How to Use Spaces for Virtual Desktops

Virtual desktops, also known as multiple desktops or workspaces, are a powerful feature offered by many operating systems, including macOS. Spaces is the built-in virtual desktop manager for macOS, allowing you to organize your windows and applications across multiple desktops. This guide will walk you through the steps to effectively use Spaces for virtual desktops on macOS.

Step 1: Understanding Spaces

Spaces provide a way to extend your desktop space virtually, allowing you to create different desktops with their own set of windows and applications. This allows you to group related tasks or projects, which can significantly enhance your productivity.

Step 2: Enabling Spaces

1. Open "System Preferences" by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting "System Preferences."

2. In the System Preferences window, click on "Mission Control."

3. In the Mission Control settings, ensure that the checkbox next to "Displays have separate Spaces" is selected. This option ensures that each connected display will have its own set of spaces.

4. Optionally, adjust other Mission Control settings according to your preference, such as hot corners or keyboard shortcuts for accessing Spaces.

Step 3: Creating and Switching Between Spaces

1. To create a new space, you can use one of the following methods:

   • Method A: Swipe up using three or four fingers on your trackpad. This will reveal the Mission Control view, where you can click the "+" button in the top-right corner to add a new space.

   • Method B: Press the "Control" key along with the "Up Arrow" key on your keyboard to enter the Mission Control view. Then, click the "+" button in the top-right corner to add a new space.

2. To switch between spaces, you can use one of the following methods:

   • Method A: Swipe left or right using three or four fingers on your trackpad. This will allow you to move to the adjacent space.

   • Method B: Press the "Control" key along with the "Right Arrow" or "Left Arrow" key on your keyboard to switch to the next or previous space, respectively.

   • Method C: Enter the Mission Control view using one of the methods mentioned earlier, and then click on the desired space to switch to it.

Step 4: Moving Windows Between Spaces

1. To move a window to a different space, you can use one of the following methods:

   • Method A: Enter the Mission Control view by using any of the previously mentioned methods. Then, click and drag the desired window from one space to another.

   • Method B: Activate the window you want to move, and then use the keyboard shortcut "Control + (number key)" to move it to the corresponding space. For example, if you want to move a window to the second space, press "Control + 2."

Step 5: Configuring App Assignments

Spaces provides the ability to assign specific applications to always open in a particular space. This can save you time and keep your workflow organized.

1. Open the desired app that you want to assign to a specific space.

2. Right-click on the app's icon in the dock, and select "Options" from the context menu.

3. In the Options menu, hover over "Assign To" and select the desired space from the list.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 for any other apps you want to assign to different spaces.

Step 6: Removing Spaces

1. To remove a space, enter the Mission Control view using any of the previous methods.

2. Position your mouse cursor on top of the space you wish to remove.

3. Click on the "X" button that appears in the top-left corner of the space.

4. Confirm the removal by selecting "Delete" when prompted.

Note: Removing a space also closes all windows and applications associated with that space.

By following these steps, you can effectively use Spaces for virtual desktops on macOS. This will help you stay organized, enhance productivity, and optimize your workflow.