With the rise of multitasking and content consumption, the ability to watch videos while working on your Mac has become essential. Picture in Picture (PiP) mode allows you to do just that, enabling you to float a video window over any other window on your screen. Whether you’re catching up on a news broadcast while composing an email or watching a tutorial while working on a project, PiP mode offers a seamless and convenient viewing experience. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about how to use picture in picture mode on Mac, from activating it to customizing the viewing experience.
Enabling Picture in Picture Mode
1. Safari:
- Start playing a video in Safari.
- Right-click on the video and select "Enter Picture in Picture."
- The video will minimize into a small floating window that you can move around your screen.
2. Other Browsers:
- PiP mode is not natively supported by other browsers like Chrome or Firefox.
- However, you can install third-party extensions such as "Video Picture-in-Picture" or "Floating Player for HTML5 video" to enable PiP support.
Customizing the PiP Window
- Resize: Hover over the edge of the PiP window and drag to adjust its size.
- Move: Click and drag the title bar of the PiP window to reposition it anywhere on the screen.
- Close: Click the "X" button in the top-left corner of the PiP window to close it.
Controlling Picture in Picture Playback
Basic Controls
- Play/Pause: Click the play/pause button on the PiP window.
- Skip: Use the next/previous track buttons to skip through the video.
- Volume: Click the volume icon to adjust the audio level.
Advanced Controls
- Toggle Fullscreen: Press Command + F on the PiP window to toggle fullscreen mode.
- Mute: Press Command + Shift + M to mute the audio.
- Loop: Press Command + L to loop the video.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
PiP Mode Not Available
- Ensure that the video you’re trying to watch supports PiP mode.
- Check that you have the latest version of Safari or the necessary browser extension installed.
- Restart your Mac to resolve any potential software glitches.
PiP Window Not Responding
- Force quit the video player application (e.g., Safari, Chrome).
- Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) by following Apple’s instructions.
- Create a new user account on your Mac and try using PiP mode in that account.
| Feature | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Enable PiP Mode | Right-click on a video and select "Enter Picture in Picture" |
| Resize PiP Window | Hover over the edge and drag to adjust |
| Move PiP Window | Click and drag the title bar |
| Play/Pause | Click the play/pause button on the PiP window |
| Skip | Use the next/previous track buttons |
| Adjust Volume | Click the volume icon |
| Mute | Press Command + Shift + M |
| Loop | Press Command + L |
Conclusion
Picture in Picture mode on Mac offers an unparalleled multitasking experience, allowing you to seamlessly watch videos while working on other tasks. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone who enjoys multitasking, PiP mode is a valuable tool that can enhance your productivity and entertainment. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can master the art of using PiP mode on your Mac and enjoy a more efficient and enjoyable computing experience.
FAQ about Picture in Picture Mode on Mac
How do I enable Picture in Picture mode?
Click the Picture in Picture button in the video player’s controls. Alternatively, right-click on the video and select "Enter Picture in Picture."
How do I resize the Picture in Picture window?
Hover your cursor over an edge of the window and drag to adjust its size.
How do I move the Picture in Picture window?
Drag the window by clicking and holding anywhere within it.
Can I move the Picture in Picture window to a different monitor?
Yes, drag the window to the desired monitor.
How do I exit Picture in Picture mode?
Click the Picture in Picture button again or drag the window to the bottom of the screen.
Can I adjust the volume of the video in Picture in Picture mode?
Yes, use the volume controls in the Picture in Picture window or in the main video player.
Can I use keyboard shortcuts to control Picture in Picture mode?
Yes, you can use the following shortcuts:
- Enter/Exit Picture in Picture: Command + Option + P
- Resize: Command + Option + Shift + Up/Down
- Move: Command + Option + Shift + Left/Right
Can I use Picture in Picture mode with multiple videos?
No, you can only use it with one video at a time.
Why is Picture in Picture mode not working on my Mac?
Ensure that your macOS software is up to date and that the video app you’re using supports Picture in Picture mode.
Can I customize the appearance of the Picture in Picture window?
No, the appearance is fixed and cannot be customized.
