How to Trigger Mission Control on Magic Trackpad macOS 13

This guide explains the specific Magic Trackpad gesture used to open Mission Control in macOS 13 Ventura. You will learn the default multi-touch action, how to adjust or verify this gesture within your Mac's system settings, and alternative shortcuts available if the gesture is not functioning properly.

The Default Gesture

By default in macOS 13, you trigger Mission Control on a Magic Trackpad by swiping up with three fingers.

Performing this upward swipe reveals an overview of all open windows, desktop spaces, and full-screen applications currently running on your system. Swiping down with three fingers exits Mission Control and returns you to your active window.

How to Verify or Change the Gesture Setting

If swiping up with three fingers does not work, the gesture may be disabled or mapped to a four-finger swipe. To check or modify this setting:

  1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of the screen and select System Settings.
  2. In the sidebar, scroll down and click Trackpad.
  3. Select the More Gestures tab at the top of the window.
  4. Locate the Mission Control option.
  5. Ensure the toggle next to Mission Control is turned on.
  6. Use the dropdown menu to choose between Swipe up with three fingers or Swipe up with four fingers, depending on your preference.

Alternative Ways to Open Mission Control

If you prefer not to use trackpad gestures, macOS 13 offers several other methods to activate Mission Control:

  • Keyboard Key: Press the dedicated Mission Control key (the F3 key) on an Apple keyboard.
  • Keyboard Shortcut: Press Control (⌃) + Up Arrow.
  • Hot Corners: Configure an active screen corner via System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Hot Corners to trigger Mission Control whenever your cursor moves to that corner of the display.