Problem

On macOS, `Cmd + “ (Command + backtick) should cycle between windows of the same application. However, in JetBrains IDEs (WebStorm, IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, etc.), this shortcut often fails to switch between multiple project windows.

Common symptoms:

  • Pressing `Cmd + “ does nothing
  • The shortcut shows as “Dead Grave” in keymap settings
  • Works initially but stops after IDE restart
  • Only switches between some windows, not all

Root Causes

  1. Keymap conflict - The shortcut may be overridden or incorrectly mapped
  2. Terminal override - When IDE terminal has focus, it captures the shortcut
  3. Keyboard layout issues - Non-QWERTY layouts (AZERTY, etc.) cause mapping problems
  4. Session bug - Shortcut works in session but breaks after restart

Solutions

Solution 1: Re-assign the Keyboard Shortcut (Most Effective)

  1. Open Preferences/Settings (Cmd + ,)
  2. Navigate to Keymap
  3. Search for “Activate Next Window”
  4. Right-click and select Add Keyboard Shortcut
  5. Press `Cmd + “ to record the shortcut
  6. If prompted about conflicts, choose to remove other assignments
  7. Apply and restart the IDE

Solution 2: Disable Terminal Override

If the issue occurs when the integrated terminal has focus:

  1. Open Preferences/Settings → Tools → Terminal
  2. Uncheck “Override IDE shortcuts”
  3. Apply changes

This allows `Cmd + “ to work even when the terminal is focused.

Solution 3: Check for Conflicting Shortcuts

  1. Open Preferences/Settings → Keymap
  2. Click the Find Actions by Shortcut button (magnifying glass with keyboard)
  3. Press `Cmd + “
  4. Review all actions assigned to this shortcut
  5. Remove any conflicting assignments

Solution 4: Merge Project Windows (Alternative Approach)

If you want all projects in a single window with tabs:

  1. Go to Window → Merge All Project Windows
  2. Use Ctrl + Tab to switch between projects within the merged window

Solution 5: Use JetBrains Built-in Switcher

Use the IDE’s own window switcher:

  1. Press `Cmd + Shift + “ (or check your keymap for “Activate Previous Window”)
  2. Or use Window menu → select the project window

Third-Party Alternatives

AltTab is a free, open-source app that provides Windows-style Alt+Tab functionality with visual previews.

Features:

  • Shows all windows from all apps with thumbnails
  • Works reliably with JetBrains IDEs (specific fix was added for JetBrains apps)
  • Customizable keyboard shortcuts
  • Shows windows across all Spaces

Installation:

Terminal window
brew install --cask alt-tab

Configuration for JetBrains:

  • After installing, AltTab should automatically detect JetBrains IDE windows
  • Use Option + Tab (default) to see all windows including each IDE project

DockDoor

DockDoor is another free, open-source alternative that shows window previews when hovering over dock icons.

Why This Happens

JetBrains IDEs are single-instance applications on macOS. When you open multiple projects:

  • They run as separate windows of the same application process
  • macOS sees them as one app, not multiple instances
  • The IDE must implement `Cmd + “ internally via the “Activate Next Window” action
  • This implementation can break due to keymap conflicts or updates

Verification

After applying fixes, verify the shortcut works:

  1. Open 2+ projects in separate windows
  2. Press `Cmd + “ - should cycle to next project window
  3. Press again - should cycle to the next
  4. Quit and restart the IDE
  5. Verify the shortcut still works after restart

Sources

  1. JetBrains Support - Cannot switch project windows on Mac using Cmd+`
  2. JetBrains Support - OSX: Switching between project windows
  3. JetBrains YouTrack - IDEA-235818
  4. AltTab for macOS
  5. AltTab JetBrains fix commit