Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Applications stealing focus

While I am working in one application I am often bothered by other applications stealing focus. For example: I'm typing in a text editor, while importing some new CDs with iTunes. I'm happily typing away, I insert a CD to be imported by iTunes in the background, then after a few seconds iTunes steals focus, causing me to loose what I was typing into thin air and to loose my train of thought. It's not just iTunes, many applications steal focus and it is really very annoying, sometimes worse.

Does anyone know of a way to completely disable the ability for applications to steal focus ?

iMac G5 17, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Mar 29, 2008 3:40 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Apr 3, 2008 9:56 AM

Applications stealing focus is a huge problem for me and very disruptive to my work.

I use Spaces to eliminate on-screen clutter: one space for Illustrator, one for PhotoShop and so on.

For example, I'll drag dozens of PS files to Distiller then switch back to InDesign to continue working. Every frigging time Distiller starts the next task it pulls me away from InDesign back to the Distiller space.

The same issue exists with Safari.

I'll open five tabs in one window: one for company email, one for the web-based project management tool, one for the client file site and so on. As I'm typing my username and password to log on to the email, Safari will suddenly switch tabs when the client site loads and I find myself typing in the wrong window.

Whatever the user is doing should be given the most importance. It's insane that the OS can interrupt me when I'm in the middle of typing and place me in another application.

What the **** were the designers thinking? There needs to be a way to turn this off.
31 replies

Applications stealing focus

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.