How to Split Screen on Mac to Maximize Workflow

If you’re wondering how to split screen on Mac, you’ve come to the right place. Being able to have two windows open simultaneously is extremely helpful if you need to multitask.

This guide will cover all the steps, methods, and instructions so you can make the most out of this feature. Regardless of what technique you use, it is all very simple.

We’ll show you how you can split screen on Mac with ease. 

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Benefits of Split Screen on Mac

Being able to jump from one window to the next at the same time is marvelously useful. Whether you need to learn how to split screen on Mac for work purposes, school studies, or just to make your casual computer use easier, this is a feature you’ll probably use often. Some examples of why you’d want to use split screen include: 

• Using two apps at once, such as a video call and your calendar
• Being able to view a reference as you work on something, such as if you’re working on a school report and need to cite a source
• Having two browser windows open next to each other, which saves you the time of jumping back and forth

The uses for split screens are numerous. Just pay attention to how often you jump from one window to another and you’ll see pretty fast how handy it is to eliminate that extra step. 

How to Enter Split Screen on Mac: Step-By-Step Guide

How do you split the screen on a MacBook Pro or other Mac device? It’s all just about the same, step-wise. First, though, you should be aware of some prerequisites. This feature began in 2015 and has been standard on all macOS versions since, so if your Mac device is older, you may not be able to enter split screen. Also, not all apps support split screen, so if you try these steps, and it doesn’t work, perhaps try a different app and see if that changes. 

Here are the steps: 

1. Open the two windows you want to use for split screen (ex. Apps, browser windows, etc.)
2. Choose the window you want on the left side of the screen
3. Hover the pointer over the green button in the upper-left corner of this window. Some options will pop up. Select Full screen, then Left of Screen. Depending on your macOS, this may say “Tile Window to Left of Screen,” or some similar variation. Alternatively, you can do the same thing to choose the screen that displays on the right by selecting “Tile window to Right of screen”
   
4. Your screen should now be on the left side (or right)
5. Clicking on the screen you want to show on the right side should automatically make it display on the right. You can use the slider to adjust screen sizing as desired

Note: For newer macOS, such as Sequoia, the split screen can also be activated by simply clicking on the icon that opens up when you hover over the green button. It looks like this: 

Keyboard shortcuts to Split Screen on Mac

While the steps of how to split screen on MacBook/Macs are relatively simple, some users prefer even faster methods, such as a keyboard shortcut. If you’re one of those users, here are the steps: 

1. Open the windows that you want to split screen
2. Press Control + Up Arrow at the same time to open Mission Control. This lets you see all of your windows
3. Drag your first window to the top of the screen by the desktop icon. This means if you click on that window, it will now show as a full screen
4. From the windows still open on Mission Control, choose one and drag it up next to the first window that was in full screen. You’ll see you have the option to place it to the left or right
   
5. This creates the split view. Just click on this to open up a full-screen view of the new split screens

To create your own customized split view keyboard shortcut: 

1. Click on the Apple logo on the top left of your screen
2. Go to System Preferences/Settings (depending on your OS)
3. Scroll down to Keyboard
4. Go to Keyboard Shortcuts
5. Choose App Shortcuts
   
   
6. Click the + button on the right and add “Tile Window to Left of Screen,” using the keyboard shortcut you prefer
7. When you use your new shortcut, the active window will move to the left of the screen, and you can choose an additional window that will automatically move to the right side

How to Exit Split Screen on Mac

When you’re through with using the split screen feature, here’s how to exit: 

1. Choose the window you want to get rid of
2. Hover your cursor to the top left of that screen until the red and green circles appear
3. Tapping on the green icon will exit split screen and tapping the red icon will close the window
4. You can also hover over the green icon and choose “Move Window to Desktop” 
   
5. Note, if you have created multiple desktops through your split screen options, you can manage them via Mission Control. Just open up Mission Control and drag them where you want, or close them as needed. You can also find your other window here after you’ve exited or closed split screen

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t split screen work on my Mac?

Now you know how to split screen on Mac, but what if it doesn’t work? Here are some troubleshooting tips:  

• It could be that you’re not starting out in full screen. You have to split screen from a normal window before you can go to the split view. 
• Make sure your macOS is compatible. It must be an operating system that’s 10.11 or newer.
• Some apps don’t support the split screen mode. Sometimes it may even have a pop-up indicating that the app is incompatible, saying “Not available in this split view.”
• Another possibility is that you don’t have the “Displays have separate spaces,” option toggled on. Access this via Mission Control and be sure the box for this option is checked.

Can I force quit split screen?

You can force quit your split screen. Here’s how: 

1. You can use the following keyboard shortcut: Option + Command + Escape
2. From there, a pop-up Force Quit menu will open. Select the app or browser window you want to close and then hit the Force Quit button
3. Another method, besides the shortcut, is to go to the Apple logo on the top left of your screen and access the Force Quit menu from there

Can I resize windows in split screen?

Yes. When you split screen two windows, they are automatically the same size. Simply drag the edges of your windows to whatever sizing you prefer.