How to Split Screen on Mac

How to Split Screen on Mac

Updated on February 27, 2024

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on mastering the split screen feature on your Mac! Whether you're a seasoned Mac user or just starting out, our step-by-step instructions will empower you to leverage split screen like a pro. Splitting your screen can significantly boost your productivity, allowing you to work on different tasks side-by-side without the constant need to switch between tabs or windows. From getting started with Split View in macOS, resizing windows for optimal workspace, to using split screen across multiple monitors, we've got you covered. We'll also walk you through customizing Split View settings for enhanced productivity, swapping screens effortlessly, and troubleshooting common issues, so you can work more efficiently than ever before. Let's dive in and transform your multitasking experience on Mac!

Table of Contents:

  1. Starting on your journey to master the art of multitasking on your Mac, we begin with the foundation. Before you can truly harness the power of using multiple applications simultaneously, it's essential to understand the basics of initiating Split View. Let's dive into how you can seamlessly enter this mode, laying the groundwork for a more productive workflow.

    How to Use Split View in macOS

    1. Enter Full-Screen Mode
      • Click and hold the full-screen button in the upper-left corner of an app window.
      • When the window shrinks slightly, drag it to the left or right side of your screen, then release.
    2. Choose the Second App
      • The opposite side of the screen will show your other open apps. Click on the one you want to use in Split View.
    3. Adjust the Split View
      • Move your cursor to the divider line between the apps, then click and drag to adjust the width of the apps.
    4. Exit Split View
      • Move your pointer to the top of the screen to reveal the window buttons. Click the full-screen button ⛶ of either app to exit Split View.
      • Alternatively, press Command (⌘) + Control + F on your keyboard.
  2. Now that you're comfortably using Split View, it's time to tailor this experience to fit your unique workflow. At times, the default sizes of the windows may not suffice. Therefore, our next step is learning how to adjust the size of these windows, ensuring that you have the perfect balance for your tasks at hand.

    How to Resize Split Screen Windows on macOS

    1. Enter Split View
      • Click and hold the full-screen button on the upper-left corner of a window.
      • Drag to the left or right side of your screen when the window shrinks, then release it to enter split view mode.
    2. Resize the Windows
      • Move your cursor to the divider between the windows, which will turn into a vertical bar with left and right arrows.
      • Click and hold the divider, then drag left or right to adjust the size of both windows simultaneously.
      • Release the divider once you have achieved the desired window sizes.
    3. Exit Split View
      • Move your cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the window buttons.
      • Click the green full-screen button on either window to exit split view and return the window to its original size.
  3. Mastering the resizing of windows is a significant step; however, the dynamism of work often requires us to swap roles and focuses. This transition introduces the necessity to switch between screens efficiently. Let's explore how you can effortlessly swap screens in Split View, making your workflow even more fluid and adaptable.

    How to Swap Screens in Split View on Mac

    1. Enter Split View
      • Click and hold the full-screen button in the upper-left corner of a window.
      • Drag the window to the left or right side of the screen, then select another open application for the other side.
    2. Swap Screens
      • Move your cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the window buttons.
      • Click and hold the full-screen button of the window you wish to move.
      • Without releasing the button, drag the window to the opposite side of the screen. Release the button to drop the window into the new position.
  4. As you become more adept at juggling multiple windows, the need for a cleaner, more unobstructed view might arise. Entering and exiting Full Screen Mode within Split View can dramatically alter your visual space, offering a deeper focus or a quick glance at your desktop. We'll guide you through the nuances of toggling Full Screen Mode to optimize your viewing experience.

    How to Enter and Exit Full Screen Mode in Split View

    1. Open the First App
      • Open the first app you want to use by clicking on its icon in the Dock or finding it through Spotlight search.
    2. Enter Full Screen Mode
      • Click on the green full-screen button located at the top left corner of the app window or press Ctrl + Command (⌘) + F to enter full screen mode.
    3. Open and Position the Second App
      • Swipe up with three or four fingers to open Mission Control, and drag the second app’s window to the highlighted space next to the full-screen app.
    4. Adjust the Split View
      • Click and drag the divider in the center of the screen to adjust the window sizes according to your preference.
    5. Exit Split View
      • Move your pointer to the top of the screen to reveal the window buttons and click the green full-screen button, or press Ctrl + Command (⌘) + F again to exit full screen mode for both apps.
  5. With the basics well in hand and an understanding of visual space management, taking advantage of Mission Control's features is the next logical step. Mission Control elevates your Split View experience by offering a bird's-eye view of your workspace. Let's discover how it can be used to enhance your multitasking abilities even further.

