Read on to find out what Split View mode is and how to split screen on your Mac to use two apps simultaneously.
What Is Split View on macOS?
The Split View feature allows you to view two windows on your Mac at the same time without them getting overlapped or jumbled with other opened windows.
If you don’t have an extra monitor, this mode is a great option when you need to simultaneously use two apps. For example, you can look through a document on one side of your Mac’s screen and type the information in to Numbers on the other side. This mode is a lifesaver for people that often multitask on macOS.
There is only one minor downside to this mode—you can choose only two apps to view in Split View.
How Do You Use the Split Screen Mode on Your Mac?
It will take you only a couple of steps to begin taking advantage of this mode. Here’s what you should do to enter the Split View mode:
Open any app, for example, Safari, and move the mouse cursor to the top of the screen for the menu to appear. Make sure that you keep the other app that you want to split view opened and not minimized. At the top-left corner of the screen, you’ll see three buttons of different colors. Move the cursor and place it over the green button. A small popup will appear. Then choose what side of Mac’s screen you want the app that you are currently using to be placed. If it’s on the right side, then select Tile Window to Right of Screen; if on the left, click on Tile Window to Left of Screen. The window that you used to enter this mode will go to the chosen screen side, while on the other side of the screen, you’ll see all of the apps that you left open. Simply click on the app that you want to view on the other side of the screen.
So, now you know how to use two apps side by side on your Mac.
How Do You Adjust the Windows in Split Screen Mode?
To multitask even more effectively, you may want to know how to regulate how much space the windows take up.
If you want the window that is on the left side to be larger, click on the separator between the two windows, hold it, and move as far to the right as needed. The same you can do for the window on the right side of the screen. But remember that there is a certain limit to how much you can adjust the size of the windows.
If you notice that it would be more convenient for you to view one of the apps on the left side rather than on the right, you can easily switch the window’s position without exiting the Split View mode.
To do this, move the cursor to the very top of the screen. This will expose the window’s title bar. Click on it, hold, and move to the other side of your Mac’s screen. This way, the two screens will switch sides.
Also, don’t get scared when you notice that the Dock has disappeared. Actually, it isn’t gone; it’s temporarily hidden. If you want the Dock to appear, move your cursor to the bottom of the screen. It will automatically pop out.
Returning to the Normal View Mode
There are four ways that you can exit the Split View mode. The fastest one is to press the Escape button. The windows will get back to normal right away. But this method doesn’t always work since some apps may use this key for something else.
If you are done working with one of the apps from the Split View screen, then just click on the x button on the top-left of the window that you no longer need to be opened. This way that window will close and the other one will open in full-screen mode.
Alternatively, you can close this mode by moving the mouse cursor to the green button located on top of any of the opened apps and when the popup window appears, click Exit Full Screen.
And the last method to exit Split View is by opening Mission Control. To do this, swipe up with three fingers on the trackpad or press Control + Up Arrow on your keyboard. Them move the cursor to the mini screen showing the windows you’re using in Split View mode and click on the inwards facing arrows button to separate them.
Split View Alternative Apps
Even though the Split View mode is a great and effective way to multitask on your Mac, some find that it is not enough for them. If you are looking for more options and want to view more than two windows simultaneously, you can download an app for this from the App Store.
One of such apps is Magnet. With it, you can view up to four windows at a time on a standard screen and even up to six when using an ultra-wide monitor. And it’s very easy to activate this mode. Simply by dragging the opened windows, or by using keyboard shortcuts, you can choose how to view everything. However, this app is not free. Magnet costs $3.99, but it is well worth the money.
Download: Magnet ($3.99)
Improve Your Productivity With Split View Mode
The fastest and easiest way to view and use two app windows simultaneously is by entering the Split View mode. This way, you don’t need to switch between the apps all the time. And if you want to view more than two apps at the same time, try out some of the third-party alternatives for this purpose.
