CrackMacMac keyboard shortcuts for when you can't see part of the screen
When part of the screen is dead, the keyboard reaches what the mouse can't. These are the shortcuts that matter most, grouped by what you're trying to do. Globe is the key with the globe icon (Fn on older keyboards).
Not sure every key works? Try the free Mac keyboard test.
Reach the menus
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Control-F2 (Fn-Control-F2) | Move focus to the menu bar, starting at the Apple menu |
| Command-Shift-/ | Search every menu command by name |
| Command-, | Open the current app's settings |
Move windows onto good glass
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Globe-Control-F | Fill the screen (macOS 15+) |
| Globe-Control-C | Centre the window |
| Globe-Control-Arrow | Tile to the left, right, top or bottom half |
| Command-M | Minimise the window |
Switch between apps and windows
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Command-Tab | Switch apps |
| Command-` | Switch windows of the same app |
| Control-Up Arrow | Mission Control |
| Command-Space | Spotlight: open anything by name |
System
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Command-Option-Escape | Force Quit |
| Control-Command-Q | Lock the screen |
| Command-Shift-3 / 4 / 5 | Screenshots |
Limits of the keyboard
Tiling shortcuts fill the whole panel, dead part included, because macOS doesn't know which part is broken. After a Globe-Control-F, the window's edge still sits under the damage. That's the gap CrackMac fills: its "fill" means fill the working part, and new windows open there too. Its own global shortcuts search every menu command (Control-Option-Command-M) and every open window (Control-Option-Command-W) on working glass.
If the damage runs along one edge, CrackMac can keep windows, menus and the pointer off it. There's a free 30-minute trial.
Quick answers
How do I move a window on a Mac with the keyboard?
On macOS 15 and later, press Globe-Control and an arrow key to tile a window to that half of the screen, Globe-Control-F to fill the screen, or Globe-Control-C to centre it. The same commands are in the Window menu.
How do I switch windows on a Mac without the mouse?
Command-Tab switches apps, Command-` (the key above Tab) switches windows within the current app, and Control-Up Arrow opens Mission Control.
Damage along an edge?
CrackMac keeps windows, the menu bar and the pointer on the part of the screen that still works, and paints the dead strip black. You draw the line once, on a picture of your screen, and it stays out of your way after that.
- Works on macOS 13 or later, Apple silicon and Intel.
- Free for 30 minutes of use, then a one-time price. No subscription.
- A refund within 7 days, no questions asked.