Way to Lock MBP without logging off?

[spring]

Is there a way to lock the computer without logging off? This is my first Mac so I don't know how to do it if there is a way. I want to lock the computer for when I step out quickly, without having to log off causing all the applications to close. On Windows you could simply lock and leave and all your open windows will stay intact.

 

[Animalk]

I would also like to know how to do this.

 

[CrzyCanuck72]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/386458/

 

[spring]

Thanks!

 

[kellah]

Here's a little application made in Automator that accomplishes that. I wanted something similar to how Windows does Win-L to lock the desktop. It took me a while to find it but I download this lil' guy and added a global shortcut to it so I can lock the desktop nicely when I want.

Link