Dragging edge of desktop makes folders and files "hidden" on MacBook

Question

Level 1

31 points

Dragging edge of desktop makes folders and files "hidden" on MacBook

I don't know if this has something to do with an external application or something, but when I go to my desktop and move my cursor to the very edge of either the left or right screen, the mouse changes to this left and right arrow "⬌" . Instead of just being able to click, hold, drag and select items on my desktop, with this feature I am apparently able to hide everything I drag the arrow around.

It's almost like it's producing what my wallpaper looks like behind the folders, but over them instead. It's just bizarre. See the video I took here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WT7z_ygBkY

If anyone knows about this, what is it called? Is there a "quick reset" in case I can't find the arrows or the starting point for making the files on my background practically invisible?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 15″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Jan 24, 2024 3:47 PM

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Answer 1

crumpled666 Author

Level 1

31 points

Jan 24, 2024 6:58 PM in response to Barney-15E

So for some reason my computer logged me out after I closed it (it normally doesn't). When I logged back in, the issue was solved. Even during the issue, however, it was hard to activate whatever was happening. I just wish I knew what the source of it was. Obviously the whole "turn off/on" and "log out/in" solved the problem, but for curiosity sake I'd like to know what was going on. But ce la vie.

Thanks for the quick replies, Barney.

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Answer 2

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,102 points

Jan 24, 2024 4:19 PM in response to crumpled666

It sounds like you are showing the Desktop. Stage Manager makes weird things like that happen, but I’m not sure as I turned it off after about five seconds of use. There is an on/off button in the Control Center.

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Answer 3

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,102 points

Jan 24, 2024 5:31 PM in response to crumpled666

I’m on an iPad right now and will check later, but that is not something anyone would miss on day-to-day use.

Here is some info on Stage Manager. See if it reveals an answer.

Use Stage Manager to organize apps and windows on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 4

crumpled666 Author

Level 1

31 points

Jan 24, 2024 4:41 PM in response to Barney-15E

Yes, I am referring to and showing the actual desktop. Control Center is not on. See video in original post.

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Answer 5

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,102 points

Jan 24, 2024 5:00 PM in response to crumpled666

Really no idea. I have never seen that as any OS feature. You have a ton of stuff installed, many in the status menu area, so it is likely something you installed.

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Answer 6

crumpled666 Author

Level 1

31 points

Jan 24, 2024 5:18 PM in response to Barney-15E

If you’re at your computer will you try it? I have a strange feeling like I discovered this before but, due to how hidden it is and that I don't use it, forgot. My memory is also a bit shaky.

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Answer 7

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,102 points

Jan 24, 2024 7:24 PM in response to crumpled666

I tried with Stage Manager on and off, Showing Desktop or not. I could not get the double-ended arrows to appear or be able to cover up part of the Desktop.

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