Split screen mode is an incredibly useful feature for anyone who needs to multitask on their Mac. This mode allows you to work on two applications at once, side-by-side, without having to constantly switch between them. Whether you’re trying to work on a presentation while simultaneously taking notes or need to reference multiple documents at the same time, split screen mode is an absolute lifesaver.
Despite its usefulness, however, many people are still unfamiliar with how exactly to activate and utilize split screen mode on their Mac. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you get up and running with this essential feature.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Split Screen Mode
One common issue that many people face when trying to use split screen mode is simply not knowing how to activate it. Others might not be familiar with the keyboard shortcuts needed to easily switch between applications in split screen mode, making it a more cumbersome experience than it needs to be.
Regardless of your specific challenges, the good news is that these obstacles are easy to overcome with the right preparation and knowledge.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving in to split screen mode, there are a few things you should prepare ahead of time to ensure a smooth experience:
1. Make sure your Mac is updated to the latest version of macOS.
2. Close any unnecessary applications to free up system resources.
3. Have the applications you want to use in split screen mode open and ready to go.
Method 1: Using the Green Full-Screen Button
One of the easiest ways to activate split screen mode on a Mac is to use the green full-screen button located in the upper-left corner of any given window. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the first application you want to use in split screen mode.
2. Click and hold the green full-screen button in the upper-left corner of the window.
3. Drag the window to the left or right side of the screen.
4. Release the button.
5. The window should now take up half the screen, and the other half will display any other available windows you have open.
6. Click on the second application you want to use to activate split screen mode.
Pros:
– Quick and easy to activate split screen mode.
Cons:
– Only works with two applications at a time.
– Can be more difficult to switch between applications than other methods.
Method 2: Using Mission Control
Mission Control is a Mac application that enables you to view all of the open applications and windows on your system in one screen. This is another simple method for activating split screen mode:
1. Open the first application you want to use in split screen mode.
2. Swipe up with three fingers on your trackpad to open Mission Control.
3. Drag the second application you want to use to the top of the Mission Control screen.
4. Click and hold on the application you just dragged until a gray space appears.
5. Release the button.
6. Both applications should now be displayed side-by-side in split screen mode.
Pros:
– Easy to activate split screen mode.
– Works with more than two applications.
Cons:
– Can be difficult to use if you have a lot of windows and applications open at once.
Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts is often the fastest way to activate split screen mode. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the first application you want to use in split screen mode.
2. Click and hold the full-screen button in the upper-right corner of the window.
3. Press the left or right arrow key while still holding the button.
4. The window should now move to one side of the screen, with the other half displaying any other available windows you have open.
5. Click on the second application you want to use to activate split screen mode.
Pros:
– Fast and efficient.
– Works with more than two applications.
Cons:
– Keyboard shortcuts may be difficult to remember.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications
There are a few third-party applications you can download to make using split screen mode even easier. These applications often provide additional customization options and features that the built-in split screen mode may not offer. Here are a few recommended options:
– Magnet
– BetterSnapTool
– Divvy
Make sure to follow the installation instructions for each application carefully to avoid any issues.
Pros:
– Greater customization options.
– More intuitive interface.
Cons:
– Requires downloading and installing additional software.
– May not be free.
Why Can’t I Activate Split Screen Mode?
While split screen mode is a relatively easy feature to use, there are a few common reasons why you might have difficulty activating it:
1. Your Mac is not running the latest version of macOS.
Fix: Make sure your system is up-to-date by going to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
2. The applications you’re trying to use are incompatible with split screen mode.
Fix: Unfortunately, not all applications are compatible with this feature. You may need to switch to different applications to use split screen mode.
3. You’re trying to use too many applications at once.
Fix: Split screen mode works best with only two applications open at a time. Close any unnecessary windows and applications before using split screen mode.
Additional Tips
– To exit split screen mode, simply click and hold on the full-screen button again, or swipe up with three fingers on the trackpad and click on the application you want to exit.
– You can adjust the size of each split screen window by clicking and dragging the horizontal bar dividing the two windows.
– To switch the position of the two split screen windows, simply click and hold on the title bar of one window, then drag it to the opposite side of the screen.
5 FAQs
Q: Can I use split screen mode with more than two applications?
A: Yes, using Mission Control is one way to use split screen mode with more than two applications.
Q: Will using split screen mode slow down my Mac?
A: Like with any feature, running split screen mode may require some additional system resources. However, as long as you have a relatively new and powerful Mac, you should not experience any significant slowdown.
Q: Can I customize the size of each split screen window?
A: Yes, simply click and drag the horizontal bar dividing the two windows to adjust their size.
Q: Can I use split screen mode with any application?
A: Unfortunately, not all applications are compatible with this feature. You may need to switch to different applications to use split screen mode.
Q: Can I use split screen mode on a MacBook?
A: Yes, split screen mode works on both MacBooks and desktop Macs.
Conclusion
By following the methods and tips outlined in this guide, you should now be able to easily activate and utilize split screen mode on your Mac. Whether you’re a student trying to take notes while watching a lecture or a professional trying to juggle multiple tasks at once, split screen mode is an absolute game-changer. So why wait? Start using this feature today and streamline your workflow like never before!