Struggling to juggle multiple tasks on your Mac? Split screen might be the solution you’re looking for. This feature allows you to effortlessly manage two applications side by side, which can significantly boost your productivity.
By dividing your display into two equal parts, split screen lets you view and interact with different apps simultaneously without the need to constantly switch between windows.
Whether you’re comparing documents, researching while drafting content, or keeping track of several tasks at once, split screen makes multitasking more efficient and seamless. With easy activation through keyboard shortcuts or the macOS interface, you can quickly set up and customize your workspace to enhance your workflow.
Table of Contents
How to Split Screen on Mac?
Let’s explore two easy methods to split your screen on a Mac. These techniques work with recent macOS versions, including Sonoma, and cater to different preferences, whether you favor keyboard shortcuts or using your mouse. Here’s how you can split your screen using the first method:
Method 1: Split Screen on Mac by Shortcut
Keyboard shortcuts provide a swift way to set up a split screen on your Mac. Follow these steps:
- Press “Control + Command + F” on your keyboard. This shortcut will make your current app full-screen.
- Press “F3” to open Mission Control. This feature displays all your open windows and desktops.
- Drag another app onto the full-screen app shown in Mission Control. This action will merge the two apps into Split View.
- Click on the combined app icon to enter Split View. Your screen will now show both apps side by side.
- Adjust the split by dragging the black line between the apps. Move the line left or right to resize the windows according to your needs.
Method 2. Create a Custom Keyboard Shortcut for Split Screen
- Open “System Preferences” and click on “Keyboard”.
- Select “Keyboard Shortcuts” and then “App Shortcuts”.
- Click the “+” button to add a new shortcut for Split View.
This method becomes faster once you’ve memorized the shortcuts, making it ideal for power users who favor keyboard controls. You can even create custom shortcuts in System Preferences to suit your preferences.
Remember, these shortcuts are compatible with most recent macOS versions. With a bit of practice, you’ll be splitting your screen effortlessly and enhancing your productivity.
Method 3. Using Split View on macOS Sonoma
Split View is a powerful feature that allows you to work with two apps side by side on your Mac. Here’s how to use it:
- Open the first app you want to use in Split View.
- Find the green full-screen button in the top-left corner of the app window.
- Click and hold this green button. A drop-down menu will appear.
- Select “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen” depending on where you want the app to appear.
- The first app will now occupy half of your screen. You’ll see other open apps on the other half.
- Click on another app to fill the remaining space. Your screen will now be split.
- To adjust the size of each window, click and drag the black line between them.
- To switch the positions of the apps, simply drag one app to the other side.
This method is perfect for comparing documents, referencing information while writing, or managing multiple tasks simultaneously. It works seamlessly on recent macOS versions, including Sonoma.
Remember, you can use any two apps in Split View, making it a versatile tool for various tasks.
How to Exit Split Screen Mode on Your MacBook?
So, you’ve finished your work and want to exit the split screen? Here’s how to do it. Exiting split screen on your Mac is straightforward and can be done using one of these two methods:
Method 1: Using Window Controls
- Move your cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the menu bar.
- Locate the red and green buttons in the top-left corner of either window.
- Click the red button to close the app entirely.
- Alternatively, click the green button to exit the split screen while keeping the app open.
This method allows you to either close the app or simply exit the split screen while keeping the application active.
Method 2. Using Mission Control
- Press the F3 key on your keyboard to open Mission Control.
- You will see all open windows and desktops displayed.
- Find the split screen window you want to exit.
- Click on it to bring it to the foreground.
- Use the green button to exit split screen mode.
This method allows you to quickly switch out of the split screen by bringing one of the apps to the foreground and then using the green button to exit the mode.
Conclusion
Utilizing a split screen on your Mac can significantly enhance your productivity by allowing you to work with two applications side by side. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts or the macOS interface, the process is straightforward and adaptable to your workflow.
For more extensive setups, connecting a second display and managing multiple windows further increases your efficiency. With these tools and methods, you can seamlessly manage tasks, compare documents, and multitask effectively on your Mac. Visit Trendblog for more step-by-step guides for any error.