Split View is a feature on Macs that allows you to view two apps side-by-side on your screen at the same time. This can help increase your productivity by allowing you to multitask more efficiently.
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What is Split View?
Split View divides your screen into two halves, with a different app in each half. For example, you could have your email open on one side and Safari web browser open on the other side.
Benefits of using Split View include:
- Multitask more efficiently by having two apps visible at once
- Compare documents or data between two apps
- Drag and drop content between apps
- Reference information in one app while working in the other
How to Enable Split View
Using Split View is easy once it’s enabled on your Mac. Here are the steps:
Enable Mission Control Setting
- Go to System Preferences > Mission Control
- Check the box for “Displays have separate Spaces”
- Close System Preferences
This setting allows each display to have its own set of Spaces (full-screen apps), which is required for using Split View.
Open Two Apps
- Open the first app you want in Split View
- Hover your mouse over the green button in the top left corner of the app window
- Click “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen”
- The first app will now take up half the screen
- Open your second app and it will automatically fill the other half of the screen
You are now using Split View with two apps side-by-side!
Customizing Split View
Once you have Split View enabled, there are a few ways to customize it for your needs:
Resize App Windows
- Drag the divider bar between the two app windows to make one wider or narrower
Switch App Sides
- Drag an app window from one side to the other to rearrange them
Add More Apps
- Use Mission Control to add more apps and switch between them while keeping your two Split View apps visible
Exit Split View
- Hover over the green button of either Split View app and click “Exit Full Screen”
Tips for Using Split View Effectively
- Put your most used app that you need to reference on one side
- Use Split View during tasks like copying data between documents or filling out forms
- Take notes in one app while researching in another app
- Stream music or video in one app while working in another
- View presentations or documents in one app while taking notes in another
Troubleshooting Split View
If you encounter issues using Split View, here are some things to check:
- Make sure Mission Control setting is enabled
- Quit full screen mode before starting Split View
- Disable any third party window management software
- Check that app windows are not minimized
- Try dragging app windows instead of just clicking
- Restart your Mac
Using Split View is a great way to multitask and be more productive on your Mac. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be using this handy feature all the time! Let us know if you have any other questions.
