How to Split Screen on Mac: Make Multitasking Easier

Multitasking is one of the key ways we increase productivity, and on a Mac, the split screen feature can be a game-changer. Whether you’re working on multiple projects, comparing documents, or simply browsing the web while watching a video, split screen on Mac makes it easy to view and interact with two apps at once. In this blog, we will explore how to use this powerful feature, its benefits, and how to solve common issues you might encounter while multitasking.

How to Use Split View on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide for Multitasking

The Split View feature on Mac is a great tool for users who need to work with two apps at the same time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Split View on Mac:

1. Open Two Apps: First, make sure you have two apps open that you want to use in split screen. For example, you can have Safari open on one side and Word on the other.
2. Enter Full-Screen Mode: Click the green button in the top left corner of the window of one of the apps. This will make the app enter full-screen mode.
3. Drag to the Side: After clicking the green button, hold the Option key and drag the app to the left or right side of your screen. You’ll see a shaded area indicating where the window will snap.
4. Choose the Second App: Once your first app is in Split View, the other side will show thumbnails of other open apps. Click on the app you want to display next to your first app. This will automatically arrange them side by side.
5. Adjust the Split: You can adjust the amount of screen space each app uses by dragging the vertical divider between the two apps. This way, you can customize your layout according to your needs.

Now, you can easily interact with both apps side by side, making multitasking easier than ever before.

Mastering Split Screen on Mac: How to Arrange Two Apps Side-by-Side

Once you’ve activated split screen on Mac, arranging your apps side-by-side is key to improving your workflow. Here’s how you can master Split View to make the most out of the feature:

1. Snap the Apps: After entering full-screen mode with the first app, drag it to one side of your screen. You’ll notice that the other apps will automatically minimize to let you choose the second app. Clicking on the second app will snap it into place on the other side of the screen.
2. Resize Windows: By hovering over the middle divider, you can click and drag it to resize the apps. You can give more screen real estate to one app if you need more space for that particular task.
3. Use App Switcher: If you need to switch between apps, you can use Mission Control by swiping up with three fingers on your trackpad or pressing F3. This lets you quickly see all the open apps and desktops, so you can drag them into your split screen workspace.
4. Add More Windows: If you need to use more than two apps, you can create multiple desktops by entering Mission Control and dragging apps into different desktops. You can then use Split View on each desktop for maximum productivity.

By organizing apps side by side, you can switch between tasks seamlessly and keep everything organized within your view.

How to Enable and Exit Split Screen on Mac: Quick Tips

While split screen on Mac is a powerful feature, it’s important to know how to exit it when you’re done. Here’s how to enable and exit Split View efficiently:

To Enable Split Screen:

• Click the green button in the top left corner of a window.
• Drag the window to the left or right side of the screen.
• Choose the second app to display on the opposite side.

To Exit Split Screen:

• Move your cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the menu bar.
• Click the green button again to exit Split View and return both apps to their original window sizes.
• Alternatively, press Esc to exit full-screen mode for both apps.

You can also quickly return to regular window mode by pressing Command + Tab to switch between apps and then resizing them manually.

Why Split Screen on Mac Improves Your Productivity: Top Benefits

Using split screen on Mac is not just about convenience; it’s also about productivity. Here’s why Split View can help you get more done:

1. Better Task Management: By displaying two apps side by side, you can easily switch between tasks without losing focus. Whether you’re responding to emails while writing a report or comparing two documents, split screen keeps everything visible, reducing the need to constantly switch between windows.
2. Improved Multitasking: Multitasking becomes easier with Split View, allowing you to focus on two important tasks simultaneously. This is especially helpful for work that involves research, writing, or project management.
3. Efficient Use of Screen Real Estate: With Split View, you make the most of your screen’s size, so you don’t need to constantly minimize and maximize windows. This leads to faster workflows and a cleaner, more organized desktop.
4. Less Window Switching: Gone are the days of minimizing windows and searching for files across multiple tabs. With split screen, you can have everything visible at once, which saves time and reduces distractions.

Common Issues with Split Screen on Mac and How to Fix Them

Although split screen on Mac is a powerful feature, there are some common issues users face. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

1. Apps Not Entering Split View: Sometimes, an app may not respond to split screen commands. Make sure the app is compatible with Split View and that it’s in full-screen mode. Some apps might not support this feature.
2. Unable to Resize Windows: If you can’t resize the window divider, try restarting your Mac or exiting and re-entering Split View. It may also help to check the app settings to ensure it’s not restricted in the layout.
3. Apps Get Stuck in Full-Screen Mode: If an app won’t exit full-screen mode, force quit it by pressing Option + Command + Esc and then relaunch it.
4. Split View Not Working with Three Apps: Split View only supports two apps at a time. If you want to use more than two apps, consider using Mission Control to organize them across multiple desktops.

How to Use Split Screen on MacBook Pro and MacBook Air for Better Workflow

Whether you have a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, the split screen on Mac feature works similarly on both devices. The smaller screens of the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro might make multitasking slightly challenging, but Split View can help maximize the screen real estate. Here’s how to use Split View on these devices:

1. Ensure Apps are Open: Open the apps you need and click the green button in the top left corner of one of the windows.
2. Enter Split View: Drag the window to either the left or right side of the screen, then select the second app.
3. Resize and Arrange: Use the divider to adjust the screen size of each app. With MacBook Pro’s larger screen, you may be able to split apps more effectively, but MacBook Air’s smaller screen might require more careful management.

Conclusion

Split screen on Mac is an excellent tool for anyone looking to boost productivity and streamline their workflow. By learning how to use Split View, you can easily manage multiple tasks and applications without constantly switching between windows. Whether you’re on a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or a desktop Mac, the ability to arrange two apps side by side allows for greater efficiency and less distraction. So, give split screen on Mac a try today, and experience the benefits of multitasking like never before!