Split View on Mac is a fantastic multitasking feature that allows you to work with two apps or windows side by side in full-screen mode. This is particularly useful when you need to reference one app while working in another, compare documents, or simply increase your productivity by utilizing your screen space efficiently.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use Split View on your Mac, from setting it up to customizing your workspace for better multitasking.
How to Use Split View on Mac
1. Prepare Your Mac for Split View
Before you begin using Split View, make sure you have macOS El Capitan or later, as Split View was introduced in macOS El Capitan and is available in all newer versions of macOS.
- Ensure You Have Multiple Windows Open
Split View requires at least two windows or apps that you want to use side by side. Open the apps or windows you want to use.
2. Activate Split View
Follow these steps to activate Split View and use two apps in a side-by-side view:
- Hover Over the Green Full-Screen Button
On the top-left corner of any window, you’ll see three buttons: close (red), minimize (yellow), and full-screen (green). Hover your cursor over the green full-screen button (it looks like two arrows pointing outward). - Choose “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen”
After hovering over the green button, you’ll see two options: Tile Window to Left of Screen or Tile Window to Right of Screen. Click one of these options to position the active window on either the left or right side of the screen. - Select the Second Window
After placing the first window in Split View, your desktop will show the other open apps or windows in the remaining space. Click on the second window to place it in the other side of the screen. - Adjust the Divider
You’ll now see both windows open in Split View. To adjust how much space each window occupies, click and drag the vertical divider in the middle of the screen to resize the windows.
3. Use Split View Effectively
Now that you have Split View enabled, you can take full advantage of the feature by organizing and working efficiently:
- Drag and Drop Between Apps
One of the advantages of Split View is the ability to drag and drop files or text between the two windows. For example, you can drag an image from a Finder window to a Word document or copy text from one app and paste it into another. - Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Navigation
If you want to quickly switch between the apps or windows in Split View:- Use Command (⌘) + Tab to cycle through open apps.
- Use Control + Left/Right Arrow to switch between windows in Split View.
- Full-Screen Mode in Split View
Each app remains in full-screen mode while in Split View. This is great for reducing distractions and keeping your workspace organized. Both apps are still shown in their own fullscreen windows, without overlapping.
4. Exit Split View
Once you’re done with Split View, exiting it is simple:
- Hover Over the Green Button Again
Hover your cursor over the green full-screen button again in one of the windows. - Click to Exit
Click the green button again to exit Split View. The windows will return to their normal size and location on the desktop.
Alternatively, you can exit Split View by dragging the divider all the way to the edge of the screen, which will make one of the windows exit Split View and return to normal.
5. Use Mission Control to Manage Split View
Mission Control is a macOS feature that helps you manage all your open windows, including Split View windows, in a unified workspace.
- Activate Mission Control
Swipe up with three or four fingers on the trackpad, or press F3 (the Mission Control key) on your keyboard to activate Mission Control. - View and Organize Split View Windows
In Mission Control, you’ll see all your open windows, including the Split View windows at the top of the screen. You can drag windows to create new Split View setups or arrange your windows as needed.
6. Limitations of Split View
While Split View is incredibly useful, there are a few limitations:
- Only Two Apps at a Time
Split View allows you to view only two apps side by side at once. If you need more apps open at the same time, you’ll have to use standard window management. - Not All Apps Support Split View
Some apps may not support Split View, but most macOS apps do. If an app doesn’t support Split View, you won’t see the option when you hover over the green full-screen button. - Limited Multitasking
While Split View is great for comparing two apps or focusing on two tasks at once, you can’t use it for more than two windows at the same time. For more multitasking, you might want to consider using Mission Control or a third-party window management tool.
Why Split View Is Useful
Split View is ideal for multitasking and productivity. Whether you’re working on a project that requires comparing documents, doing research while writing, or managing two apps simultaneously, Split View helps maximize screen real estate and keeps everything organized. It’s a powerful tool for anyone who wants to boost efficiency on their Mac.
Final Thoughts on Using Split View on Mac
Split View is one of macOS’s most helpful features for multitasking. By allowing you to view and interact with two apps side by side in full-screen mode, it offers an efficient way to work on multiple tasks at once without switching between windows. Whether you’re editing documents, comparing data, or browsing while writing, Split View makes your Mac more productive. Follow the steps in this guide to master Split View and streamline your workflow.
