> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://da-home-studio.gitbook.io/elementary-os-user-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://da-home-studio.gitbook.io/elementary-os-user-handbook/overview/desktop-tour/app-windows.md).

# App Windows

Manage your app windows

Each app opens in its own window on the desktop. Some apps may be opened in multiple windows.

The exact design of different apps may certainly differ due to the app specifics, still general options stay the same: **any app window can be moved** over the desktop, **closed**, **hidden**, **resized**, and **maximized**.

{% hint style="info" %}
Mind that some third-party apps may have their own hard-coded window design that does not blend with elementary OS.
{% endhint %}

## App Window Header Bar <a href="#headerbar" id="headerbar"></a>

At the top of their window, most apps have a Header Bar which is often not only a place for window control buttons but a dashboard to navigate through the app's actions and options. For example, you can be absolutely sure that the elementary OS branded gear button ![](https://785535311-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWJaNOvR4IPrjs8m32E3P%2Fuploads%2FEBbcaZmfEqgNs4hSR4Jw%2Fopen-menu.svg?alt=media\&token=e4f6535b-ae6d-43c9-aabc-5553d67480e2) in the top-right opens the app settings, magnifying glass icon shows where you can start searching, and so on.

<figure><img src="https://785535311-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWJaNOvR4IPrjs8m32E3P%2Fuploads%2FD0Jl8SWrkk0DviYnvqCN%2Fwindow-header-light.png?alt=media&amp;token=9edb8365-9407-4b0e-bf38-c60b82373298" alt=""><figcaption><p>Files Window Header</p></figcaption></figure>

:point\_right: To move a window, click and drag anywhere on the Header Bar or press <mark style="background-color:blue;">**Alt**</mark>**&#x20;+&#x20;**<mark style="background-color:blue;">**F7**</mark> and move your mouse cursor.

:point\_right: To access the window options, secondary-click the Header Bar and select an action from the pop-up.

## Window Control Buttons

The location of the elementary OS app window control buttons is what distinguishes the desktop environment from others. The buttons are at the top opposite corners of the app window:

* **Close** — on the left
* **Maximize** (if supported by the app) — on the right

You can also drag a window to the top of the desktop or double-click its header bar to maximize, and drag from the top or double-click the header bar to unmaximize.

{% hint style="info" %}
Yes, you see it right, there is **no "minimize" button** in the window header. That's the design solution and not a glitch. To hide a window, you can use secondary-click menu in the header bar, or the keyboard <mark style="background-color:blue;">**⌘**</mark>**+**<mark style="background-color:blue;">**H**</mark> shortcut instead.
{% endhint %}

## Resizing Windows <a href="#resizing" id="resizing"></a>

You can resize most app windows by simply dragging from any edge of the window. You can also secondary-click a window header bar and then choose **Resize** in the pop-up menu.

## Window Control Shortcuts

Shortcuts are very helpful to quickly interact with the app windows. For example:

* Close — <mark style="background-color:blue;">**Alt**</mark>**+**<mark style="background-color:blue;">**F4**</mark>
* Hide — <mark style="background-color:blue;">**⌘**</mark>**+**<mark style="background-color:blue;">**H**</mark>
* Resize — <mark style="background-color:blue;">**Alt**</mark>**+**<mark style="background-color:blue;">**F8**</mark> (then move the mouse cursor in the direction you want to resize the window)
* Maximize — <mark style="background-color:blue;">**⌘**</mark>**+**<mark style="background-color:blue;">**↑**</mark>
* Show all windows — <mark style="background-color:blue;">**⌘**</mark>**+**<mark style="background-color:blue;">**A**</mark>

You can overview and set up shortcuts for windows control in the System Settings (**Keyboard --> Shortcuts**).

<figure><img src="https://785535311-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWJaNOvR4IPrjs8m32E3P%2Fuploads%2FD5VA4QxRHFhH2wizPXQ7%2Fkeyboard-shortcuts.png?alt=media&amp;token=eb64af73-fd22-466d-8376-cf1c0a6d928c" alt=""><figcaption><p>Keyboard Shortcuts Settings</p></figcaption></figure>