Closing apps on a Mac is a simple task that can be done in several ways. Whether you’re a new Mac user or just want to learn a few new tricks, this guide will walk you through the various methods of closing apps on your Mac, ensuring that your device runs smoothly and efficiently.
Closing Apps Using the Red Button
The most straightforward way to close an app on a Mac is by using the red button located in the top-left corner of the app’s window. To do this, simply click on the red button, and the app will close. This method is quick and easy and works for most apps.
Closing Apps Using the Dock
Another way to close apps on a Mac is by using the Dock. The Dock is the bar at the bottom of your screen that contains icons for all of your open apps. To close an app using the Dock, simply hover your mouse over the app’s icon and click on the "X" that appears in the top-left corner. The app will then close. This method is also quick and easy and is a good option if the app’s window is not visible.
Closing Apps Using the Keyboard
You can also close apps on a Mac using the keyboard. To do this, press the Command (⌘) key and the Q key simultaneously. This will bring up a dialog box asking you if you want to quit the app. Click on the "Quit" button, and the app will close. This method is a bit faster than using the mouse, but it requires you to remember the keyboard shortcut.
Quit an App That’s Not Responding
If an app is not responding, you can force it to quit using the Activity Monitor. To do this, open the Activity Monitor by pressing the Command (⌘) key and the Spacebar simultaneously. Then type "Activity Monitor" into the search field and press Enter.
In the Activity Monitor, find the app that’s not responding and click on it. Then click on the "Quit Process" button in the toolbar. The app will then be forced to quit.
Closing All Apps at Once
If you want to close all of your apps at once, you can use the "Quit All" command. To do this, press the Command (⌘) key, the Option (⌥) key, and the Escape (Esc) key simultaneously. This will bring up a dialog box asking you if you want to quit all of your apps. Click on the "Quit All" button, and all of your apps will close.
Table: Summary of Methods for Closing Apps on Mac
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Red button | Click on the red button in the top-left corner of the app’s window |
| Dock | Hover your mouse over the app’s icon in the Dock and click on the "X" that appears in the top-left corner |
| Keyboard | Press the Command (⌘) key and the Q key simultaneously |
| Activity Monitor | Open the Activity Monitor, find the app that’s not responding, and click on the "Quit Process" button |
| Quit All | Press the Command (⌘) key, the Option (⌥) key, and the Escape (Esc) key simultaneously |
Conclusion
Closing apps on a Mac is a simple task that can be done in several ways. The methods described in this guide will help you to close apps quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your Mac runs smoothly and efficiently.
FAQ about How to Close Apps on Mac
How do I close an app using the red close button?
Click the red circle button in the top-left corner of the app window.
How do I close an app using the keyboard shortcut?
Press Command (⌘) + Q while the app is active.
How do I force quit an app?
Press Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window. Select the app you want to close and click Force Quit.
How do I close all open apps?
Press Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window. Click Quit All to close all open apps.
How do I close an app that doesn’t have a close button?
Right-click the app icon in the Dock and select Quit.
How do I close an app that is frozen or unresponsive?
Force quit the app using the Force Quit Applications window (Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + Esc).
How do I close an app that is running in the background?
Go to the Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor) and select the app you want to close. Click the X button in the toolbar to force quit the app.
How do I close apps using Launchpad?
Open Launchpad, hover over the app you want to close, and click the X that appears on the top-left corner.
How do I close all instances of an app?
Use the Force Quit Applications window (Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + Esc). Select all instances of the app you want to close and click Force Quit.
How do I prevent apps from reopening when I restart my Mac?
Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items. Uncheck the boxes next to the apps you don’t want to reopen at startup.
