How to Create a New Desktop Space in macOS 13

Creating a new desktop space using Mission Control in macOS 13 Ventura allows you to declutter your screen by organizing open applications into distinct virtual workspaces. This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough on how to launch Mission Control, add a new desktop, navigate between your spaces, and remove spaces when they are no longer needed.

Step 1: Open Mission Control

To begin, you need to open Mission Control using any of the following methods:

  • Trackpad: Swipe up with three or four fingers.
  • Keyboard: Press the Mission Control key (typically the F3 key) or press Control + Up Arrow.
  • Magic Mouse: Double-tap the top surface with two fingers.
  • Launchpad/Finder: Open the Mission Control application from your Applications folder or the Dock.

Step 2: Access the Spaces Bar

Once Mission Control opens, look at the top edge of your screen. You will see a horizontal strip known as the Spaces bar, which displays thumbnails of your currently active desktop spaces and any full-screen applications. If you only see text labels, move your mouse pointer to the top edge to expand the thumbnails.

Step 3: Add a New Desktop Space

  1. Move your pointer to the far-right end of the Spaces bar.
  2. Click the Add (+) button.
  3. A new thumbnail labeled Desktop [Number] will appear in the bar.

Step 4: Switch to the New Desktop

To start working in your new space, click on the newly created desktop thumbnail in the Spaces bar. You can also switch between spaces at any time by pressing Control + Left Arrow or Control + Right Arrow, or by swiping left or right with three or four fingers on your trackpad.

Managing Windows Between Spaces

  • Move an app to the new space: Open Mission Control, then drag an application's window into the desired desktop thumbnail in the Spaces bar.
  • Delete a space: Open Mission Control, move your cursor over the desktop thumbnail you want to remove, and click the Delete (X) button that appears on the top-left corner of the thumbnail. Any open windows in that space will automatically move to an adjacent desktop.