowed game on macOS and switch to another app:

Fastest Keyboard Shortcuts

• ⌘ Command + H: Hide current app instantly. Game keeps running in background. Click Dock icon or ⌘Tab to restore.
• ⌘ Command + M: Minimize window to Dock (right side). Works in windowed/borderless mode. Full-screen games may not respond.
• ⌘ Command + Tab: App Switcher. Hold ⌘, tap Tab to cycle. Release to switch. Game minimizes/hides automatically.
• F3 / Fn+F3 (Mission Control): Overview of all spaces/windows. Click Desktop or another app.
• Control + ←/→ Arrow: Switch between full-screen Spaces (if game runs in own Space).

Mouse / Trackpad Methods

• Dock: Hover cursor at bottom (or side) → Dock appears → Click another app icon.
• Hot Corners: System Settings → Desktop & Dock → Hot Corners → Set corner to "Mission Control" or "Desktop". Swipe cursor there.
• Three-finger Swipe Up (Trackpad): Opens Mission Control.

Game-Specific Tips

• Borderless Windowed Mode: Set in game's video settings. Behaves like a normal macOS window — ⌘H, ⌘M, ⌘Tab work perfectly.
• Native Fullscreen (Metal): Creates separate Space. ⌘Tab switches Space; game may pause rendering. ⌘H often fails.
• Steam/GOG Overlay: Shift+Tab (Steam) → "Minimize" button or open browser overlay.

Pro Tip: If a game locks mouse cursor, press ⌘ Command + Option + Esc → Force Quit Applications → select Finder → Relaunch. Resets window server without reboot.