I. Introduction
Have you ever needed to work on two different applications or documents at the same time but found it difficult to fit them both on one screen? This is a common problem that many Mac users face. However, with the Split View feature, you can easily split your screen between two applications or documents. In this article, we will explore Split View and how to use it on your Mac.
II. What is Split View?
Split View is a built-in feature on Mac computers that allows you to split your screen between two applications or documents. This feature can be found on macOS El Capitan and later. It is an excellent feature for multitasking, as it allows you to work on two applications or documents side by side without having to switch between them.
Enabling Split View
To enable Split View on your Mac:
- Click and hold on the green full-screen button in the top left corner of the application window
- Select the side of the screen where you would like the window to appear
- Select the application or document you would like to use in the other half of the screen
Once Split View is enabled, you can resize and close the windows as needed.
Resizing and closing windows in Split View
To resize windows in Split View, click and hold on the vertical bar separating the two windows and drag it left or right. You can also adjust the size of each window by hovering your cursor over the green full-screen button and selecting “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen.”
To close one of the windows in Split View, hover over the top of the window and click the red “X” button on the top left corner of the window.
III. Comparison of Split-Screen Methods
There are different methods for splitting your screen on a Mac. Let’s compare these methods.
Split View on Mac
Split View is the built-in feature on the Mac operating system. It is easy to use, and you do not need to install any third-party applications to use it. Split View features a simple resizing and closing of screens, and it is easy to switch between two applications.
Third-party software options
There are many third-party applications that allow you to split your screen on a Mac. These applications come with features that might not be available on Split View, such as the ability to resize windows by dragging them from anywhere, not just from the vertical bar separating the two windows.
Keyboard shortcuts
There are many keyboard shortcuts available for splitting your screen on a Mac. Some of the popular shortcuts include:
- Command + F3: Display all open windows in Mission Control
- Control + Left Arrow: Navigate to the left window in Split View
- Control + Right Arrow: Navigate to the right window in Split View
- Option + Click Green Full-Screen Button: Maximize a window to full screen without entering Split View mode
IV. Enabling Dual-Monitor Support on Mac
If you have two monitors connected to your Mac, you can take advantage of split-screen mode to maximize your productivity. Here’s how to set up and use split-screen mode with dual monitors:
Connecting a second display to a Mac
To connect a second display to your Mac via Thunderbolt or HDMI, simply plug in the display to the appropriate port on your Mac. Once connected, macOS will automatically detect the display.
Using split-screen mode with dual monitors
Split-screen mode works similarly on dual monitors as it does on a single monitor. Simply click and hold on the green full-screen button of the application window you want to split and select the monitor where you would like it to appear. Select the other application or document you want to use on the other monitor.
V. Organizing a Workspace Using Split-Screen on Mac
Split View is an excellent tool when working on multiple projects. Here are some tips for using Split View effectively:
Maximize screen real estate
Split View can help you better utilize screen space. Sometimes, you may even forget that you are only using one screen. When combined with your monitor’s native resolution, Split View can provide a more immersive visual experience, enabling you to maximize screen area. You can also use the above-mentioned keyboard shortcuts to toggle between windows for even faster access.
Grouping applications and windows
Grouping similar applications and windows together allows you to better keep track of everything you’re working on. You can place web browsers on one side of the screen and documents or text editors on the other. Color coding, naming, or tagging windows can aid in grouping and organizing.
Using full-screen mode
In addition to split-screen and dual monitor capabilities, you can also use full-screen mode to work on one document without distractions. In full-screen mode, just like in split-screen mode, you can swipe left or right with three fingers to switch between documents. You can enter full-screen mode by clicking the green full-screen button on the document’s top left corner or use the above-mentioned keyboard shortcut to maximize any window without entering Split View mode.
VI. Best Split-Screen Apps for Mac
In addition to the built-in Split View option, there are also many third-party applications that can help you split your screen on a Mac. Here are a few of the best Split-Screen apps for Mac:
- Magnet
- BetterSnapTool
- Spectacle
- TotalSpaces2
- Divvy
Each of these applications is designed to help you organize your workspace more effectively and boost your productivity.
VII. Troubleshooting Common Issues when Using Split-Screen on Mac
Using Split View can sometimes be frustrating when things don’t work as expected. Here are some common problems you might encounter when using Split View and how to troubleshoot them:
Issues with full-screen mode
Full-screen mode is designed to give you no distractions, but it can also cause problems with Split View. If you have issues dragging windows onto the screen in Split View mode, try using the green Full-Screen button in combination with the Option key to fix the problem. You can also try exiting full-screen mode entirely, entering Split View, and then reactivating full-screen mode.
Apps not resizing correctly
Sometimes, apps do not resize correctly when using Split View. If you are having this problem, try turning off the app’s full-screen preference before entering Split View. This will allow the app to fit correctly inside the Split View window.
VIII. Beginner’s Guide to Split-Screen Mode on Mac
If you are new to Split View mode, here is a quick guide to get you started:
Basic concepts of Split View
Split View is a feature that allows you to split your screen between two applications or documents.
Beginner’s step-by-step instructions for Split View
- Open the first app or document you want to use.
- Click and hold on the green full-screen button in the top left corner of the application window.
- Select the side of the screen where you want the window to appear.
- Select the application or document you want to use in the other half of the screen.
- Resize the windows as needed and get to work.
IX. Conclusion
Using Split View can be a game-changer for multitasking on your Mac. Whether working on multiple projects or handling multiple windows in one place, Split View is even more powerful with dual monitors. This guide has explored all aspects of Split View, including activation, keyboard shortcuts, third-party applications, and troubleshooting. So go ahead, give Split View a try, and let us know in the comments how it makes a difference in your daily routine.