Multitasking is a necessity in today’s fast-paced digital world. Whether you’re a student researching for a paper, a professional juggling multiple projects, or simply someone who likes to have a YouTube video playing while browsing the web, the ability to efficiently manage multiple applications is crucial. Fortunately, macOS offers a powerful and intuitive feature called Split View, which allows you to work with two apps side-by-side on your screen. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of Split View, exploring various methods to activate it, troubleshoot common issues, and even discover alternative multitasking solutions for your Mac.
Unlocking the Power of Split View: The Core Methods
Split View provides an immersive and focused multitasking experience by eliminating distractions and allowing you to concentrate on the two applications you’re actively using. There are several ways to activate Split View on your Mac, each offering a slightly different approach to suit your workflow preferences.
Method 1: The Green Button Approach
This is perhaps the most straightforward and commonly used method for entering Split View. The green button, located in the upper-left corner of every application window, is your gateway to this multitasking mode.
Hover your cursor over the green button. You’ll notice a small menu appear, presenting you with three options: “Enter Full Screen,” “Tile Window to Left of Screen,” and “Tile Window to Right of Screen.”
Selecting either “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen” will automatically snap the current application to the chosen side of your screen. macOS will then display Mission Control, showing you all your other open windows.
Click on the window you want to occupy the other half of the screen. This will automatically bring that application into Split View alongside the first one.
Method 2: Mission Control and Dragging
Mission Control provides a bird’s-eye view of all your open windows, desktops, and full-screen applications. It also offers a convenient way to initiate Split View.
Open Mission Control by swiping up with three fingers on your trackpad, pressing the Mission Control key (usually F3) on your keyboard, or by clicking the Mission Control icon in your Dock.
Locate the two windows you want to use in Split View.
Drag one window on top of the other. As you drag, a new space will appear at the top of the screen.
Release the mouse button or trackpad. This will merge the two windows into a single Split View space.
Method 3: Using the Dock Menu
This method is particularly useful if you want to quickly enter Split View with a specific application already in your Dock.
Right-click (or Control-click) on the application’s icon in the Dock.
In the contextual menu that appears, hover over the “Options” submenu.
You will see tiling options similar to the green button method: “Tile Window to Left of Screen” and “Tile Window to Right of Screen.”
Select your desired tiling option, and macOS will prompt you to choose the second application for Split View.
Customizing Your Split View Experience
Once you’re in Split View, you’re not stuck with a fixed arrangement. macOS offers several customization options to tailor the experience to your specific needs.
Adjusting Window Sizes
The black divider line between the two applications in Split View isn’t just for show. You can click and drag it left or right to resize the windows, giving more screen real estate to one application over the other.
Keep in mind that some applications have minimum size requirements, so you might not be able to shrink them beyond a certain point.
Swapping Window Positions
Sometimes you might want to switch the positions of the two applications in Split View. This is easily accomplished.
Click and hold the title bar of the application you want to move.
Drag the window to the opposite side of the screen. The applications will swap places.
Exiting Split View
To exit Split View, simply move your cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the menu bar.
Click the green button on either of the application windows. Select “Exit Full Screen.” This will return the application to its regular windowed state. The other application will remain in full screen mode; simply click the green button again to restore it.
You can also exit Split View by swiping left or right with three fingers on your trackpad to navigate to a different space in Mission Control. Then, simply close or minimize the applications in Split View as you normally would.
Troubleshooting Common Split View Issues
While Split View is generally reliable, you might encounter occasional issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions.
Application Not Supporting Split View
Not all applications are designed to work seamlessly with Split View. Some older applications, or those with custom window management systems, may not offer the tiling options.
If you don’t see the “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen” options when hovering over the green button, the application likely doesn’t support Split View.
Consider updating the application to the latest version. Developers often add support for new macOS features in updates.
Split View Not Activating
Sometimes, Split View might not activate even when you select the tiling options. This could be due to a conflict with other applications or system settings.
Try restarting your Mac. This can often resolve temporary software glitches.
Check your Mission Control settings in System Preferences. Ensure that “Displays have separate Spaces” is enabled.
Close any unnecessary applications that might be interfering with Split View.
Window Jumping or Glitching
Occasionally, windows might jump or glitch when entering or exiting Split View. This is often a temporary issue.
Try resizing the windows before entering Split View. This can sometimes help stabilize the window arrangement.
Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause display-related issues.
Beyond Split View: Alternative Multitasking Solutions
While Split View is a powerful tool, it’s not the only way to multitask on your Mac. Here are a few alternative solutions that might better suit your specific workflow.
Using Multiple Desktops (Spaces)
macOS allows you to create multiple virtual desktops, called Spaces. Each space can contain a different set of applications, providing a clean and organized way to separate your work.
To create a new space, open Mission Control and click the “+” button in the upper-right corner of the screen.
You can then drag applications to different spaces or open new applications directly in a specific space.
Switch between spaces by swiping left or right with three fingers on your trackpad, pressing Control + Left/Right arrow keys, or by using Mission Control.
Window Management Applications
Several third-party applications offer advanced window management features, allowing you to arrange windows in a variety of custom layouts. These applications often provide more flexibility and control than Split View.
Some popular options include Magnet, Spectacle (now discontinued but still available), and BetterSnapTool.
