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How to split screen on Mac?

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If you’re a multitasker and want to work on two tabs simultaneously, Mac has a split view feature specially designed for your needs. Switching back and forth between windows can be very frustrating; therefore, if you want to copy something from the web into a document or compose an email while looking at a PDF report, the split view lets you see the two windows side-by-side.

If you’re using macOS Catalina or later, this feature helps you work efficiently without setting up a second screen. The split view feature automatically resizes the two windows so that you can work side-by-side on two applications.

This article will guide you on how to launch split-screen view, how to work on split-screen view, and how to exit split-screen view on Mac.

Also read: Top 7 split screen games to play on PC


How to launch split-screen view on Mac?

Open applications you want to work on and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: Hover your cursor over the green Full-Screen icon located on the top left corner of the screen or click on it and hold.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Choose from Tile Window To Left Of Screen or Tile Window To Right Of Screen. Once you click on one of the two options, the application you want to work on will automatically fit that side of the screen.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

If you’re using macOS Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, or El Capitan, as you click and hold the full-screen button, the window shrinks, and you can drag it to the left or right side of the screen as per your liking, then release the button.

Step 3: Click on a window on the other side of the screen to start using both applications side-by-side.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

Split view not working fix

If you cannot enter the split view on Mac, then follow the steps given below to make changes in the settings.

Step 1: Click on Apple menu icon, located on the top-left corner.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Choose System Preferences.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

Step 3: Click on Mission Control.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

Step 4: Check the box that says Displays Have Separate Spaces.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

Also read: How to enable split screen and multitask on Android 9 Pie, Oreo and Nougat


How to work on split-screen view on Mac?

You can work efficiently on two applications side-by-side without getting distracted by other background applications in the split view. Here is how you can work on split view using its different features on Mac.

How to choose second application?

To choose the second application you want to work on, click anywhere on the window after entering the split view.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

How to see menu bar?

To see the menu bar, move the cursor at the top of the screen. Menu bar will appear automatically.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

How to swap apps?

If you want to swap the window positions of the application you’re working on, click on the top of the window and drag it to the left or right side.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

How to adjust window width?

You can adjust the width of the window by dragging the vertical line between the windows.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

How to switch to other apps?

Use multi-touch gesture by swapping left or right with four fingers on trackpad in order to switch to other applications or go to desktop.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

Also read: How to split Python strings?


How to exit split screen view on Mac?

Follow the steps mentioned below to exit split screen view on Mac.

Step 1: Move the cursor to the top in order to reveal the window buttons.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Click on the green full-screen icon on either of the window or select Exit Full Screen if the option appears. This window will exit split view mode.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

Step 3: The other window will automatically switch to a full-screen view. You can use multi-touch gestures by swapping left or right with four fingers on the trackpad to go to the other window.

How to split screen on Mac? | Candid.Technology

Also read: How to use your iPad in Split Screen mode?

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Monika Shukla

When not busy managing sports events, she tries to churn out sensible words on paper. Has an interest in tennis, photography, Hindi & Urdu poetry. You can contact Monika via email: monikashukla@pm.me

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