I’m trying to work on multiple apps at once on my Mac, but I can’t figure out how to use split screen. I’ve tried dragging windows around, but they don’t snap into place like I expected. Is there a specific way to enable or set up split screen view?
Oh, the infamous Mac split-screen struggle. Trust me, we’ve all been there, flailing around dragging windows like it’s some kind of puzzle game. Anyway, here’s how you do it:
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Look at the little green button in the top-left corner of any app window. It’s the full-screen/maximize one. Don’t just click it. No, PRESS AND HOLD that sucker like it owes you money. A dropdown will appear.
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From that dropdown, you’ll see options like ‘Tile Window to Left of Screen’ or ‘Tile Window to Right of Screen.’ Pick your side (are you a lefty or a righty? Hmm).
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Then Mac will give you the other half of the screen to select another app or window to occupy the remaining space. Just click on the one you want.
BOOM. Split screen. But wait, it’s not exactly the snap-you’re-used-to-on-Windows kind of deal. Annoying, right? If it’s STILL not working for some reason, check “System Preferences > Mission Control” and make sure ‘Displays have separate Spaces’ is checked. Sometimes that setting’s lurking there causing trouble.
Oh, and FYI: not all apps play nice with split screen. Like, some old or weird apps might just give you the middle finger by not being compatible. But for most major ones, this trick should work.
Enjoy multitasking like a pro! Or at least until you wanna throw your Mac out the window again.
Well, sonhadordobosque covered most of the basics, but I’ll throw in a couple of tips they didn’t mention. First of all, if you’re dragging windows around expecting them to ‘snap’ into place like on Windows… yeah, keep dreaming. macOS doesn’t believe in simplicity like that. The green button trick is what you’ll need most of the time, BUT, here’s a twist: you can also enter split screen through Mission Control!
Swipe up with three or four fingers on your trackpad (if it’s enabled) or press the Mission Control key (F3 or whatever button Apple decided to change it to this week). Once you’re in Mission Control, drag one of your app windows to the top edge of the screen where it says “Desktop.” As soon as you let it hover at the top, it’ll create a new “split screen” mission control space. Now drag the other app you want to pair into that space. It’s clunky, sure, but sometimes it works better if that green button isn’t cooperating.
One more thing—if you have multiple monitors, split screen might not work across them. It’s restricted to one monitor pain. So, either deal with that disappointment like the rest of us or just manually resize your windows. Not ideal, but hey, it’s Apple logic.
If all else fails, maybe it’s time to accept that Mac split screen is, let’s just say… temperamentally gifted?
Okay, so while @techchizkid and @sonhadordobosque absolutely nailed most of the Mac split-screen hacks, I’ve got a few alternative methods and insights to throw into the mix – and yes, some gripes too because, well, Mac’s unique take on multitasking isn’t as flawless as we’d like.
Alternative Method: App-Specific Adjustments
First off, if the green button doesn’t summon the split-screen magic (like it’s refusing to perform for you), you might be dealing with an app that just isn’t optimized for it. Pro tip: some apps that don’t work in split screen can still have their windows manually adjusted to fit half of your screen. Drag them to size and place accordingly—annoying, yes, but workable when desperate.
Mission Control Is Cool, But…
Both folks mentioned Mission Control as an option, which is decent, but I find it finicky. Personally, it’s not always the fastest way to get split screen going, especially if you’re juggling multiple desktops. The dragging-to-top-edge trick? It can feel like a balancing act. Still, if you want to experiment and you’re okay with potential screen chaos, it can help if the green button steps up.
Keyboard Shortcut Wizards
Here’s where I’ll surprise you: shortcuts! While macOS hasn’t blessed us with universal keybinds like Windows Snap Assist, there’s third-party software like BetterTouchTool that fills in the gap. With tools like these, you can create custom shortcuts for snapping windows into place or even automating split-screen setups across different apps. It’s a lifesaver, albeit not native.
Pros & Cons Summary for Mac Split Screen:
Pros:
- Feels sleek when it works—dock two apps side-by-side neatly.
- Simplifies multitasking without needing external monitors.
- Native functionality (no downloads required).
Cons:
- Limited app compatibility – ugh, why, Apple?
- Doesn’t feel intuitive for ex-Windows users.
- No support across multiple monitors—seriously?!
Competitor Alternatives feat. Windows
As much as I admire Mac, let’s compare to its frenemy Windows. Windows Snap Assist is just leagues ahead in simplicity. You drag, it snaps—done. Compared to macOS’s green button love affair and finagling Mission Control quirks, Windows wins the multitasking crown. But hey, macOS gives you better hardware, so we’re stuck.
TL;DR
If all else fails, consider ditching native split-screen and embracing third-party tools (e.g., Spectacle or BetterSnapTool). They’ll mimic the snapping behavior from Windows and save you the headache of micromanaging layouts. Sometimes native isn’t always better, right?
Would love to know if y’all think this system needs a macOS overhaul—or is it just a quirky feature we must embrace? Let the community debate begin!