These applications typically allow you to define keyboard shortcuts for snapping windows to different parts of the screen, creating custom grids, and more.
Using Tabs Within Applications
Many applications, such as web browsers and text editors, support tabs. Tabs allow you to open multiple documents or web pages within a single application window, reducing clutter and simplifying navigation.
Use the “Command + T” keyboard shortcut to open a new tab in most applications.
You can then switch between tabs using “Command + Shift + Left/Right arrow keys” or by clicking on the tab you want to view.
Conclusion: Optimizing Your Mac Multitasking Workflow
Split View is a valuable tool for enhancing your productivity on your Mac. By mastering the techniques outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly work with two applications side-by-side, minimizing distractions and maximizing focus. Remember to experiment with the different activation methods and customization options to find the workflow that best suits your needs. And if Split View doesn’t quite meet your requirements, explore the alternative multitasking solutions available, such as using multiple desktops or window management applications. With the right tools and techniques, you can transform your Mac into a multitasking powerhouse.
What are the minimum system requirements to use Split View on my Mac?
Split View functionality became available with OS X El Capitan (10.11) and later. Therefore, your Mac must be running at least El Capitan or a more recent version of macOS such as macOS Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, or Sonoma to utilize the Split View feature. If you’re unsure which version of macOS you’re running, you can easily check by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting “About This Mac.”
Furthermore, your Mac’s hardware needs to be capable of supporting Split View. While most Macs released after 2012 are generally compatible, older models might not be. If you’re unsure about your Mac’s specific compatibility, you can refer to Apple’s official documentation or specifications for your particular Mac model. This information will confirm whether your Mac is capable of running the features associated with Split View, including the ability to drag windows into full-screen mode.
How do I easily exit Split View mode on my Mac?
The simplest way to exit Split View is by hovering your cursor at the top of the screen to reveal the window controls (the red, yellow, and green buttons). Clicking the green button on either of the windows will restore that window to its normal size and exit Split View. This returns the window to its original state before entering Split View, allowing you to manipulate it freely on your desktop.
Alternatively, you can press the “Mission Control” key (usually F3 or a key configured with a similar icon) or swipe up with three or four fingers on your trackpad to open Mission Control. From Mission Control, you’ll see the Split View space as a distinct space at the top of the screen. Hover over the Split View space and click the “X” that appears in the top-left corner to close the space and return the windows to their original desktop.
Can I use Split View with more than two applications simultaneously?
No, Split View on macOS is specifically designed to display only two applications side-by-side in full-screen mode. It’s a dual-pane multitasking environment, focusing on providing a distraction-free and focused workspace for two apps at a time. This limitation helps maintain clarity and prevents screen clutter when working with multiple applications.
However, while Split View restricts you to two applications full-screen, macOS offers other multitasking features that can accommodate more applications simultaneously. You can use multiple desktops (Spaces) to organize different sets of applications and switch between them using Mission Control or trackpad gestures. Additionally, you can utilize window management techniques like resizing and positioning windows to view several applications on a single desktop without using Split View.
Is it possible to change the size ratio between the two windows in Split View?
Yes, you can easily adjust the size ratio of the two windows in Split View to better suit your workflow. A vertical black line divides the two windows; this is the divider you’ll use to adjust the window sizes. Simply click and drag this divider left or right to allocate more screen space to one application and less to the other.
The amount of screen space you can allocate to each window is typically limited to ensure that both applications remain functional and visible. The minimum width for each window will depend on the application and its content, preventing you from shrinking a window to the point where it becomes unusable. Experiment with dragging the divider to find the optimal balance for your specific multitasking needs.
Can I use Split View with applications running in full-screen mode already?
Yes, you can combine an application already in full-screen mode with another application in Split View. To do this, enter Mission Control by swiping up with three or four fingers on your trackpad or pressing the Mission Control key (usually F3). Then, drag the desired application from your regular desktop onto the full-screen application’s space at the top of the screen.
This action will combine the two applications into a Split View arrangement. The application that was already in full-screen mode will now be paired with the dragged application, allowing you to work with both side-by-side. You can then adjust the size ratio of the two windows as described previously and exit Split View when you’re finished.
Does Split View work with external displays connected to my Mac?
Yes, Split View is fully functional with external displays connected to your Mac. Each connected display essentially acts as an independent desktop, allowing you to utilize Split View on each screen simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial for users who require more screen real estate for multitasking and productivity.
When using multiple displays, you can independently manage Split View on each screen. This means you can have two applications in Split View on your primary display while working on other applications on your secondary display. This flexibility allows for a highly customized and efficient multitasking workflow across multiple screens, maximizing your productivity and organization.
Are there any keyboard shortcuts for managing Split View?
Unfortunately, macOS doesn’t offer dedicated, customizable keyboard shortcuts specifically for entering or exiting Split View directly. The standard method involves using the green button or Mission Control, as explained earlier. However, you can leverage existing keyboard shortcuts to indirectly manage windows for Split View usage.
For example, you can use keyboard shortcuts to switch between applications (Command + Tab) or to move windows between spaces (Control + Number Key). Combining these shortcuts with the manual methods of entering and exiting Split View can speed up your workflow. Third-party applications are available that may offer more advanced window management capabilities, including custom shortcuts for Split View, but these are not native to macOS.