Introduction
Split screen mode, also known as Split View, is a useful feature that allows Mac users to work with multiple windows side-by-side, boosting productivity and saving time. The feature was first introduced by Apple in OS X El Capitan, and it has been improved with each subsequent version of macOS. In this article, we will explore how to enable and use split screen mode on a Mac, as well as some third-party apps, keyboard shortcuts, and trackpad gestures that can facilitate this process.
How to Split the Screen on Mac
Step-by-step tutorial with screenshots
To enter Split View on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Click and hold down the green full-screen button on the top left of the window you want to use as your first app.
- While still holding down the button, drag the window to the left or right side of the screen.
- Release the button when you see the darkened split screen on your desktop, then click on the other app you want to use on the other side of the screen.
Once you have enabled Split View, you can adjust the size of each app’s window by hovering your mouse over the vertical divider in the center of the screen. The cursor will change into a double-sided arrow, indicating that you can click and drag to resize the window. You can also exit Split View at any time by clicking the green button again or using the Escape key.
How to use Split View with two windows
If you want to use Split View with two windows, you can expand the Dock to select an additional app. To do this:
- Hover your mouse over the bottom of the screen, and the Dock will appear.
- Find the app you want to use and drag it to the left or right side of the screen to join the other app in Split View.
How to use Split View with three or four windows
Split View also allows you to work with three or four windows simultaneously, as long as you have a large enough screen. To do this:
- Enter Split View with two apps using the steps above.
- Hover over the vertical divider between the two windows for a moment until it turns into a dark gray handle.
- Click and drag the handle towards the edge of the screen until the third app you want to use appears in the space between the two windows, then release the handle.
You can repeat this process for the fourth window, but keep in mind that working with more than two or three windows at once may reduce your productivity by making it harder to focus on tasks effectively.
Common issues users may encounter and how to fix them
Some users may experience problems when using Split View, including apps not resizing properly or the feature not working at all. Here are some simple solutions:
Apps not resizing properly
If an app is not resizing correctly in Split View, the most likely cause is that the app’s minimum size is larger than the space available in Split View. To fix this, try resizing the app’s window before entering Split View, or use the app’s zoom function by pressing Command + +.
Split screen not working at all
If you find that Split Screen is not working at all, try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac. To do this, shut down your Mac, press and hold down Shift + Control + Option on the left side of the keyboard, then press and hold down the power button for 10 seconds. Release all the keys and power on your Mac again. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, try resetting the PRAM/NVRAM or seeking assistance from Apple support.
Third-Party Apps for Splitting the Screen on Mac
Overview of popular third-party apps
While Split View is a built-in feature that comes with macOS, there are also third-party apps that offer more advanced features and customization options. Here are three popular apps:
Divvy
Divvy allows you to create custom window sizes and shapes on your desktop by using a grid system. The app offers keyboard shortcuts and drag-and-drop support, making it easy to organize and resize windows quickly. Divvy also supports multiple displays and different spaces, so you can split windows across different monitors and workspaces.
Magnet
Magnet is a simple and intuitive app that lets you snap windows to specific locations on your screen using drag-and-drop or keyboard shortcuts. The app offers 11 predefined window positions, including full-screen, left- or right-half of the screen, and quarters. Magnet also supports multiple displays and different resolutions, so you can maintain a consistent layout across all your Macs.
BetterSnapTool
BetterSnapTool is a feature-packed app that offers multiple ways to resize and position windows on your screen. You can use keyboard shortcuts, trackpad gestures, or the app’s menu bar icon to snap windows to specific areas, such as full-screen, left- or right-half of the screen, thirds, or quarters. BetterSnapTool also offers advanced customization options, including snap areas, keyboard shortcuts, and multi-touch trackpad gestures.
Unique features and drawbacks of each app
Each app has its own unique features and drawbacks, depending on your needs and preferences. Divvy is great for users who want a fine-grained control over window sizes and shapes, but it may be overkill for casual users who just want a simple way to snap windows. Magnet offers a good balance between functionality and ease of use, but its predefined positions may not be sufficient for some users. BetterSnapTool is the most advanced app on this list, with plenty of customization options, but it may take some time to set up and learn all the features.
Keyboard Shortcuts and Trackpad Gestures for Splitting the Screen on Mac
Explanation of keyboard shortcuts for splitting the screen
In addition to drag-and-drop, you can also use keyboard shortcuts to enable and control Split View on your Mac.
- Control + Up Arrow: Enter Full Screen on the current window.
- Control + Left Arrow: Move the current window to the left side of the screen.
- Control + Right Arrow: Move the current window to the right side of the screen.
- Control + Down Arrow: Exit Full Screen or Split View.
Explanation of trackpad gestures for splitting the screen
If you’re using a MacBook or a Magic Trackpad, you can also use gestures to split the screen more efficiently. Here are some examples:
- Swipe left or right with four fingers: Switch to a full-screen app or enter Split View with two windows.
- Swipe up with four fingers: Open Mission Control to see all your open windows and spaces.
- Swipe down with four fingers: Show the Desktop or open Notification Center.
Benefits of Using Split Screen Mode on Mac
Increased productivity
Split screen mode can increase your productivity by allowing you to work more efficiently with multiple windows. You no longer need to switch between apps or resize windows manually, which can save you time and reduce distractions.
Better multitasking
With Split View, you can easily combine multiple apps on a single screen, making it easier to multitask and perform various tasks at once. For example, you can work on a document while referencing a website or chatting with a colleague in a messaging app.
Examples of use cases
Split screen mode can be useful in a variety of situations. Here are some examples:
- Research and writing: You can split your screen between a document and a research tool, such as a web browser or a research database.
- Multimedia consumption: You can watch a video while browsing social media or editing photos.
- Collaboration: You can share your screen with a partner during a video call or a pair programming session.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common issues users may encounter and how to fix them
If you encounter any issues with Split View, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take:
Apps not resizing properly
If an app is not resizing properly in Split View, try resizing the window before entering Split View, or use the app’s zoom function by pressing Command + +.
Split screen not working at all
If you find that Split Screen is not working at all, try resetting the SMC or PRAM/NVRAM on your Mac. You can also seek assistance from Apple support or a community forum.
Additional resources for troubleshooting
If you need more help troubleshooting issues with Split View or other macOS features, visit the Apple Support website or consult a third-party resource, such as a YouTube tutorial or a forum thread.
Conclusion
Recap of key points
Split screen mode, or Split View, is a built-in feature that enables Mac users to work with multiple windows side-by-side. You can enter Split View using drag-and-drop, keyboard shortcuts, or trackpad gestures. Third-party apps offer more advanced features and customization options, but may have their own drawbacks. Split screen mode can improve productivity, multitasking, and collaboration in a variety of use cases.
Final thoughts on using split screen mode on Mac
Split screen mode is a powerful tool that can help you work more efficiently and creatively on your Mac. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, Split View can save you time, reduce distractions, and enable you to perform more tasks at once.