One global history
A single, browser-like Back/Forward stack that spans every app you move through — not five recent contexts, a real trail.
The Mac finally has a Back button.
ReturnFast is a native macOS 14+ menu-bar app that keeps an on-device, browser-style history across applications. Press ⌥⌘[ to go back or ⌥⌘] to go forward; supported apps can restore a matching tab, file, folder, or window.
One-time purchase · no subscription · no free trial · macOS 14+
Works across the apps you already use
Deep restoration in supported tools; app- and window-level history everywhere else.
VS Code
Cursor
Chrome
iTerm2
Slack
Finder
PostmanMac navigation, explained
A Back button is different from an app switcher
App switchers help you choose a destination. ReturnFast remembers the ordered path you took, so you can retrace it and move forward again.
What is ReturnFast?
ReturnFast is a global Back and Forward history for macOS. It records navigation locations on your Mac and restores the deepest context available for each app—from a matching Chromium tab or Finder folder to an editor file or matching window.
One history for your whole Mac
Precise adapters for the tools you work in — and app-level Back for everything else.
Deeper supported restores
Return to a matching browser tab, Finder folder, editor file or window. Restoration depth varies by app and available macOS data.
VS Code & Cursor
Raises the editor window and, when macOS exposes a usable path and line, opens the captured file at that line.
Automatic work detours
Leave an editor or terminal for another app and ReturnFast keeps that work location as a return anchor.
Window restore
Raises a matching window when its title is still available — and un-minimizes it from the Dock if needed.
Keyboard-first
Back, Forward and detour on global shortcuts you choose. Hands stay on the keys, flow stays intact.
Local navigation history
Your navigation trail stays on your Mac. Only purchase and license activation data goes to the licensing service.
Native Mac app
A lightweight Swift menu-bar utility designed to stay out of the way and respond from anywhere.
Buy once, own it
A one-time license you activate on your Macs. No subscription, ever. Lifetime updates for v1.
One price. Yours forever.
No subscription. No free trial. Buy ReturnFast once and own it.
ReturnFast · Personal license
$29once · yours forever
No subscription. No free trial. Buy it once, own it.
- Global Back & Forward across your whole Mac
- Best-effort VS Code / Cursor file & line restore
- Matches supported Chromium tabs and Finder folders
- Terminal and all-app window restoration
- Work detours & matching-window restore
- Activate on 1 Mac
- On-device navigation history · native Swift · lifetime v1 updates
Frequently asked questions
Is this a subscription?
No. ReturnFast is a one-time purchase. You pay once and own your license — there’s no recurring fee and no free trial to cancel.
How many Macs can I use it on?
The Personal license activates on 1 Mac; the Multi-Mac license on 3. If an old Mac still occupies a seat, contact hello@returnfa.st for help.
Which apps does it support?
Chrome, Brave and Edge can return to a matching tab and URL. VS Code, Cursor, VSCodium and Windsurf support editor-window restore plus best-effort file and line restore. Finder supports folders. Terminals and other apps use exact-window or window-title-level restoration.
Does my data leave my Mac?
Your navigation history stays on your Mac and is not uploaded. License activation separately sends your license key, a generated device ID and your Mac name to the licensing service so it can enforce your seat limit.
How is this different from Command-Tab?
Command-Tab chooses an app. ReturnFast keeps an ordered Back and Forward history across apps and can restore a more specific location when an integration supports it.
What do I get after buying?
Your license key and a download link for the macOS app, both shown on screen right after checkout and emailed to you. Every purchase also creates a passwordless account at returnfa.st/license where the key and download always live.
What are the requirements?
macOS 14 or later. ReturnFast needs Accessibility permission to identify and raise windows; supported Chromium, Finder, iTerm2 and Terminal integrations may also request Automation permission.
Do I get updates?
Yes — your purchase includes all v1 updates as adapters keep pace with Chrome, VS Code and the rest. Optional major upgrades may come later.
What's your refund policy?
ReturnFast does not offer a standard money-back guarantee. You can earn a partial or full refund by posting a short video about ReturnFast — see the Creator offer. Questions? Email hello@returnfa.st.
Need setup or license help? Visit ReturnFast support.
Practical guides
Navigate your Mac with less friction
Clear, honest guides to built-in macOS navigation and cross-app return paths.
How to go back on a Mac
Built-in Back commands, app switching, and when a global history helps.
Read guide →Switch between Mac windows
Choose between Command-Tab, Command-`, Mission Control, and history.
Read guide →VS Code and Cursor navigation
Use editor history well and recover after leaving your coding context.
Read guide →Reduce context-switching cost
A practical return-path workflow for developers and other Mac power users.
Read guide →Give your Mac a Back button.
Stop hunting for where you were. Buy once, press ⌥⌘[, and just go back.