How to maximize application on entire screen in Mac OS X

Normally in Mac OS X when we press click on + button of the left - top bar, the window will change it's size.

In Windows we can get just like full screen by using the maximize option, similarly, on Mac OS X we have + option, but sometimes we have to manually stretch application screen?

Why it is so?

Is there any option to maximize when clicking on clicking +?


Solution 1:

On a Mac, the green (+) button is not the maximize button; it is known as the zoom button, and it toggles between a "standard state" and whatever size and position the user has manually set for the window.

Apple's human interface guidelines say "Don’t assume that the standard state should be as large as possible; some monitors are much larger than the useful size for a window. Choose a standard state that is best suited for working on the type of document your application creates and that shows as much of the document’s contents as possible."

For someone with a 30-inch monitor, filling the screen with one window would usually not be desirable, which is why maximize is not part of Apple's user-interface design. It is up to the designer of the application to decide what the most useful size is for a window. Often, that will be the width of a printed page.

Of course, while some people like this behavior, others would like it to work more like Windows does. There are third-party utilities, like Right Zoom, that can be used to change the behavior of the zoom button.

Solution 2:

I know this isn't the sort of answer you want, but try not to maximise everything like you would on Windows. It makes sense for some applications, but the layered window effect is often much easier on a Mac. For example, I keep Safari at 1044x874. This is a good size for almost all websites, and allows me to quickly switch to other applications.

Of course, if you find it really doesn't work for you, then options like the one Kristopher mentioned are a good idea. But I would strongly advise trying to get used to the standard Mac way, as it will probably feel much better if it works for you.