How to Split Screen on Mac

Introduction

With the introduction of the Mac OS X El Capitan, Apple introduced a new feature that allows users to split their screen into multiple sections.

This feature, known as Split View, allows Mac users to view two apps side-by-side or view one app in full-screen mode while using another app in the background.

The feature is available on all versions of Mac OS X operating system and macOS, including macOS Catalina, macOS Mojave, macOS High Sierra, and macOS El Capitan.

In this article, we’ll explain how to use the Split View feature on your Mac and provide some tips for getting the most out of it.

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What Is Split Screen?

The Split screen feature allows you to divide your screen into two or more sections so that you can view multiple windows at the same time.

This can be useful if you need to compare two documents side-by-side or if you want to watch a video while working on something else.

Split Screen Mode vs Full Screen Mode

When using split screen mode or split screen view, the windows will be divided into two or more sections (one tile window each) and will remain visible at all times.

Typically, in the case of two sections, one tile window will be on the left of screen and one tile window will be on the right of screen.

In full screen mode, only one window will be visible at a time and the other windows will be hidden until you switch back to them.

Using the Menu Bar and System Preferences

The easiest way to split your screen is by using the menu bar or system preferences.

To do this, simply click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences”.

From here, select “Mission Control” and then “Tile Windows”.

This will display a green button in the top right corner of each window that you can click on to split the window into two sections.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts and Split View Mode

If you prefer to use keyboard shortcuts instead of the menu bar or system preferences, then you can use the “Split View Mode” shortcut.

To do this, press Command + Option + F on your keyboard and then click and drag the window that you want to split into two sections onto either the left or right side of the screen.

This will automatically divide the window into two sections.

Using MacOS Mojave and High Sierra

If you are using MacOS Mojave or High Sierra, then you can use the “Split Screen View” feature to easily split your screen into two sections.

To do this, simply click and drag one window onto either the left or right side of the screen and then select “Split Screen View” from the drop-down menu that appears in the top right corner of the window.

This will automatically divide your screen into two sections.

Using Third-Party Apps and Different Ways to Split Your Screen

If you are using third-party apps such as Chrome or Firefox, then there are different ways that you can split your screen. For example, in Chrome you can press Command + Option + F on your keyboard and then click and drag one window onto either the left or right side of the screen. This will automatically divide your screen into two sections. In Firefox, you can press Command + Option + S on your keyboard and then click and drag one window onto either the left or right side of the screen. This will also automatically divide your screen into two sections.

Using a Magic Mouse or Trackpad

If you have a Magic Mouse or Trackpad, then you can also use it to split your screen into two sections. To do this, simply move your mouse pointer or trackpad cursor over one window and then press down with two fingers until a vertical line appears between the two windows. You can then adjust the width of each window by dragging this line left or right with one finger while keeping two fingers pressed down on the mouse or trackpad.

Using Fullscreen Mode

If you want to view one window in fullscreen mode while still having access to other windows, then you can use fullscreen mode. To do this, simply click on the fullscreen button in the top left corner of any open window and it will expand to fill up your entire screen. You can then open another app in fullscreen mode by clicking on its fullscreen button while keeping one app in fullscreen mode open at all times.

Using Split View on Your Mac

Split View is a great way to multitask on your Mac. With it, you can view two apps side-by-side or view one app in full-screen mode while using another app in the background. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open both apps that you want to use in Split View.
  2. Click and hold the green full-screen button in the upper left corner of one of the windows.
  3. Drag the window to the left or right side of the screen.
  4. When you see a vertical line appear on the screen, release the mouse button.
  5. The window will be resized to fit one half of the screen.
  6. Repeat steps 1-5 for the other app that you want to use in Split View.
  7. To adjust the width of each window, click and hold the vertical line between them and drag it left or right.

Using Mission Control to Switch Between Apps in Split View

If you have multiple apps open in Split View, you can easily switch between them using Mission Control. Here’s how:

  1. Open Mission Control by clicking its icon in the Dock or pressing F3 on your keyboard.
  2. You’ll see all of your open windows displayed as thumbnails in a grid.
  3. To switch between apps in Split View, click and hold one of the thumbnails and drag it to either side of the screen until it snaps into place.
  4. To close an app in Split View, click and hold its thumbnail and drag it down to the bottom of the screen until it disappears.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts for Split View

If you prefer to use keyboard shortcuts for Split View, you can do so by pressing Command + Option + F on your keyboard. This will open both apps that you have open in full-screen mode and allow you to switch between them with ease. You can also press Command + Option + Spacebar to toggle between full-screen mode and split view mode for both apps at once.

Using System Preferences for Split View

If you want more control over how your apps are displayed in Split View, you can do so by going to System Preferences > Mission Control > Displays Have Separate Spaces option and enabling it. This will allow you to have different windows open in each space and switch between them with ease using Mission Control or keyboard shortcuts as mentioned above.

Using Third-Party Apps for Split View

If you’re looking for more control over how your apps are displayed in Split View, there are several third-party apps available that offer additional features such as adjustable window widths, customizable keyboard shortcuts, and more. Some popular options include Magnet, Divvy, Spectacle, and BetterSnapTool.

Different Ways to Use Split Screen on Your Mac

Split Screen is a great way to multitask on your Mac and make better use of your screen real estate. Here are some different ways that you can use it:

  • Use two apps side-by-side for research or comparison purposes
  • Use one app in full-screen mode while working on another app in the background
  • Use two browsers side-by-side for web development purposes
  • Use two windows side-by-side for more efficient file management
  • Use two windows side-by-side for video editing purposes
  • Use two windows side-by-side for photo editing purposes
  • Use two windows side-by-side for gaming purposes

Conclusion

Split Screen is a great way to multitask on your Mac and make better use of your screen real estate.

Whether you’re using two apps side-by-side or one app in fullscreen mode while using another app in the background, Split Screen makes it easy to get more done faster without having to switch back and forth between different windows or apps constantly.

With its easy setup process and customizable options, Split Screen is a must-have feature for any Mac user looking to get more out of their system.

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Konnichi wa / Great Outdoors

February 04, 2023 — Konnichi wa