How to Do Split Screen on MacBook

So, you’ve got a shiny MacBook and a whole lot to do. Maybe you want to draft that report while watching a YouTube tutorial, or check your email while attending a Zoom meeting. What you need is a magic little thing macOS calls Split Screen. It lets you work in two windows, side by side, like a multitasking wizard. ✨

TL;DR

Split Screen on your MacBook lets you view and use two apps at once. It’s super helpful for multitasking without switching tabs or resizing windows manually. Just click and hold the green full-screen button, and pick another app to share the screen. It works best in full-screen mode and with compatible apps.

What Is Split Screen?

Split Screen is a feature on Mac that allows you to use two apps at the same time. Think of it like slicing your screen down the middle. One app on the left, one app on the right. No more overlapping windows or Alt+Tab-ing your life away.

It’s available on macOS Catalina and newer versions. So if your MacBook is fairly recent, you’re in luck.

How to Enter Split Screen Mode

Here’s how you dive in. It only takes a few steps:

1. Open the two apps or windows you want to use.
2. Go to the top-left corner of one window and hover over the green full-screen button (the one with two arrows).
3. Hold your cursor there until you see a dropdown menu.
4. Select either “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen.”
5. Your window will snap to that side of the screen.
6. Then, choose the second window from the remaining options to fill the other side.

Boom 💥 — now you’re multitasking like a pro!

Adjusting the Split

Not happy with the 50/50 layout? No problem! There’s a slider in the middle you can drag left or right. This changes how much space each window gets.

Want more email space and less calendar? Slide away.

Exiting Split Screen

Ready to go back to a single app view? Here’s how:

• Move your cursor to the top of either window until the menu bar appears.
• Click the green full-screen button again.

This will exit the Split Screen mode for the selected window and bring your Mac back to the regular desktop layout.

Using Mission Control with Split View

Want to bounce between Split Screens and other desktops or apps?

Use Mission Control! Here’s how:

• Press the F3 key (or use the three-finger swipe up gesture on your trackpad).
• You’ll see your Split Screen in its own desktop space at the top.
• Click and drag apps into or out of Split Screen to customize your setup.

Can I Do Split Screen with More Than Two Apps?

Short answer: No, at least not in true Split View.

macOS only supports two apps in full-screen Split Mode. But you can still manually resize other windows outside Split View if you want even more going on.

Some Apps Don’t Work? Don’t Panic!

Yes, it’s true. Not all apps support Split Screen. OpenGL-based apps or some third-party tools might refuse to play nice.

In that case, your best bet is to use Split View only with compatible Mac apps like Safari, Mail, Notes, Calendar, and most Apple tools.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

Can’t enter Split Screen? Here’s what might be going on:

• App isn’t compatible: Try using another.
• You’re in a minimized window: Maximize it first.
• Already in full-screen mode? You can’t use Split View until you exit.
• Older macOS version: Upgrade if you can!

Still stuck? Try closing and reopening both apps, then repeat the steps.

Split Screen Keyboard Shortcuts (Kinda)

There’s no exact shortcut for activating Split Screen, but here are a few helpers:

• F3 – Open Mission Control.
• Control + Arrow Keys – Switch between desktops or Split Views.
• Command + Tab – Quick switch between open apps.

While it’s not a one-key solution, these shortcuts can speed things up a lot!

Pro Tips for Split Screen Users

• Use Notes and Safari: Great for research projects.
• Combine Calendar and Mail: Schedule and plan like a boss.
• Video call + Doc: FaceTime while taking notes!

Try different combos to find what works best for you. MacBook real estate is precious, so use every pixel wisely.

Alternatives to Split Screen

If you’re missing Split Screen functionality or want more flexibility, check these out:

• Stage Manager: A new feature on macOS Ventura and later for keeping apps organized.
• Third-party tools: Apps like Magnet or BetterSnapTool offer advanced window-snapping abilities.

These tools let you place more than two windows and snap them however you like.

Final Thoughts

Split Screen can totally change the way you work on your MacBook. Whether you’re writing a school paper or planning your next trip, having two windows side by side just makes life easier.

Don’t be afraid to play around with combos and layouts. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Happy multitasking!