How To Split Screen on Mac - All You Need To Know

MacBooks dominate the personal computer market, with over 100 million users in 2023. However, it can be challenging when you're working on multiple apps. The split view functionality was designed to solve this problem.

The Split View feature or split screen makes tasks more manageable. It allows you to display two windows side-by-side in full-screen mode. This function increases productivity by eradicating the need to switch between windows frequently.

Learn how to split screen on Mac, including accessing it and making the most of this beneficial tool.

Key Takeaways

Split View on Mac and Macbook

On a Mac, you can use split-screen mode to see and work in two windows or applications simultaneously. Users can take in a wide range of data without switching between screens.

Split-screen multitasking is an excellent and convenient way to divide up tasks without having to switch between apps or utilize a large number of trackpad motions. 

This feature allows you to have the following:

1. Productivity: If you constantly switch between applications, using a split screen on a MacBook can increase your productivity. This is because you don't pause your work to open another window.

2. Quick response: Split screens are better for anyone working in customer service or requiring a way to respond quickly to work emails. You can use one screen to communicate with colleagues and clients and the other to work.

3. Inexpensive: Using a split screen on a single monitor can save you the cost of setting up multiple monitors. Splitting a screen is simple and becomes easier with practice.

4. Multitasking: A split screen is an excellent option if the main setup in your office uses multiple monitors, but you are working elsewhere. This allows you to enjoy the same multitasking.

Follow the detailed steps below to get the most out of your split-screen configuration.

Enter Split Screen on macOS Catalina and newer versions.

You can utilize the split-screen feature to check out two or more programs at once on a Mac. Here are the steps you need to follow if you're using an earlier macOS, version like Catalina or earlier:

1. Locate the green, yellow, and red circles. Look in the top-left corner of your program's window to find a series of three colored dots. 

2. Hold your cursor over the green circle until a list of options appears.

3. Select left or right. Choose "Tile Window to Left of Screen" or "Tile Window to Right of Screen.”

4. Feel free to adjust the windows to your liking.

You can use the following for older versions of MacOS.

Use Split View on the Older macOS Version

The steps required to enter Split View on a computer running macOS Mojave, Sierra, High Sierra, or El Capitan are slightly different.

Here's how to do it:

1. Left-click, then hold the green button at the top left corner of the window.

2. The app's window will shrink slightly, and the area underneath will turn blue.

3. Leave the app where it sits, or drag it to the other side.

4. Select the second one from the other half of the screen, and you’re ready.

Now that you know how to use a split screen on your Mac, you can significantly reduce the time you spend switching between different applications.

If you want to adjust the screens, follow these steps to help you navigate.

Adjust Split Screen on Mac and Macbook

Split View is one function that has yet to reach its maximum potential due to a lack of customization options. You can follow these steps to adjust the size or rearrange the windows:

1. Drag the border left or right to adjust the spacing between the windows.

For macOS Monterey

The Menu Bar disappears as usual because this functionality allows the Mac to have two side-by-side windows on a whole screen. 

If you're using macOS Monterey, you can control whether or not this feature is active. Here's the correct method:

1. Go to System Preferences

2. Go to Dock & Menu bar

3. Deselect Automatically conceal and show the menu bar on fuel in the primary window of this menu.

Here's how to close the split-screen mode if you're done using it.

Exit A Split Screen On Mac

When you are through working in the split-screen view, you can close the window and go back to the full-screen mode. 

The procedure follows:

1. Move the cursor to the top of the window you want to minimize until the green button reappears.

2. Click the green button to reduce the size of your window. This will exit you out of the split screen.

3. The window you're in will revert to its pre-split screen shape. The other window will go into fullscreen mode

Here are common problems you might encounter when using a split screen and how to fix them.

Common Split Screen Issues on Mac

A Split view is helpful, but it has some limitations. Here are the most typical problems you can encounter:

1. Split View is not Working on Mac

If you cannot use Split View on your Mac, the problem can be fixed by following the steps below.

Enable ‘Displays have separate Spaces.’

Turning on "Displays have separate Spaces" in the Mission Control panel allows each monitor to have its own set of Spaces. 

Here’s how:

1. Tap the Apple logo in the upper-left corner and select System Preferences.
2. Click the Mission Control button.
3. Ensure that "Displays have separate Spaces" is selected.

Restart your Mac

Restart your Mac to resolve minor glitches that may prevent AirDrop, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Split View.  

To restart your Mac, click on the Apple logo in the top left corner and click “Restart”.

Update your Mac

When a new software update launches, update your Mac. These updates contain vital data that helps your Mac’s overall OS’ function, improving aspects such as the split screen feature.

Go to System Preferences or Settings and Click General to update your Mac. Look for Software Update and click on Update or Upgrade Now. 

Your Mac will then download the update and notify you when it’s ready to install. You can also turn on Automatic Updates to let your Mac download available updates.

Best Third-Party Split Screen Apps for Mac

If the split-screen feature doesn't work after following the steps, consider using a third-party app to split screen on Mac. Acquiring a third-party split-screen application is the optimal solution.

The following are split-screen applications currently available for MacOS.

1. Moom

It simplifies the management of Windows while working on a Mac. One of the app's most notable features is controlling screen mode with a keyboard shortcut. 

With Moom, you can construct various layouts using the application's in-built palette designer. Additionally, you can create a structure by manually resizing any window. 

Moom is available to download for only $.9.99 on the Apple App Store.

2. Divvy

You can access the intelligently designed window grid creator tool by selecting the "Options" key on your Mac. You can manually enter and depart a split-screen view using keyboard shortcuts to create grids more efficiently.

With Divvy, you do not need to resize each window manually but can instead select the optimal layout. It also enables you to add space between windows to improve visibility. 

Divvy is available to download for $13.99.

3. Magnet 

Allows you to resize your screen to accommodate additional windows. Magnet provides several resizing layouts, but you can also construct your own.

Magnet is similarly priced to Moom at $9.99.

4. BetterSnap Tool

It is an easy-to-use and convenient Windows management application. This tool allows you to construct specific layouts and populate windows with applications for improved workflow management. 

BetterSnap Tool is fully customizable with keyboard shortcuts for functions, offering the lowest price for multiple preset window split among four options.

The table below summarizes the features and prices of these alternatives.

Final thoughts

Apple’s MacOS devices are made to withstand multiple open apps and programs. With this, app developers found ways to increase productivity through split screens, boosting productivity.

Split screens help users access apps and Windows easily - without the hassle of switching from one app to another. As opposed to buying several displays, this solution is more cost-effective.

MacOS users also have the option to use Mac’s split screen or use third-party apps to speed the process or provide more window options. Free resources provide temporary options but purchased resources or upgrades will always provide more value.