If you’re a Mac user, you may have found yourself in a situation where you need to view two windows side by side. Whether you’re working on a project and need to reference multiple documents or simply want to watch a video while browsing the web, splitting your screen can be a useful feature. In this article, we’ll explore how to split screen on Mac and some tips for maximizing your productivity.
Why Split Screen on Mac?
Splitting your screen on Mac can be a useful tool for multitasking and increasing productivity. Instead of constantly switching between windows, you can have two windows open side by side, making it easier to reference information or complete tasks simultaneously.
Multitask with Ease
One of the main benefits of splitting your screen on Mac is the ability to multitask with ease. This feature allows you to have two windows open at the same time, making it easier to complete tasks that require multiple windows or applications.
For example, if you’re working on a project and need to reference information from a website, you can have both the document and the website open side by side. This eliminates the need to constantly switch between windows, saving you time and increasing your efficiency.
Increase Productivity
By having two windows open side by side, you can increase your productivity. This feature allows you to work on two tasks simultaneously, making it easier to complete projects or assignments in a timely manner.
For example, if you’re a student working on a research paper, you can have your research document open on one side of the screen and your writing document on the other. This allows you to reference your research while writing, making the process more efficient.
How to Split Screen on Mac
Now that you understand the benefits of splitting your screen on Mac, let’s explore how to do it. There are a few different methods you can use to split your screen, depending on your preferences and the version of macOS you’re using.
Method 1: Using Mission Control
The first method for splitting your screen on Mac involves using Mission Control. This method works for macOS Catalina and later versions.
- Open the windows you want to split on your Mac.
- Click and hold the green full-screen button in the top-left corner of one of the windows.
- Drag the window to the left or right side of the screen until you see a blue outline appear.
- Release the button to split the window to that side of the screen.
- Click on the other window to open it in the remaining space.
You can also use Mission Control to split your screen by dragging a window to the top of the screen until it becomes full screen, then dragging another window to the bottom of the screen.
Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Another way to split your screen on Mac is by using keyboard shortcuts. This method works for macOS Catalina and later versions.
- Open the windows you want to split on your Mac.
- Click and hold the green full-screen button in the top-left corner of one of the windows.
- Press and hold the Option key on your keyboard.
- While holding the Option key, click on the other window you want to split.
- Release the Option key to split the windows.
You can also use keyboard shortcuts to split your screen by pressing and holding the Control key while clicking on the green full-screen button, then clicking on the other window.
Method 3: Using Split View
Split View is a feature that allows you to split your screen on Mac and automatically resize the windows to fit the screen. This method works for macOS El Capitan and later versions.
- Open the windows you want to split on your Mac.
- Click and hold the green full-screen button in the top-left corner of one of the windows.
- Drag the window to the left or right side of the screen until you see a blue outline appear.
- Release the button to split the window to that side of the screen.
- Click on the other window to open it in the remaining space.
- Click and hold the green full-screen button again.
- Select “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen” to automatically resize the windows to fit the screen.
Tips for Maximizing Productivity with Split Screen on Mac
Now that you know how to split screen on Mac, here are some tips for maximizing your productivity with this feature.
Use Multiple Desktops
If you find yourself needing more than two windows open at once, you can use multiple desktops to split your screen even further. This feature allows you to have different sets of windows open on different desktops, making it easier to organize your work.
To create a new desktop, click on the Mission Control icon in your dock or press Control + Up Arrow on your keyboard. Then, click on the + button in the top-right corner of the screen to add a new desktop. You can switch between desktops by clicking on them in Mission Control or using the Control + Left/Right Arrow keyboard shortcuts.
Customize Your Split Screen Layout
By default, when you split your screen on Mac, the windows will be resized to fit the screen equally. However, you can customize the layout to fit your preferences.
To do this, click and hold the green full-screen button in the top-left corner of one of the windows. Then, select “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen” to automatically resize the windows to fit the screen. You can also click and drag the divider between the windows to adjust the size manually.
Use Third-Party Apps
There are also third-party apps available that can help you split your screen on Mac. These apps offer additional features and customization options, making it easier to split your screen and increase your productivity.
Some popular options include Magnet, BetterSnapTool, and Divvy. These apps can be found in the App Store or downloaded from their respective websites.
In Conclusion
Splitting your screen on Mac can be a useful tool for multitasking and increasing productivity. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can easily split your screen and customize the layout to fit your preferences. With these tips, you can make the most out of this feature and improve your productivity on your Mac.
