Understanding the Desktop Dock and Menu Bar

Navigate macOS confidently using the desktop, Dock, menus, Control Centre and notifications.

What you will learn

• Identify the main macOS screen areas
• Open switch minimise and close app windows
• Use Control Centre Spotlight and Notification Centre

Before you begin

Use non-sensitive practice files and save your work before changing settings. Menu names can vary with the macOS version and MacBook model, so use System Settings search or the Help menu when an option is not immediately visible.

Meet the desktop

The menu bar runs along the top, the desktop is the main workspace and the Dock normally appears at an edge of the screen. Finder remains available for files and folders.

The app name beside the Apple menu shows which app is active. Its menus change with the active app, even when another window is visible.

Manage apps and windows

Click a Dock icon to open or switch to an app. The red button closes a window, yellow minimises it and green changes the window view; closing the last window does not always quit the app.

Use Command-Tab to switch apps and Command-Q to quit the active app. Save work before quitting, restarting or shutting down.

Use status controls

Control Centre provides quick access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound, display and Focus. Click the date and time to see notifications and widgets.

Spotlight searches apps, files, settings and other available information. Open it with Command-Space and type a specific term.

Guided practice

1. Open two apps from the Dock and switch with Command-Tab.
2. Use Spotlight to open System Settings.
3. Find Wi-Fi and sound controls in Control Centre.

Knowledge check

1. Where do the active app menus appear?
2. Does closing a window always quit its app?
3. Which shortcut opens Spotlight?

Completion standard

Continue when you can complete the guided practice safely and explain the knowledge-check answers in your own words.