I. Introduction
Split screen mode is a powerful feature on Mac that allows its users to work on multiple apps simultaneously. This function is designed for those who hate jumping back and forth between several windows, which can be a rather tedious task. By splitting the screen into two or more separate windows, users can conveniently enhance their workflow and productivity.
This article will give a comprehensive guide on how to use split screen mode on Mac and everything else you need to know about this feature. Aside from activating it, we will also provide tips on how to take full advantage of its benefits and solve common issues that relate to it.
Using split screen mode can significantly improve productivity by making multitasking easier and more efficient. The idea is to divide your screen into two separate windows, allowing you to interact with both apps at the same time. This means that you can write an email while browsing the internet or watch a video while taking notes.
II. How to Activate Split Screen Mode
A. Step-by-step guide
The following steps show how to activate split screen mode:
- Hover over the app’s green full-screen button in the top left corner of the app
- Press and hold the button until the app window shrinks
- Select and drag the app to your preferred half of the screen
- Select another app or window to fill the other half of your screen
If you’re having trouble, here are some tips to help:
- If the app you want to use isn’t currently open, click on it to open it first.
- If the app windows don’t turn into thumbnails when you enter full-screen mode, make sure that “Displays have separate Spaces” is unchecked in System Preferences.
- If you want to split the screen into more than two windows, select “Tile Window to Left of Screen”/”Tile Window to Right of Screen” under the Window menu option.
B. Keyboard Shortcuts
The following keyboard shortcuts can also activate split screen mode:
- Control + Command + F
- Control + Mission Control
If you prefer to use keyboard shortcuts instead of mouse gestures, this is a convenient option. Please note that if you’re using an external keyboard with your Mac, the Command key might correspond to the Windows key.
Additionally, there are other ways to activate split screen mode on your Mac. If you prefer to use third-party apps, we recommend looking at the list provided in the next section.
III. Third-Party Apps
In case the previous methods do not work for you, or you simply want an easier way to activate split screen mode, you can use third-party apps. These apps will automatically split your screen into two or more windows, depending on how many apps you want to display simultaneously.
A. Overview of third-party apps that can help with split screen mode
- Mosaic – available on the App Store, Mosaic has a user-friendly interface and customizable layouts. It offers split screen options from 2 up to 6 windows.
- Grids – previously known as Window Tidy, Grids is a powerful app that allows users to grid up to six windows on the screen easily.
- Divvy – another App Store app, Divvy empowers users to divide the screen layout evenly or according to custom specifications.
- BetterSnapTool – this app runs on Mac’s menu bar, and it allows users to snap any window to the corners or halves of the screen without needing to drag it manually.
B. List of the best apps
If you’re interested in trying these apps out, here is a list of the best ones:
- Mosaic
- Grids
- Divvy
- BetterSnapTool
C. Step-by-step guide on how to use each app
This guide for each app will take you through the simple steps to get started.
Mosaic
- Install Mosaic from the App Store
- Once it is installed, click the App’s icon in the menu bar.
- Select “Layouts” from the drop-down menu, then click “Add New Layout.”
- Set the number of windows you want before Inputting the size of each window
- Select the apps that you want to use in each window slot.
- You may now activate your Layout with a hotkey or by clicking the App icon and selecting the layout to use.
Grids
- Install Grids from the App Store
- Once it is installed, select the layout that suits your display needs from the layout list in the bottom row.
- Select the app and apply shortcuts to start the grids. You may customize the Grids if you want.
Divvy
- Install Divvy from the App Store
- Select “Create New Custom Grid” in the App’s menu bar dropdown
- Select the windows you want to work with, then click on the Divvy interface to create custom windows.
BetterSnapTool
- Install BetterSnapTool from the App Store
- Open the app, then drag the window you want to snap to the screen’s edge or corner.
- The window will automatically resize, freeing up the other side for another window.
- Do this for each window you want to display on the screen, and that’s it.
IV. Tutorials
If you’re still struggling with the process, we’ve curated a list of helpful video tutorials to guide you. These tutorials are easy to follow, detailed, and cover the most essential aspects of using split screen mode on your Mac.
A. A series of video tutorials on how to split the screen on Mac
The following tutorials delve into the process of splitting the screen into small, expandable windows and customizing their sizes.
- Tutorial 1: Introduction to Split Screen mode on Mac
- Tutorial 2: How to use default Split Screen mode in Mac.
- Tutorial 3: How to Split Screen on Mac with Keyboard Shortcuts.
- Tutorial 4: How to use Third-Party Apps to enable Split Screen on Mac.
V. Frequently asked questions
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about split screen mode:
1. What is split screen mode?
Split screen mode allows you to display two or more apps on the same screen simultaneously.
2. How do I turn on split screen mode?
You can turn on split screen mode by hovering over the green button in the top left corner of any app and choosing a window for the other half or by using keyboard shortcuts such as Control + Command + F or Control + Mission Control.
3. What is the keyboard shortcut to activate split screen?
The keyboard shortcut to activate split screen mode is Control + Command + F or Control + Mission Control.
VI. Productivity Tips
The following are some productivity tips to get the most out of split screen mode:
1. Tips on multitasking
- Think about how you want to use your screen space before activating split screen mode. This will help you maximize your productivity.
- Take advantage of the split screen preview feature, which allows you to see what each app looks like before selecting which one to put on your screen’s other half.
2. How to use split screen mode to increase efficiency
- Use split screen mode to compare information easily. For example, you can open your preferred email client on one half and look up related information in the other half.
- Take advantage of the “Tile Window to Left”/”Tile Window to Right” and “Tile Window to Top” options to streamline the placement of your app on either side of the screen.
- Try adding shortcuts for your favourite apps or split screen configurations. This will save you time and make the process more efficient.
3. Examples of how split screen mode can help you work smarter
- Watching an online video while taking notes in a different window
- Browsing websites while composing an email
- Working on two projects simultaneously to streamline the process
- Comparing different articles or webpages to evaluate their suitability for your project
VII. Troubleshooting
If you encounter any problems while using split screen mode, try the following:
A. Common problems encountered while using split screen mode
- The screen doesn’t split immediately when you drag the app to one side of the screen
- The app doesn’t appear on the split screen mode preview view
- Split screen mode is not working as expected
B. Solutions to common errors, such as the screen not splitting or the app not showing up in split screen mode
- Ensure that the “Displays have separate Spaces” setting is unchecked in System Preferences, General.
- Restart your Mac to refresh any app conflicts or glitches
- Activate Mission Control and see if you can drag the window to the intended location using your mouse
- If using third-party apps, ensure that they are compatible with your Mac software and are updated to run smoothly
VIII. Conclusion
Split screen mode is an essential feature for those that require multitasking without a drop in efficiency. This feature is easy to use, and with just a little practice, it can help increase your productivity.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to use split screen mode on your Mac effectively. By following the tips on productivity and troubleshooting, you can take full advantage of the benefits that split screen mode has to offer.
If you want to try split screen mode on your Mac, we recommend you to give it a try and see how it can help with your workflow.