The split view screen feature on the iPad allows you to view two apps side-by-side at the same time. This can help boost your productivity as you can easily reference information from one app while working in the other.
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Who This Article Is For
This article is designed for iPad users who want to learn how to use the split view screen feature. It covers everything you need to know, from checking if your iPad supports split view to customizing the split view to suit your needs. Even if you’ve never used split view before, you’ll be able to follow along.
My Experience With Split View
As a long-time iPad user, I rely on the split view feature daily to enhance my productivity. Whether I’m researching information in Safari while taking notes in Notes, comparing documents side-by-side in Files, or referring to a recipe while adding ingredients to my grocery list, split view helps me get more done in less time.
I’ve used split view on various iPad models over the years and have mastered all of its capabilities. In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned to help you take full advantage of this useful iPad capability.
Check If Your iPad Supports Split View
The first step is confirming that your iPad model supports the split view feature. Split view is available on:
- iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad Air 2 and newer
- iPad 5th generation and newer
- iPad mini 4 and newer
To check your iPad model:
- Go to Settings > General > About
- Look under “Model Name”
If you have one of those models and are running iPadOS 13 or later, your iPad supports split view.
How to Enter Split View
Entering split view is quick and easy:
- Open the first app you want to view in split view mode. This will be on the left side.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the dock.
- Touch and hold an app icon in the dock, then drag it off the dock to the right side of the screen.
The screen will now be split in half with your two chosen apps.
Customizing the Split View
You can customize the split view to suit your current needs:
Resizing apps: Drag the vertical divider line left or right to make one app larger and the other smaller.
Switching apps: Swipe the bottom app icons left or right to quickly switch out one of the two apps currently in split view.
Exiting split view: Drag the vertical divider all the way to the left or right edge of the screen so one app fills the display. Or, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and long press on one of the app preview windows, then tap “Close” to exit split view.
Tips for Using Split View Effectively
- Use split view for tasks like researching and writing papers, planning trips while booking flights/hotels, writing code while testing in preview pane.
- Pin important apps like Messages or Calendar to the dock for quick access in split view.
- Split view works in both portrait and landscape mode. Rotate your iPad to the orientation that works best for your current task.
- Use Slide Over for quick reference of a third app. Swipe in an app from off the right side of the screen.
I hope this comprehensive overview gives you the knowledge and confidence to start using split view on your iPad. Let me know if you have any other questions!
