Hot Corners turns each corner of the Mac screen into a shortcut. Move the pointer fully into a configured corner and macOS can show Mission Control, reveal the desktop, open Launchpad, start a screen saver, lock the screen, or run another built-in action.
This guide applies to recent macOS versions with a mouse or trackpad.
Does This Affect You?
Use Hot Corners if you want fast mouse-based access to common Mac actions without remembering a keyboard shortcut or clicking through menus.
Turn On and Assign Hot Corners
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Select Desktop & Dock.
- Scroll to the bottom and click Hot Corners.
- Use the four dropdowns to choose an action for the top-left, top-right, bottom-left, or bottom-right corner.
- Choose actions such as Mission Control, Application Windows, Desktop, Notification Center, Launchpad, Screen Saver, or Lock Screen.
- Click Done, then move the pointer into the corner to test it.
Require a Modifier Key
If you trigger a corner by accident, macOS can require a key such as Command, Option, Shift, or Control before the corner runs.
- Open System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Hot Corners.
- Open a corner dropdown while holding the modifier key you want to require.
- Choose the action while still holding the key.
- Test by moving to that corner with and without the key held down.
Hot Corners Tips
A Practical Layout
Many people put Mission Control in one top corner, Desktop in the other, and Lock Screen or Screen Saver in a bottom corner. Start simple and adjust after a day of use.
Leave a Corner Empty
If you play games, present slides, or often work near screen edges, leave one or more corners set to no action to avoid interruptions.
External Displays
With multiple monitors, Hot Corners work on the display where your pointer is located. The same corner assignments apply across screens.
Keyboard Shortcuts Still Work
Most Hot Corner actions also appear under Keyboard Shortcuts for Mission Control, so you can use both pointer and keyboard access.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use Hot Corners on Mac
- Apple Support: Use Mission Control on your Mac
- Apple Support: Customize Desktop and Dock settings