Split screen mode is a great way to boost your productivity on a Mac. With split screen, you can view two apps side-by-side, which can be very helpful when you need to multitask. However, not everyone knows how to activate this feature on their Mac. In this article, we’ll show you how to split screen on Mac and provide some tips for using it effectively.
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How to do Split Screen on Mac
Split screen mode is a useful feature on Mac that allows you to view two apps side-by-side on the same screen. Whether you want to work on a document while keeping an eye on your email or watch a video while browsing the web, split screen can help you multitask more efficiently. In this section, we will guide you through the steps to split screen on your Mac.
Step 1: Open the Two Apps You Want to Use
To use the split screen feature on Mac, you need to have two apps open that you want to use side-by-side. It’s important to note that not all apps are compatible with split screen mode, but most standard apps like Safari, Mail, and Pages should work.
Step 2: Click and Hold the Green Full-Screen Button
The green full-screen button is located in the upper-left corner of the app window, and it looks like two arrows pointing away from each other. Click and hold this button to reveal a dropdown menu.
Step 3: Choose “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen”
From the dropdown menu, choose either “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen,” depending on which side of the screen you want the app window to appear on.
Step 4: Dock the Second App Window
Click on the other app window to automatically dock it on the other side of the screen. The two app windows should now be displayed side-by-side.
Step 5: Adjust the Divider Line
You can adjust the divider line between the two app windows by clicking and dragging it to the left or right. This allows you to make one window larger or smaller, depending on your preferences.
How to enter Split View on a Mac
If you’re a fan of keyboard shortcuts, you’ll be pleased to know that Mac also offers a quick and easy way to enter Split View. This can be especially helpful if you want to activate the split screen feature without having to use your mouse. Here’s how to enter Split View on a Mac using keyboard shortcuts:
Step 1: Open the Two Apps You Want to Use
First, open the two apps that you want to use in Split View. Make sure they are both compatible with split screen mode.
Step 2: Activate Mission Control
To activate Mission Control, press the “Mission Control” button on your keyboard. This button is typically located on the top row of keys and is represented by a square with three lines.
Step 3: Drag One App to the Desktop
Once you have activated Mission Control, you should see a view of all your open windows and desktops. Click and hold on one of the app windows and drag it to the top of the screen until you see a new desktop appear.
Step 4: Resize the App Window
With one app window on its own desktop, click on it to activate it. Then, use the keyboard shortcut “Control + Up Arrow” to maximize the window to fill the screen.
Step 5: Drag the Second App to the New Desktop
Go back to Mission Control and find the other app window. Click and hold on it, then drag it to the top of the screen and drop it on the other half of the new desktop. The two app windows should now be displayed side-by-side in Split View.
How to exit split screen on Macs
Now that you’ve learned how to enter Split View on your Mac, it’s also important to know how to exit Split Screen mode when you’re done multitasking. Here’s how to exit Split Screen on Macs:
Step 1: Click and Hold the Green Full-Screen Button
To exit Split Screen mode, click and hold the green full-screen button located in the upper-left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Choose “Exit Full Screen”
From the dropdown menu, choose “Exit Full Screen.” This will return both app windows to their original size and position.
Alternatively, you can also use the keyboard shortcut “Control + Command + F” to exit Split Screen mode.
That’s it! You have now successfully exited Split Screen mode on your Mac.
In the next section, we will discuss what the keyboard shortcut for Split Screen on Macs is, so you can easily activate this feature without using your mouse.