    How to Use Split Screen with Mission Control

    1. Access Mission Control
      • Swipe up with three or four fingers on your trackpad, or press Control + Up Arrow to open Mission Control.
    2. Select the First Application Window
      • Click and hold the full-screen button in the upper left corner of a window. Wait for the window to shrink, then drag it to the left or right side of your screen.
    3. Select the Second Application Window
      • Click on another window to add it to the opposite side of the screen.
    4. Adjust the Split Screen Division
      • Click and drag the divider in the center of the screen to adjust the size of the windows.
    5. Exit Split Screen View
      • Move your cursor to the top of the screen and click the green full-screen button of either window or press Esc to return to the regular view.
  6. Our exploration isn't confined to a single screen. Many professionals work with dual monitors or more to expand their digital workspace. Integrating Split View across multiple monitors can significantly enhance your productivity. The important considerations and steps to achieve this are what we will uncover next.

    How to Use Split Screen Across Multiple Monitors

    1. Set up Your Monitors
      • Ensure all monitors are properly connected to your computer and powered on.
      • Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings. Arrange your monitors accordingly.
    2. Split Screens Using Windows Snap Assist
      • Click and hold the title bar of the window you wish to move, then drag it to the edge of the monitor until an outline appears.
      • Release the mouse to snap the window into place. For a quarter snap, drag the window to a corner until the outline appears.
      • Use Windows key + Left arrow/Right arrow to quickly snap windows without dragging.
    3. Split Screens on macOS
      • Click and hold the full-screen button in the upper left corner of a window.
      • Select which side of the screen you want the window to occupy, then release the button.
      • Open another window and click the full-screen button to occupy the other half of the screen.
  7. To truly make the most of the Split View functionality, personalization is key. Customizing Split View settings allows you to refine your workflow down to the finer details. In this section, we'll explore how adjusting these settings can lead to better productivity, catering the experience to your personal or professional needs.

    How to Customize Split View Settings for Better Productivity

    1. Activate Split View
      • Click and hold the full-screen button in the upper-left corner of a window.
      • Drag the window to the highlighted side of your screen where you want it to appear.
    2. Adjust Split View Preferences
      • Once in split view, move the divider to adjust the size of the windows.
      • Swap sides by dragging a window to the opposite side if needed.
    3. Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency
      • Press Ctrl + Cmd + F to enter or exit full-screen mode and initiate split view setup.
      • Use Cmd + Tab to switch between applications while in split view.
  8. Even with a well-tuned setup, you might occasionally encounter bumps along the road. Common Split Screen issues can range from simple to complex, but fear not. We'll walk you through troubleshooting these problems, ensuring that you maintain a smooth and seamless multitasking environment on your Mac.

    How to Troubleshoot Common Split Screen Issues on Mac

    1. Verify Split View Compatibility
      • Check that you are running macOS Sierra or later as earlier versions do not support Split View.
    2. Enter Split View
      • Hold down the full-screen button in the upper-left corner of a window.
      • Drag the window to the left or right side of the screen.
    3. Troubleshoot Split View Not Working
      • Ensure that 'Displays have separate Spaces' is enabled in System Preferences > Mission Control.
      • Try restarting your Mac to resolve any temporary software glitches.
    4. Adjust Split View
      • Click and drag the divider in the middle of the screen to adjust the size of the windows.
    5. Exit Split View
      • Move your pointer to the top of the screen to reveal the window buttons and click the full screen button ⛶ again.
We hope this collection of guides has helped you master the art of using split screen on your Mac. From entering Split View to customizing settings for peak productivity, we've covered everything you need to make the most of your screen real estate. Whether you're multitasking like a pro, organizing your workspace across multiple monitors, or troubleshooting an issue, these steps should have you well on your way to a more efficient and enjoyable macOS experience. Happy multitasking!

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