OS X Mountain Lion Bible

Working with Windows

OS X has several kinds of windows. Some windows contain folders and files that the Finder presents to you; these are called Finder windows (see Chapter 3). Some windows contain complete applications, such as iTunes; these are called application windows. Others display documents within applications, such as Microsoft Word; these are called document windows. And some windows display images and movies or play audio files; these are called playback windows.

Additional elements used within applications often are erroneously called windows, such as dialog boxes and panels. Chapter 7 explains these window-like elements.

Most windows in OS X are rectangular and follow guidelines set by Apple that ensure a unified look and feel. There are also common buttons and elements that you can use to resize, maximize, and minimize windows, enabling you to make the most of your desktop real estate.

Understanding windows controls

Windows have few controls, but the ones that do exist are used very frequently.

Title bar

The title bar appears at the top of the window and typically displays the name of the application or document that the window contains. Clicking and dragging the title bar is the common way to move windows around the screen.

Tip

You can hide the toolbar (below the title bar) in Finder windows and in some application and document windows by right-clicking or Control+clicking ...