How to Get Out of Full Screen Mode in Krita

Krita is a powerful, open-source digital painting application used by illustrators, designers, and animators around the world. Its customizable workspace and immersive canvas modes make it ideal for focused creative work. However, many users—especially beginners—sometimes find themselves stuck in full screen mode without knowing how to return to the standard interface. Understanding how full screen works in Krita and how to exit it quickly can save time and prevent frustration.

TL;DR: To get out of full screen mode in Krita, press the Tab key to toggle canvas-only mode or press Ctrl + Shift + F (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + F (macOS) to exit full screen. You can also move your cursor to the top edge of the screen to reveal hidden interface elements. If you’re stuck, check Krita’s View menu for display mode options. Knowing which mode you are in is the key to restoring your normal workspace.

Understanding Full Screen Mode in Krita

Before you can exit full screen mode effectively, it is important to understand that Krita offers multiple display modes. These modes are designed to optimize focus and maximize canvas space, but they can look very similar if you are unfamiliar with them.

Krita includes the following primary viewing modes:

• Standard Mode – Displays the full interface, including dockers, toolbars, and menus.
• Canvas-Only Mode – Hides dockers and toolbars to show only the artwork.
• Full Screen Mode – Expands Krita to occupy the entire screen, hiding the operating system’s taskbar or dock.
• Full Screen Canvas-Only Mode – Combines both full screen and hidden interface elements for maximum immersion.

Many users who believe they are stuck in “full screen” are actually in Canvas-Only Mode. The solution depends on identifying which mode you are currently using.

Method 1: Press the Tab Key (Most Common Solution)

The simplest and most effective way to exit canvas-only mode is by pressing the Tab key.

In Krita:

• Press Tab once to hide dockers and panels.
• Press Tab again to restore them.

This shortcut toggles the workspace visibility. If your tools, layers panel, and color selector have disappeared but your window still fills the screen, you are most likely in canvas-only mode.

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This is often triggered accidentally, especially by users working quickly with keyboard shortcuts. The Tab key is easy to press unintentionally, which is why this issue is so common.

Method 2: Use the Full Screen Shortcut

If Krita is occupying your entire monitor and the operating system’s taskbar or dock is hidden, you may be in Full Screen Mode.

To exit:

• Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + Shift + F
• macOS: Press Cmd + Shift + F

This shortcut toggles full screen mode on and off.

Alternatively:

1. Move your mouse cursor to the top of the screen.
2. If the menu bar appears, click View.
3. Click Full Screen Mode to uncheck it.

If both full screen and canvas-only mode are active, you may need to disable them separately by using both shortcuts.

Method 3: Access the View Menu

If keyboard shortcuts are not working, the View menu provides a reliable fallback option.

Follow these steps:

1. Move your cursor to the top edge of the screen.
2. Wait for the menu bar to appear (if hidden).
3. Click on View.
4. Check whether Full Screen Mode or Canvas Only Mode is enabled.
5. Click the active option to disable it.

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This method is particularly helpful if custom shortcuts were modified or disabled in your settings.

Method 4: Restore Workspace Settings

In rare situations, workspace panels may not reappear even after exiting full screen mode. This can happen if:

• Dockers were manually closed.
• The workspace layout was changed.
• A custom workspace configuration was saved.

To restore default dockers:

1. Click Settings in the top menu.
2. Select Dockers.
3. Re-enable necessary panels such as Layers, Tool Options, and Color Selector.

If that does not work:

1. Go to Window.
2. Select Workspace.
3. Choose Default.

This resets the interface layout to its original configuration.

Understanding Canvas-Only Mode vs Full Screen Mode

One reason users struggle to exit full screen is confusion between these two visually similar modes.

Canvas-Only Mode:

• Hides dockers and toolbars.
• Menu may still be accessible.
• Operating system taskbar remains visible.

Full Screen Mode:

• Hides operating system interface.
• Maximizes Krita window to entire display.
• May or may not hide dockers.

When both are active simultaneously, Krita becomes completely immersive—no panels, no taskbar, just your artwork.

While this is excellent for distraction-free digital painting, it can feel disorienting if activated unintentionally.

Custom Shortcut Configuration

Krita allows users to redefine keyboard shortcuts. If standard shortcuts do not work, your configuration may have been modified.

To review or reset shortcuts:

1. Click Settings.
2. Select Configure Krita.
3. Go to the Keyboard Shortcuts section.
4. Search for “Full Screen” or “Canvas Only.”

Here, you can:

• Verify assigned shortcuts.
• Change them to something easier to remember.
• Reset to default settings.

This step is especially useful in shared studio environments where multiple users access the same installation.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Accidentally Pressing Tab

The Tab key sits close to other frequently used shortcut keys. You can disable or change this shortcut if you trigger it too often.

2. Confusing Monitor Settings with Krita Settings

Sometimes users believe Krita is stuck when the monitor itself changes resolution or scaling. Confirm that your operating system’s display settings are functioning normally.

3. Dockers Closed Instead of Hidden

Dockers can be fully closed, not just hidden. In this case, pressing Tab will not restore them—you must re-enable them manually through the Settings menu.

When Problems Persist

If none of the standard solutions work, consider these additional steps:

• Restart Krita completely.
• Update to the latest stable version.
• Reset Krita’s configuration (advanced users only).

Configuration reset typically involves removing or renaming Krita’s settings folder so the program generates a fresh configuration on launch. This should only be done if interface behavior becomes consistently abnormal.

Why Full Screen Mode Exists

It is worth noting that full screen and canvas-only modes are not design flaws—they are intentional features aimed at enhancing productivity.

Benefits include:

• Improved focus: Eliminates distractions.
• Maximized canvas space: Essential for detailed artwork.
• Better presentation: Ideal for client previews.
• Streamlined workflow: Useful with pen displays and drawing tablets.

Professional illustrators often switch rapidly between modes depending on whether they are sketching, coloring, or reviewing composition.

Final Thoughts

Getting out of full screen mode in Krita is typically a matter of pressing the correct shortcut—most often the Tab key or Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + F. The key to solving the issue quickly is recognizing which display mode is active. By understanding the difference between canvas-only mode and true full screen mode, you gain full control over your workspace.

Krita’s flexibility is one of its greatest strengths. While immersive display modes can initially be confusing, they ultimately provide artists with greater control, improved concentration, and a more professional creative environment. Once you become familiar with these toggles, switching between modes becomes second nature—enhancing rather than interrupting your workflow.