Multitasking is a powerful skill that can boost your productivity, and on a Mac, the split-screen feature is an excellent way to juggle multiple tasks at once. Whether you’re working on documents, researching online, or watching a video while writing an email, using split-screen mode can help you make the most out of your screen real estate. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using the split-screen feature on a Mac.
What is Split Screen on Mac?
Split Screen is a feature that allows you to view two applications side by side on your Mac screen. It’s especially helpful for users who need to compare documents, reference materials, or work in multiple apps simultaneously. Instead of constantly switching between windows, split-screen mode ensures that your workspace remains organized and efficient.
How to Use Split Screen on a Mac
Step 1: Enter Full-Screen Mode
To activate split-screen on your Mac, the first step is to ensure that both applications you want to use are in full-screen mode. To do this:
- Open the first app you want to use.
- Click the green full-screen button (the small button in the top-left corner of the app window).
- The window will expand to fill the entire screen.
Step 2: Open the Second App
- Open the second app or window that you want to use in split-screen.
- Click and hold the green full-screen button in the top-left corner of the second app window.
- While holding the button, the window will shrink slightly, and you’ll see a shaded area on either the left or right side of your screen.
- Drag the window to either the left or right side and release it when you see the shaded zone appear.
Step 3: Adjust the Split
Once both apps are positioned in split-screen mode, you can adjust the size of each window:
- Drag the vertical line that separates the two apps left or right to resize the windows.
- If you prefer a specific ratio (such as 70% to 30%), adjust the windows as needed.
Step 4: Exiting Split Screen
To exit split-screen mode, simply click the green full-screen button on either app, and it will return to the standard window view. The other app will remain open in its original position.
Alternative Ways to Split Your Screen
1. Mission Control
Mission Control allows you to manage multiple desktops and apps. Here’s how to use it for split-screen:
- Swipe up with three or four fingers on your trackpad to open Mission Control.
- Drag one window to the top of the screen, which will create a new desktop.
- Then, drag a second window into the new desktop and use the split-screen feature as described earlier.
2. Third-Party Apps
If you need more control over your workspace, third-party apps like Magnet or BetterSnapTool can enhance split-screen functionality, offering more advanced features such as snapping windows to specific screen areas.
How to Use Split-Screen for Multitasking
Using split-screen is especially helpful for multitasking in several common scenarios:
- Researching and Writing: Open a web browser on one side for research, while using a word processor on the other side to write your document.
- Working with Spreadsheets: If you’re working with Excel or Numbers, you can have your data and a reference document side by side.
- Email and Calendar: Manage your inbox while keeping your calendar open, helping you plan and organize your tasks simultaneously.
- Video and Chat: Watch a video on one side while chatting with someone on the other via an app like Slack or Zoom.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I split screen with three apps on a Mac?
Currently, macOS supports only two apps in split-screen mode. However, you can use third-party apps like Magnet to create more flexible arrangements, allowing multiple apps to occupy portions of the screen.
2. Can I adjust the size of the apps in split-screen mode?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the apps. Simply drag the vertical divider between the two windows to resize them to your preferred proportions.
3. How do I switch between split-screen apps?
While in split-screen mode, you can switch between the apps by clicking on either window. You can also use the Command + Tab shortcut to quickly toggle between open apps.
4. Can I use split screen with apps from different desktops?
Yes, you can use split screen across multiple desktops. After entering Mission Control, drag apps from different desktops into a new full-screen mode, and macOS will allow them to function side by side.
5. Can I use split screen with floating windows (like Finder)?
Not directly. When you use split-screen mode, all apps are placed into full-screen view. You can’t use apps like Finder in the floating window while in split-screen, but you can open Finder on a second desktop and toggle between them.
Conclusion
Split-screen mode on a Mac is a powerful tool for boosting productivity and multitasking. Whether you’re comparing files, working on projects, or browsing the web, the ability to work with two apps side by side can significantly streamline your workflow. With the simple steps outlined above, you can easily enable split-screen mode, customize it, and take advantage of macOS’s powerful multitasking features to get more done in less time. So, go ahead and try out split-screen on your Mac—your productivity might just reach new heights!