Can someone tell me how to split screen on my Mac?

I’m trying to work more efficiently by having two apps open side-by-side on my Mac, but I can’t seem to figure out how to split the screen. Every time I try, it just doesn’t work. Could someone guide me on how to set this up? Thanks!

First, make sure your Mac is running macOS Catalina or later, since Split View was introduced in these versions.

To use Split Screen, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Open the two apps you want to use in Split View.
  2. Click and hold the green full-screen button in the upper-left corner of the window of the first app.
  3. You’ll see options like “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen.” Decide where you want this app to be and choose it.
  4. Your selected app will fill one side of the screen, and all other open windows will appear as thumbnails on the opposite side.
  5. Click on the second app’s thumbnail to fill the other half of the screen.

If you’re still having trouble, make sure that both apps support Split View. Not all apps are compatible with this feature. Once you’ve got your apps in place, you can adjust the divider between the two windows by clicking and dragging it left or right.

Also, for frequent multitasking, you might wanna check your System Preferences > Mission Control settings to see if you have “Displays have separate Spaces” enabled. It could affect how you manage multiple desktops and full-screen apps.

For beginners, I recommend reading “The MacBook For Dummies” book. It provides a comprehensive guide on various features, including how to navigate and maximize your productivity with your MacBook.

If you’re into shortcuts, you can use Mission Control (swipe up with four fingers or press the Mission Control key) to quickly move between spaces and windows, helping you multitask more smoothly.

Lastly, if you don’t want to mess with the green button and manual adjustments, consider third-party apps like Magnet. They offer more customization and make window management much easier, paving the road for seamless multitasking.

In case your issue persists, sometimes a simple restart can iron out minor glitches that block the split screen from working properly. Good luck!

Try this approach instead:

  1. If Split View is too finicky, consider using the ‘Mission Control’ feature in macOS for a different multitasking experience. You can activate it by swiping up with three or four fingers on your trackpad or by pressing the Mission Control key (F3). This gives you a panoramic view of all your open windows and desktops, making it easier to organize your workspace.

  2. Another nifty trick is to use ‘Spaces.’ Essentially, you can have different desktops for different sets of tasks. In Mission Control, just hover over the top-right corner to reveal the “+” button and create a new desktop. Drag the apps you want from one desktop to another.

  3. If you’re comfortable installing third-party apps, give “BetterSnapTool” a try instead of Magnet. It offers more customization options and can be more reliable. Unlike Split View, it doesn’t rely on macOS compatibility with specific apps, so you can use it with any system window.

  4. Sometimes, keyboard shortcuts can be your best ally. For instance, Command + Tab helps you switch between open applications quickly. Combine that with Command + ~ (tilde) to switch between windows of the same app. This combo will boost your efficiency without relying strictly on Split View.

  5. Lastly, make sure your macOS is up to date. Occasionally, bugs in older versions might hinder proper Split View functionality. Check for any available updates in the “System Preferences” under “Software Update.”

And don’t underestimate the power of simplicity: sometimes, just resizing windows manually and placing them side by side can be quicker and more intuitive, especially if you’re dealing with apps that might not play nice with Split View.

‘The MacBook for Dummies’ is great, but you might also want to check out some online communities or video tutorials—many times real users provide tips that aren’t in the books. Happy multitasking!