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How to Split Screen on Mac

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.

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.

What is the keyboard shortcut for split screen on Mac

If you’re a keyboard shortcut enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that Mac offers a keyboard shortcut to activate Split Screen mode quickly and easily. This can be a great time-saver and can help you switch between apps and multitask more efficiently. Here’s what the keyboard shortcut for Split Screen on Mac is:

The keyboard shortcut for Split Screen on Mac is “Control + Command + F.”

To use this shortcut, simply make sure the two apps you want to use in Split View are open and active. Then, press “Control + Command + F” on your keyboard, and the two app windows will automatically resize and dock side-by-side.

This shortcut works on most standard Mac apps, but it’s worth noting that some apps may not be compatible with Split Screen mode.

In the next section, we will discuss why your Mac may not be able to do Split Screen, and how to troubleshoot this issue.

Why won’t my Mac do split screen

While Split Screen mode is a useful feature for multitasking on your Mac, it’s possible that your Mac may not be able to do Split Screen for a number of reasons. Here are some troubleshooting tips to try if your Mac won’t do Split Screen:

  1. Check App Compatibility

Not all apps are compatible with Split Screen mode. Some apps, such as Microsoft Office, may not work with Split Screen mode, while others may require specific settings to be enabled. If you’re having trouble using Split Screen mode with a particular app, check the app’s documentation or support resources to see if there are any compatibility issues or settings you need to adjust.

  1. Check System Requirements

Split Screen mode requires a certain level of system resources to work properly. If your Mac is running an older version of macOS, or if it has limited memory or processing power, Split Screen mode may not be available or may not work as expected. Check the system requirements for Split Screen mode on your version of macOS to ensure that your Mac meets the necessary specifications.

  1. Restart Your Mac

Sometimes, simply restarting your Mac can fix issues with Split Screen mode. Try restarting your Mac and then attempting to use Split Screen mode again.

  1. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) and PRAM (parameter random-access memory) are types of memory that store certain settings and preferences on your Mac. Resetting these memory types can sometimes fix issues with Split Screen mode. To reset NVRAM/PRAM, restart your Mac and then hold down the “Option + Command + P + R” keys until you hear the startup sound twice.

  1. Update macOS

If your Mac is running an older version of macOS, updating to a newer version may fix issues with Split Screen mode. Check for updates in the App Store and install any available updates for your version of macOS.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you may be able to fix issues with Split Screen mode on your Mac and start enjoying the benefits of multitasking more efficiently.

In the next section, we will discuss how to Split Screen on macOS Catalina and newer versions, which have slightly different steps than previous versions of macOS.

How to Split Screen on macOS Catalina and newer versions

If you’re running macOS Catalina or a newer version of macOS, the steps to Split Screen are slightly different than previous versions. Here’s how to Split Screen on macOS Catalina and newer versions:

Step 1: Open the First App

Open the first app you want to use in Split View mode.

Step 2: Enter Full-Screen Mode

Click on the green full-screen button in the upper-left corner of the app window to enter full-screen mode.

Step 3: Drag the Second App

While in full-screen mode, open the second app you want to use in Split View. Then, drag the second app window to the left or right side of the screen until it snaps into place.

Step 4: Adjust Window Size

Use the divider in the center of the screen to adjust the size of each window to your liking.

That’s it! You have now successfully entered Split Screen mode on your Mac running macOS Catalina or a newer version.

To exit Split Screen mode, click and hold the green full-screen button in the upper-left corner of the screen and choose “Exit Full Screen” from the dropdown menu, or use the keyboard shortcut “Control + Command + F.”

It’s worth noting that some apps may not be compatible with Split Screen mode, so if you’re having trouble using Split Screen mode with a particular app, check the app’s documentation or support resources to see if there are any compatibility issues or settings you need to adjust.

In this guide, we’ve covered how to Split Screen on Mac, how to enter Split View on a Mac, how to exit Split Screen on Macs, the keyboard shortcut for Split Screen on Mac, why your Mac may not be able to do Split Screen, and how to Split Screen on macOS Catalina and newer versions. By using these tips and tricks, you can maximize your productivity and multitasking abilities on your Mac.

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