Getting Started
Split screen functionality on a Mac allows you to easily multitask by displaying two applications side by side on your screen. Whether you need to compare documents, reference information from one app while working on another, or simply want to maximize your productivity, split screen is a valuable feature to utilize. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get started with split screen on your Mac.
To begin, make sure you have the latest version of macOS installed on your Mac. The split screen feature is available on macOS El Capitan (10.11) and later versions, so ensure that your system is up to date.
To use split screen, you’ll need to have two applications open. Start by opening the first application you want to use in split screen mode. You can do this by clicking on the application’s icon in the Dock, searching for it using Spotlight, or selecting it from the Applications folder.
Once the first application is open, click and hold the green maximize button located in the top left corner of the window. After a moment, you’ll see the window shrink and a translucent outline of the screen will appear.
Next, drag the window to the left or right side of the screen, depending on where you want it to be positioned. You’ll notice that the window aligns itself to occupy half of the screen.
Now, release the mouse or trackpad button, and the first application will be snapped into place. If you’re using a keyboard, you can also press and hold the Command key and then press the right or left arrow key to achieve the same result.
To open the second application in split screen, simply click on its icon in the Dock or open it using Spotlight or the Applications folder. The second application will automatically open in the other half of the screen.
Congratulations! You’re now using split screen on your Mac. This feature allows you to work seamlessly with two applications side by side, enhancing your productivity and efficiency.
Using Split Screen with Keyboard Shortcuts
Did you know that you can quickly activate split screen mode on your Mac using keyboard shortcuts? This feature is incredibly handy and can save you time by eliminating the need to manually resize and position windows. Let’s explore the keyboard shortcuts for using split screen on your Mac.
To enter split screen mode using keyboard shortcuts, begin by opening the first application you want to use in split screen. Next, press and hold the Control key and the Up Arrow key on your keyboard simultaneously. This action will expand the window to fill the entire screen.
With the first application now in full-screen mode, move your cursor to the top of the screen. A menu bar will appear, showcasing the available spaces and windows. Click and hold on the application’s title bar and drag it to the left or right side of the screen.
Once you release the mouse or trackpad button, the first application will fill half of the screen, and any other open windows will be displayed in thumbnail form on the other half.
To open the second application in split screen using keyboard shortcuts, locate the thumbnail of the desired application on the empty side of the screen. Click on the thumbnail, and it will automatically open in split screen mode alongside the first application.
Utilizing keyboard shortcuts for split screen allows for a seamless transition between two applications, enhancing your workflow. Remember, you can switch between the applications by clicking on their respective thumbnails in the menu bar or by using the keyboard shortcut Control + Left Arrow or Control + Right Arrow to navigate between them.
Using keyboard shortcuts to activate split screen mode on your Mac is a quick and efficient way to multitask and increase productivity. Give it a try and see how much time you can save by avoiding the need to manually resize and position windows.
Using Split Screen with Mission Control
Another method to activate split screen on your Mac is by utilizing the Mission Control feature. Mission Control allows you to view all your open windows and applications at a glance, making it easier to manage and organize your workspace. Let’s explore how to use split screen with Mission Control.
To begin, make sure Mission Control is enabled on your Mac. Go to System Preferences, click on Mission Control, and ensure that the “Displays have separate Spaces” option is checked. This setting allows applications to run in full screen or split screen mode independently on each connected display.
Once Mission Control is enabled, you can activate split screen mode by entering Mission Control. There are several ways to access Mission Control. You can swipe up with three or four fingers on your trackpad, press the Mission Control key on your keyboard (usually F3 or a dedicated key with a grid icon), or use the Control + Up Arrow keyboard shortcut.
In Mission Control, you’ll see all your open windows and applications displayed as thumbnails. Locate the first application you want to use in split screen and drag its thumbnail to the top of the screen. A new desktop space will be created, and the application will enter full-screen mode.
Now navigate to another desktop space using Mission Control or create a new one by dragging an application to the right side of the screen until a new desktop space appears.
Next, locate the second application’s thumbnail in Mission Control and drag it into the new desktop space. The second application will now open in full-screen mode, side by side with the first application.
You can switch between the two applications in split screen mode by using Mission Control or by swiping left or right with three or four fingers on your trackpad. This action will allow you to easily access and interact with both applications simultaneously.
Using split screen with Mission Control provides a visual overview of your open windows and applications, allowing for easy organization and multitasking. Explore this method to enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow on your Mac.
