Command-Tab switches between apps, not windows, and the Dock shows one icon per app, so individual windows are easy to lose. Built-in remedies are Command-backtick, Mission Control and App Exposé. Casement adds Option-Tab, a list of every open window across all apps, and Dock hover lists that name each window of an app.
What the problem looks like
You have three documents in one editor, six Chrome windows and two Finder windows. You know the contract draft is open, but pressing Command-Tab takes you to the app and shows whatever window was last in front. You cycle, lose your place, and eventually minimise something in frustration.
The problem grows with the number of windows per app. A single window per app is easy; ten browser windows are not.
Why macOS makes it hard
macOS organises the world around applications. The app switcher lists apps, the Dock lists apps, and the menu bar belongs to the front app. Windows are second-class: you reach them through the app, then through its Window menu or Mission Control. Minimised windows are further hidden, sitting in the Dock's right-hand side.
People who come from Windows, where Alt-Tab lists windows, feel the difference every day. The guide to Alt-Tab for Mac covers the built-in options.
Built-in ways to reach a specific window
- Command-` (backtick) cycles through windows of the current app.
- Mission Control (swipe up with three or four fingers, or press F3) shows all windows as thumbnails.
- App Exposé (swipe down with three or four fingers) shows only the front app's windows.
- Right-click or long-press the Dock icon to list the app's windows by name.
- The Window menu in the menu bar lists the app's windows by title.
These work, but each takes several steps and none lists every window of every app in one place.
Where Casement helps
Hold Option and press Tab and Casement shows every open window across all apps as tiles, most recent first, minimised ones included. Tap Tab again while Option stays down to step along, and release to switch. A quick tap flips between your last two windows, which covers most of what you need.
Hover over an app in the Dock and Casement pops up a list of that app's windows by name. You can also pin files and pages to the list. See the window switcher and Dock window lists.
What it does not do
Casement lists windows; it does not search their contents. If you need to find a specific page by what it says, use the app's own search or your browser's tab search.
Habits that reduce lost windows
- Name documents clearly so the window title tells you what it is.
- Use Spaces for separate tasks.
- Group browser tabs into a few windows instead of many.
- Close windows when you finish with them.
Questions people ask
Does Option-Tab replace Command-Tab?
No. Command-Tab still switches apps. Option-Tab is an addition that switches windows.
Does it show minimised windows?
Yes, minimised windows appear in the list.
Is it free?
Yes, the window switcher and Dock window lists are free.
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..