Using Flip 3D

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated November 9, 2015)

If you like the Windows Aero features, you'll be glad to know that the Flip 3D functionality introduced in Windows Vista still exists in Windows 7. Flip 3D is a fancy way to cycle through all of your open windows. It's similar to Alt + Tab but with a 3D flare.

By holding down the Alt key while pressing the Tab key, you can preview each of your open windows sequentially. However, by holding down the Windows key while pressing the Tab key, your open windows are presented in three dimensions. By continuing to press the Tab key you can rotate through the windows until the one you want is on top, at which time releasing the Windows key will make it the active window. If you don't want to cycle through all of your windows, simply clicking the one you want will make it active.

Since Windows 7 doesn't have an icon for Flip 3D (as Vista did), you can create your own shortcut to invoke it. Right-click on an open area of the desktop and select New | Shortcut from the resulting Context menu. For a shortcut location, type the following:

C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe dwmapi #105

Click the Next button and enter a name for your shortcut (perhaps "Flip"). Click Finish and you can now drag your new shortcut to the Taskbar. When you click it, Flip 3D activates. You can Tab your way through the windows as before or click the window you wish to work in.

 This tip (12647) applies to Windows 7.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

How the Registry is Organized

There may come a time when you need to view or even modify the registry. In such a case, it's good to know how the ...

Discover More

Everything

If you want to be able to find any file on your hard disk in just seconds, Everything is a utility you'll find ...

Discover More

Understanding the Command Line For Loop

A niche command that sometimes comes in handy is the FOR loop. It has several forms and therefore can serve several ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Understanding Virtual Memory

Computers can address far more locations than may exist in physical memory. The key to this feature is the use of virtual ...

Discover More

Moving and Resizing Windows

The ability to work on multiple things simultaneously is a hallmark of Windows. If you have many windows up at once, ...

Discover More

Determining if You Have 32-bit or 64-bit Windows

There are occasions when you may want to know whether you're running the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows. This tip ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is eight less than 8?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.