Mac Tip: How To Fix Stuck After Effects or Application Windows

If you've ever found yourself frustrated with a window that is stuck at the top of your Mac screen and you can't pull it down to close or move it, here's a quick and easy fix for you.

For this example, we'll use a window from Adobe After Effects, but this method works for any application. Often, you can click on the sides, bottom, or corners to resize the window, but you still might be unable to move it away from the top to access the top bar where you can close or minimize the window. Attempting to fix the issue by going to the window menu or view menu, trying to zoom in, zoom out, or going full screen, usually doesn't help.

Here's the simple and effective fix:

Press the Option Key: Hold down the Option key on your keyboard.
Resize from a Corner: While holding the Option key, move your cursor to one of the corners of the stuck window.
Click and Drag: Click and drag from the corner to resize the window. This should allow you to make the window small enough so that you can see the top bar.
Move the Window: Once you can see the top bar, click on the top handle of the window and move it freely.

By following these steps, you should be able to manage any stuck windows effectively.

Cheers,
Mike Murphy

Keywords

Mac
Stuck window
Adobe After Effects
Resize window
Option key
Move window
Top bar

FAQ

Q: What should I do if an application window is stuck at the top of my Mac and I can't see the top bar?
A: Hold down the Option key on your keyboard, then click and drag from one of the window's corners. This will allow you to resize the window and reveal the top bar.

Q: Does this method work only for Adobe After Effects?
A: No, this method works for any application windows that get stuck at the top of your Mac screen.

Q: I tried zooming in and out and going full screen, but my window is still stuck. What should I do?
A: Those options usually don't fix the issue. Instead, hold down the Option key and drag from the window's corner to resize it.

Q: Can I use this method to move the window after it's resized?
A: Yes, once you've resized the window and can see the top bar, you can click on the window's top handle and move it freely.

Q: Will this method work on all versions of macOS?
A: Yes, the Option key technique should work on most versions of macOS.