macOS Command-Tab moves between apps, not windows. To reach a specific window you can use Command-` for the current app, Mission Control or the Dock. Casement adds Option-Tab, which shows every open window of every app, including minimised ones, and switches to the one you choose.
What macOS has
| Tool | What it switches |
|---|---|
| ⌘ Tab | Between apps |
| ⌘ ` | Between windows of the current app |
| Mission Control | Shows windows spread out; needs a look and a click |
| Dock right-click | Lists some windows of that app |
The gap
If you have three browser windows and two documents open, Command-Tab gets you to the app and then you cycle. Windows-style Alt-Tab shows all five as separate items.
Casement's Option-Tab
- Hold ⌥ and tap Tab.
- Keep holding and tap Tab to move through the tiles.
- Release to switch.
A quick tap flips between your last two windows. See the window switcher page.
Which tool when
| You want | Use |
|---|---|
| Another app | ⌘ Tab |
| Another window of this app | ⌘ ` |
| A specific window of any app | ⌥ Tab (Casement) |
| An overview of everything | Mission Control |
| Your previous window | Quick tap of ⌥ Tab |
Troubleshooting
- If ⌥ Tab does nothing, confirm Casement has Accessibility permission and the switcher is turned on in its panel.
- If a window is missing, it may be on another Space or in a full-screen app.
- If you also use a separate switcher app, make sure only one is bound to the shortcut.
Questions people ask
Does it work with Command-Tab?
Yes. Both stay available.
Try Casement
Casement is a menu-bar app for Mac that puts each Chrome profile in the Dock as its own icon and adds snap layouts, hover-to-focus, a window switcher, Dock window lists, a drop shelf and display controls..