How to Assign Application Spaces on a Mac

Apple's Spaces utility, included in the release of Mac OS X Leopard, allows users to create multiple virtual desktops to organize their windows and applications. By default, every new program you run opens in the space in which you are currently working. However, you can also assign certain applications to specific spaces, so you never have to worry about cluttering your desktop. This article explains how to set applications to open in designated spaces, and how to modify those settings.

Things You'll Need

• OS X 10.5 or later

Instructions

1. Open "System Preferences" by clicking on the icon in the dock.

2. Click the "Expose & Spaces" control-panel icon, then choose the "Spaces" tab at the top of the window.

3. Ensure that the Spaces utility is turned on by checking the box next to "Enable Spaces."

4. Click the plus sign in the lower left corner of the "Application Assignments" part of the window and choose "Other" from the drop-down menu.

5. Browse through the pop-up window to find the application you wish to assign to a space. Click on the application's name and choose "Add." The application will now appear in the "Application Assignments" list.

6. Click to the right of the application's name. In the drop-down menu that appears, select the space in which you want that specific program to open. Refer to the top of the control-panel window to see your current organization of spaces.