How to Split Screen on Windows And Other Devices?

How to Split Screen on Windows and Other Devices: A Complete Guide

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced digital world, multitasking has become an essential skill, and one of the easiest ways to enhance your productivity is by learning how to split your screen. Whether you're working on a project, researching, or collaborating with others, splitting your screen allows you to view multiple windows side-by-side without the need to constantly switch between them.

This complete guide will take you through the step-by-step process of splitting your screen on Windows and other devices, including macOS, Android, and iOS. With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll become a multitasking pro in no time!

Why Splitting Your Screen is Beneficial

Before diving into the step-by-step guide, let’s take a quick look at why screen-splitting is a must-know skill:

Enhanced Productivity: View multiple documents, websites, or applications simultaneously.

Efficient Multitasking: Easily switch between tasks without losing focus.

Improved Workflow: Reduce the number of clicks and minimize distractions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Split Screen on Windows

1. Using Snap Assist on Windows 10/11

Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in feature called Snap Assist that makes it easy to split your screen.

Step 1: Open the Windows You Want to Split

Open the applications or documents you want to view side-by-side.

Step 2: Drag the First Window to One Side

Click on the title bar of the window you want to move.

Drag it to the left or right edge of the screen until you see a transparent outline indicating that the window will snap into place.

Release the mouse, and the window will occupy half of your screen.

Step 3: Select the Second Window

After snapping the first window, Snap Assist will display thumbnails of your open windows in the remaining half of the screen.

Click on the window you want to use, and it will automatically fill the other half of the screen.

2. Using Keyboard Shortcuts on Windows

For even faster screen splitting, you can use the following keyboard shortcuts:

Windows Key + Left Arrow: Snap the active window to the left side of the screen.

Windows Key + Right Arrow: Snap the active window to the right side.

Windows Key + Up Arrow/Down Arrow: Resize the snapped windows to different quadrants of the screen (ideal for splitting the screen into 4 windows).

3. Splitting Screen into Four Quadrants

You can divide your screen into four sections by repeating the above steps for four windows:

Drag or use keyboard shortcuts to snap each window into the top-left, top-right, bottom-left, and bottom-right sections.

How to Split Screen on macOS

Apple devices also support multitasking with screen splitting. Here’s how you can split your screen on a Mac.

1. Using Split View on macOS

Step 1: Open the Two Windows You Want to Split

Open the applications you want to work on simultaneously.

Step 2: Use Full-Screen Mode

Click and hold the green full-screen button in the upper-left corner of one of the windows.

A dropdown menu will appear. Select either Tile Window to Left of Screen or Tile Window to Right of Screen.

Step 3: Select the Other Window

Your selected window will snap to one side of the screen. The other open windows will be displayed on the opposite side.

Click on the second window to complete the split-screen setup.

2. Exiting Split View

To exit Split View, move your cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the window control buttons, then click the green button to return to normal view.

How to Split Screen on Android

Android devices also allow you to use two apps simultaneously with the split-screen feature.

1. Enable Split Screen on Android

Step 1: Open Recent Apps

Tap the Recent Apps button (usually a square icon or swipe-up gesture) to view the apps running in the background.

Step 2: Select the First App

Press and hold the first app you want to use and select Split Screen from the options menu.

Step 3: Select the Second App

The first app will snap to the top of the screen. Now, select the second app from the recent apps or app drawer, and it will fill the bottom half of the screen.

2. Adjust the Split-Screen Layout

You can drag the dividing line between the two apps to adjust how much screen space each app uses.

3. Exiting Split Screen on Android

To exit split-screen mode, drag the dividing line all the way to the top or bottom of the screen, or press the recent apps button and close one of the apps.

How to Split Screen on iOS (iPads Only)

Splitting screens on iOS is available on iPads via a feature called Split View.

1. Using Split View on iPad

Step 1: Open the First App

Start by opening the app you want to use first.

Step 2: Swipe Up to Open the Dock

Swipe up slightly from the bottom of the screen to open the Dock.

Step 3: Drag the Second App

Drag the second app from the Dock and release it on the left or right side of the screen.

Step 4: Adjust the Split View

Both apps will now share the screen, and you can adjust the split by dragging the middle divider.

2. Exiting Split View on iPad

To exit Split View, drag the divider all the way to one side of the screen, closing one of the apps.

Conclusion

Splitting your screen across devices is an incredibly efficient way to multitask, improving productivity and workflow. Whether you're on Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS, the process is straightforward and customizable to suit your needs. By mastering screen splitting techniques, you can handle multiple projects, compare information, and boost your efficiency with ease.

Understanding how to use screen-splitting features across devices gives you greater control over your digital workspace, making it easier to manage tasks, reduce distractions, and increase your productivity in both professional and personal settings.