The Mac Observer

Skip navigational links

You're viewing an article in TMO's historic archive vault. Here, we've preserved the comments and how the site looked along with the article. Use this link to view the article on our current site:
Scrolling in Background Windows

TMO Quick Tip - Scrolling in Background Windows

by , 2:00 PM EDT, April 18th, 2008

Scrolling up or down in document or Finder windows is something we do every day, and it's a task that doesn't have to be limited to the currently selected window. You can scroll through non-selected, or background, windows, too, and it doesn't involve crazy origami finger positions, either.

If you have a Mac laptop that supports two-finger scrolling, just place the mouse pointer over the window you want to scroll through. Now use the two-finger trackpad scrolling shortcut to move up or down through the window. This trick works with mice that support window scrolling, too.


Position the pointer over the window you want to scroll, no need to select the window first.

I use this trick when I am researching information on the Internet. I can scroll up or down through a Web page while taking notes in OmniOutliner or BBEdit without having to first jump back to my Web browser.


Jeff Gamet is TMO's Morning Editor and Reviews Editor. He lectures, teaches and speaks on Mac OS X and design-related topics, and is the author of The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X from Peachpit Press.

if you have tips or tricks to share, or Mac-related questions you want answered.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:Mikuro Posts: 457 Joined: 15 Jun 2002
Subject:

This tip should work in any app in Leopard. In Tiger and earlier, though, it works in the Finder, but not in most other apps.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: In Tiger and earlier, though...

Thanks for that, I thought I was going mad.

Close Name:apex Posts: 63 Joined: 23 Jun 2001
Subject: Not in Firefox

Doesn't work for me in Firefox 2.

Comment on this Article


You cannot edit your comments.   You cannot delete your comments.

Comments are currently closed. Please email the author instead.


Recent Headlines - Updated February 12th

Sat, 4:11 PM
MacOS KenDensed - MacOS KenDensed: iPad 3 Frenzy, Big-time Apple & Steve Jobs, G-Man
Fri, 8:10 PM
News - Apple Sues Motorola Mobility in California Over German Case
7:54 PM
Free on iTunes - OnLive Desktop: Windows & Office on Your iPad
7:43 PM
Product News - Apple Rolls Out MacBook Air Configurations for Education
6:35 PM
Just a Peek - Battle Pocket Bulge With The Hint for iPhone
6:01 PM
Rumor - Apple Reportedly Bringing MacBook Air Styling to Pro Line
4:50 PM
Particle Debris - The Hidden Gotchas of Browser Security
3:56 PM
Apple Stock Watch - Analyst: Paying a Dividend Makes Sense for Apple
2:58 PM
Deal Brothers - iMac 27-inch 2.93GHz Intel Quad-Core i7 processor:  $1,999
2:45 PM
In-Depth Review - Theodolite App for iOS is Breathtaking
12:52 PM
Apple Stock Watch - Mizuho Securities Starts Apple Coverage with $635 Target
11:35 AM
Hot Forum Topic - Forum Poll: Are You Planning on Buying a New iPad?

The Mac Observer Reader Specials

  • TypeStyler 11 is now in the Mac App Store!! -- Special Introductory Price of $59.95!! -- To Buy From The Mac App Store Click Here Now!! Or buy direct from Strider Software.
  • Mac RAM Upgrades: MacBook Pro 16GB kits $475, 8GB Kits for $119.99! iMac 16GB RAM Kits (4x 4GB) for $229.99! Mac Pro Memory 32GB Kit for $399.99, 64GB Kit for $889.99! Mac Hard Drives 2TB Seagate SATA II for $249.99! Click Here!
  • Poker Mac If you're using a Mac, then you've gotta check out Online Poker Mac. This mac poker and online casino mac site actually does the unthinkable, it actually rewards!
  • __________
  • Buy Stuff, Support TMO!
  • Podcast: Mac Geek Gab
  • Podcast: Apple Weekly Report
  • TMO on Twitter!