Inconsistent Safari Window Switching Behavior with CMD + Tab Shortcut in Full Screen Mode

Product: MacBook Air 2020 (Intel)

OS Version: macOS Ventura 13.3.1

Application: Safari


Description:

While using Safari in full-screen mode with two separate windows open, the behavior of the CMD + Tab shortcut seems inconsistent. The command does not consistently bring up the desired window even after rearranging the windows in the correct sequence. The issue is specifically observed when trying to download a document by dragging and dropping files between the two windows.


Steps to reproduce:

  1. Open Safari and create two separate windows.
  2. Switch both Safari windows to full-screen mode.
  3. Open Finder and select a file for dragging and dropping.
  4. Click and hold on the file to initiate the drag operation.
  5. While still holding the mouse button on the file, press CMD + Tab to switch to the desired Safari window.

Expected result:

The CMD + Tab shortcut should consistently bring up the next window in the sequence defined by the user, allowing the user to drop the file into the desired window.

Actual result:

The CMD + Tab shortcut does not always bring up the expected window, even while holding a file for a drag and drop operation, and after rearranging the windows in the desired sequence.

Attachments:

A video screenshot demonstrating the issue is attached. https://youtu.be/-eLVMNf8Lgo

Impact:

This issue disrupts the workflow of the user, especially when performing tasks that require frequent window switching, like dragging and dropping files for downloads.


MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.3

Posted on May 16, 2023 1:44 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 16, 2023 3:53 AM

The order in Full Screen mode is irrelevant.

You can set Mission Control to arrange full screens by last use or fixed, but that won't change how cmd-tab works.

Cmd-Tab and Cmd-` cycle in a last in first out order. There is no way to change it and the behavior is consistent. It's just not what you want.

Enable the Mission Control shortcuts, ctrl-1, ctrl-2, etc in the System Settings. You can then switch to them in the order they are presented.

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6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 16, 2023 3:53 AM in response to vladkas

The order in Full Screen mode is irrelevant.

You can set Mission Control to arrange full screens by last use or fixed, but that won't change how cmd-tab works.

Cmd-Tab and Cmd-` cycle in a last in first out order. There is no way to change it and the behavior is consistent. It's just not what you want.

Enable the Mission Control shortcuts, ctrl-1, ctrl-2, etc in the System Settings. You can then switch to them in the order they are presented.

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Inconsistent Safari Window Switching Behavior with CMD + Tab Shortcut in Full Screen Mode

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