Mac OS X Shortcut Maximize window

Question

Is there really no way that I can maximize or unmaximize a window in Mac OS X with just the keyboard? (Currently using 10.6.3)

Answer 1

Have a look at RightZoom which is a freeware application for exactly that purpose: It provides the possibility to define a keyboard shortcut for maximizing windows and can override application specific behavior for the green resize button to make it consistent for all apps.

Answer 2

Most Applications have "Zoom" or "Zoom window" commands under a "Window" menu or equivalent. I think the most straightforward solution is to type the following in the terminal:

defaults write NSGlobalDomain NSUserKeyEquivalents '{"Zoom" = "@^Z"; "Zoom Window" = "@^Z"; }'

That command will set the default keyboard shortcut to ⌘+control+z

Answer 3

I use SizeUp. Lots of functions via Keyboard.

Answer 4

Assuming you don't mind running an additional program in the background, which I can see being a dealbreaker, try using SecondBar. It lets you maximize a window (coincidentally, true maximize rather than mac semi-random maximize) with ^⌘⌥ + up arrow. It also offers half screen options as well, if you're interested in that, on top of the primary function (duplicating your menubar on a second monitor). I believe that it is also offered in some way by BetterTouchTool, but I could be wrong on that and it's mostly aimed at the mouse, so it wouldn't help.

Disclaimer: I am in no way associated with SecondBar, just a satisfied user.

Answer 5

I use ShiftIt 1.2.
It is free, small and customizable.