Adjusting the Split Screen Layout
Using split screen on your Mac offers flexibility in adjusting the layout of the two applications displayed side by side. By making adjustments to the split screen layout, you can optimize your workflow and accommodate your specific needs. Let’s explore how to adjust the split screen layout on your Mac.
To begin, activate split screen mode by following one of the methods mentioned earlier – either through the green maximize button on the window or using keyboard shortcuts or Mission Control.
When the two applications are in split screen mode, you’ll notice a dividing line between them. Move your cursor over the dividing line until it transforms into a double-headed arrow. Click and drag the dividing line to the left or right to resize the applications and adjust the width proportionally.
If you want to switch the positions of the two applications, click and hold on the title bar of one application and drag it to the opposite side of the screen. Release the mouse or trackpad button, and the applications will swap places.
You can also adjust the split screen layout by entering full-screen mode for one of the applications. To do this, move your cursor to the top left corner of the window until you see the green maximize button. Click on it, and the application will expand to fill the entire screen, leaving the other application in a smaller window on the opposite side.
To exit split screen mode and return to normal window mode, move your cursor to the top left corner of the screen until you see the green maximize button. Click on it, or use the keyboard shortcut Control + Up Arrow, to exit split screen and revert to individual windows.
By adjusting the split screen layout, you can create a personalized workspace that suits your workflow preferences. Whether you need more space for one application or prefer to switch the positions of the two applications, the ability to adjust the split screen layout on your Mac allows you to work in a way that is comfortable and efficient for you.
Using Split Screen with Multiple Applications
Split screen on your Mac is not limited to just two applications. You can actually use split screen with multiple applications, allowing you to work on multiple tasks simultaneously without the need to constantly switch between windows. Let’s explore how to use split screen with multiple applications on your Mac.
To begin, activate split screen with two applications using one of the methods we discussed earlier. Once the two applications are in split screen mode, you can open additional applications to add them to the split screen setup.
To add a new application to the split screen, simply click on its icon in the Dock or open it using Spotlight or the Applications folder. The new application will automatically open in a smaller window, side by side with the existing applications.
You can add multiple applications to the split screen setup. Each new application will open in a smaller window, and all windows will be displayed side by side, allowing you to easily switch between them and work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
To switch between the different applications in split screen mode, you can click on the desired application’s window, or you can use the Command + Tab keyboard shortcut to cycle through the open applications.
If you find that you need more space for a particular application in the split screen setup, simply click and drag the dividing line between the windows to resize them and allocate more space to the desired application.
To exit split screen mode with multiple applications, move your cursor to the top left corner of the screen until you see the green maximize button. Click on it, or use the keyboard shortcut Control + Up Arrow, to exit split screen and return to normal window mode.
Using split screen with multiple applications allows you to work on multiple tasks efficiently, without the need to constantly switch between windows. Explore this feature on your Mac to boost your productivity and streamline your workflow.
Troubleshooting Split Screen Issues
While split screen mode on your Mac is designed to enhance multitasking and productivity, you may encounter some issues or difficulties along the way. However, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve common split screen issues. Let’s explore some troubleshooting tips for split screen on your Mac.
1. Check Mac compatibility: Ensure that your Mac is running macOS El Capitan (10.11) or later versions, as earlier versions may not support the split screen feature.
2. Update macOS: Keep your Mac’s operating system up to date. Check for any available software updates by clicking on the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen, selecting “System Preferences,” and then clicking on “Software Update.”
3. Check application compatibility: Some applications may not support split screen mode. If you’re experiencing issues with a specific application, check if it has any restrictions or limitations when using split screen.
4. Restart applications: If a specific application is not functioning properly in split screen, try closing and reopening it. This can help resolve any temporary glitches or conflicts.
5. Restart your Mac: Restarting your Mac can often fix various issues, including split screen problems. Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and select “Restart.”
6. Reset split screen settings: If you’re experiencing consistent issues with split screen, you can reset the split screen settings on your Mac. Go to System Preferences, click on “Mission Control,” and then click on the “Reset To Defaults” button.
7. Verify display settings: Ensure that your Mac’s display settings are configured correctly. Go to System Preferences, click on “Displays,” and verify that the resolution and arrangement of displays are set up as desired.
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues with split screen, you may want to consult Apple Support or an authorized Apple service provider for further assistance and guidance.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common issues and ensure a smoother experience with split screen on your Mac. Don’t let technical difficulties hinder your productivity – explore the various troubleshooting options to get the most out of the split screen feature.
