⌥A–Z PRO
Type to jump: switch to any app by typing its name
When you have a lot of apps open, tapping through them takes time. With type to jump, keep holding ⌥ and type the first letters of the app you want. It’s selected at once.
Free on the Mac App Store · macOS 14 or later · No permissions needed
Weekend plans
Jump to an app by typing
Hold ⌥ and tap Tab.
The switcher opens.
Keep holding ⌥ and type.
Type the first letters of the app’s name. The first match is selected and your letters appear in the caption.
Let go.
Release ⌥ to switch to it. To start over, pause for a second and type again, or press Esc to close without switching.
Why you’ll use it
- Two letters are usually enough, however many apps are open.
- It knows app names in your language and in English: “mail” also finds メール, and “yj” finds 邮件.
- What you typed shows in the caption, so you always know where you are.
- Letters never type into the app behind the switcher.
Keyboard shortcuts
- ⌥⇥
- Open the switcher
- A–Z
- Type the first letters of an app’s name
- ⌥
- Let go to switch
- esc
- Close without switching
Free or Pro?
This is an Option Pro feature: a one-time purchase, no subscription. Try it free during setup, with your own apps.
Questions and answers
Is type to jump free?
Type to jump is part of Option Pro, a one-time purchase. You can try it free during setup. Without Pro, typing a letter shows a short note in the caption instead.
Does it work with app names in other languages?
Yes. Option matches the name you see, the app’s English name and, for names in Chinese or Japanese, their Latin spelling and initials. “mail” finds Mail, メール or 邮件.
What if two apps start with the same letters?
Option picks the best match: names that start with your letters first, then words inside names. Type one more letter, or tap Tab to move to the next app.
More guides
How to switch apps on a Mac with the keyboard
Hold ⌥, tap Tab, let go: the whole gesture, step by step, and the keys that make it quicker. Read the guide ⌥⇥How to Alt‑Tab on a Mac
The Alt key on a Mac is the Option key. Here’s how to make Alt‑Tab work the way your hands remember. Read the guide ⌥1–9Pinned apps: your favorite apps, one key away
Give your favorite apps a number. Press 1–9 in the switcher to go straight there. Read the guide ⌥⇥Switch apps on multiple displays
The switcher opens on the display you’re using. With This display only, it lists just that display’s apps. Read the guide ⌥⇧⇥Option keyboard shortcuts: every key in the switcher
Every key in the switcher, from ⌥⇥ to Esc, plus how to choose your own shortcut. Read the guide
Some things are worth getting back.
Hold ⌥. Tap Tab. You’re there.