Exiting full screen in Mozilla Firefox is pretty straightforward. Simply press the “F11” key on your keyboard, and voilà, you’re back to the normal viewing mode. It’s a quick and easy process that gets you out of full screen and lets you access other parts of your desktop or other windows you have open.
After completing the action, your Mozilla Firefox browser will return to its standard window size, allowing you to view your taskbar, other browser tabs, or applications that you may have open simultaneously.
Introduction
Full screen mode in Mozilla Firefox can be a nifty feature when you want to eliminate distractions and focus solely on the content in front of you. Whether you’re watching a video, reading an article, or presenting a web page, full screen mode maximizes the webpage to fill your entire screen, hiding all other elements, including the browser’s toolbars and the taskbar. But what happens when you need to get out of it? Maybe you need to check a notification, or you simply want to multitask. Knowing how to exit full screen in Firefox is crucial for a seamless and efficient browsing experience.
This article is particularly important for those new to Mozilla Firefox or for users who may not be tech-savvy. It’s also relevant for users who have accidentally entered full screen mode and are unsure how to revert to the normal display. So, if you’ve found yourself stuck in full screen and are frantically pressing keys to escape, take a deep breath, and let’s walk through the steps together.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Exit Full Screen in Mozilla Firefox
Before we dive into the steps, it’s worth mentioning that exiting full screen mode will allow you to access your browser’s menu, extensions, and other applications on your device. It’s a simple process that won’t affect any of your open tabs or ongoing work.
Step 1: Press the “F11” Key
Press the “F11” key on your keyboard.
This is the quickest and most common method to exit full screen in Firefox. The “F11” key is typically located on the top row of your keyboard. When you press it, the browser should immediately switch out of full screen mode.
Step 2: Use the Exit Full Screen Button
Move your cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the toolbar, then click the exit full screen button.
In case the “F11” method doesn’t work, or you’re using a device without a keyboard, this method can be your go-to. The exit full screen button usually appears as a small icon with two diagonal arrows pointing inward.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Exiting full screen mode in Firefox is incredibly user-friendly. Anyone, regardless of their technical knowledge, can perform this task with ease. |
| Quick Access to Other Applications | By exiting full screen, you can quickly switch to other tools or applications without minimizing or closing your browser first. |
| Uninterrupted Browsing | Exiting full screen doesn’t disrupt any ongoing activities in the browser. All tabs and activities remain as they were. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Accidental Exit | Sometimes, it’s easy to press the “F11” key accidentally, which can be disruptive if you were intentionally using full screen mode. |
| Hidden Toolbar | If you’re not familiar with the feature, it may not be immediately obvious how to access the toolbar and buttons to exit full screen. |
| Device Compatibility | The “F11” key method may not work on all devices, especially tablets or devices without a physical keyboard. |
Additional Information
While the steps above are pretty simple, there might be times when they don’t work as expected. For instance, if your keyboard is malfunctioning or if you’re using a device where the “F11” key serves a different function. In such cases, you can try using the menu button at the top-right corner of Firefox (it looks like three horizontal lines) to exit full screen. Here, you’ll find the “Exit Full Screen” option under the “View” menu.
Another point worth noting is that certain web applications can request to go full screen and may provide their own mechanism to exit full screen. In such scenarios, look for an exit button within the web page or application itself.
And remember, if you’re ever stuck, Mozilla Firefox’s support pages offer extensive help and guidance on managing browser settings, including full screen mode.
Summary
- Press the “F11” key to exit full screen.
- If “F11” doesn’t work, reveal the toolbar by moving the cursor to the top of the screen and click the exit full screen button.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the “F11” key doesn’t work?
If pressing “F11” doesn’t exit full screen, try moving your cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the browser’s toolbar, then click the exit full screen button. If that fails, you can access the option to exit full screen from the browser’s menu under the “View” section.
Can I exit full screen mode on a touchscreen device?
Yes, on a touchscreen device, simply swipe down from the top of the screen to access the toolbar, and then tap the exit full screen button.
Will I lose my open tabs when exiting full screen mode?
No, exiting full screen mode will not close or affect any of the tabs you have open.
Is there a menu option to exit full screen in Firefox?
Yes, you can click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner of Firefox, go to the “View” menu, and select “Exit Full Screen.”
Can web pages force me into full screen without my permission?
No, web pages require your permission to enter full screen mode. If you’re in full screen without your consent, it’s likely due to pressing “F11” accidentally.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned user or new to Mozilla Firefox, understanding how to exit full screen is vital for a fluid browsing experience. It’s a simple task that can enhance your multitasking abilities and ensure that you maintain control over your browsing environment.
Remember, pressing “F11” is your quick escape route, but the browser’s menu and toolbar are always there as a backup. With this knowledge in hand, you can enjoy the benefits of full screen mode without feeling trapped in it.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.