How To Quit Apps On Mac

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When using a Mac, there may be instances where you want to quit an application altogether rather than simply minimising it to your dock. This can help free up system resources and keep your Mac running smoothly. This guide will walk you through the process of quitting apps on your Mac.

Method 1: Use the Dock

The simplest way to quit most apps is to use the Dock, which is the bar of icons that sits at the bottom of your screen.

  1. Locate the app you want to quit on your Dock. A small dot underneath the app’s icon indicates that it is open.
  2. Right click on the app’s icon (or hold Ctrl and click).
  3. Select Quit from the context menu that pops up.

Method 2: Use the App Menu

Another easy way to quit an app is to use the app’s own menu.

  1. With the app open, locate its name in the upper left corner of the screen, next to the Apple logo.
  2. Click on the app’s name to open a drop-down menu.
  3. Select Quit [App Name].

Method 3: Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Mac has a built-in keyboard shortcut that you can use to quit apps. Here’s how:

Press Command (⌘) + Q.

Method 4: Use the Force Quit Command

If an app is unresponsive, you may need to use the Force Quit command.

1. Press Command (⌘) + Option + Esc on your keyboard to open the Force Quit Applications window.
2. Select the unresponsive app from the list.
3. Click on the “Force Quit” button.

Remember, Force Quit should be used sparingly as it may cause data loss or corrupt files if used on apps that are currently writing to disk or performing other similar operations.

Conclusion

Quitting apps on Mac is an easy process once you know how to do it. Whether you prefer using the Dock, the app menu, a keyboard shortcut, or the Force Quit command, each method is effective and simple. Keeping your Mac running smoothly involves proper management of your apps, including knowing when and how to quit them properly.