Split windows on a Mac isn’t just a neat trick — it can actually save a lot of time, especially when juggling multiple apps or comparing stuff side by side. Sometimes, it feels like macOS makes it harder than it needs to be — especially if you’re trying to do it quickly or if your system isn’t fully updated. But once it clicks, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it. This guide digs into the nitty-gritty, including some tips and tricks you might not find in the official docs, like how to troubleshoot if Split View is being stubborn or not working at all.
How to Split Windows on Mac
Basically, the goal here is to get two apps showing up side by side in full-screen mode so you can copy/paste, compare, or just keep an eye on stuff without bouncing back and forth. The whole process can glitch sometimes, especially if the app doesn’t support full-screen mode or if macOS isn’t behaving. So, if this isn’t working right away, don’t panic. Here’s how most people get it to work — and some common pitfalls to watch out for.
Open the Applications You Want to Use
- First, launch all the apps you’re planning to split-screen. For example, maybe Safari and Notes or Finder and Mail. Having them open and ready helps skip extra steps later.
- Tip: For a smoother experience, consider docking your usual split apps in your dock or keeping them open; sometimes, trying to split a closed app just won’t work.
Enter Full-Screen Mode on the First App
- Click the green button in the top-left corner of the window, or hover over that corner and click “Enter Full Screen” if it’s available. On some apps, this button might look different or be disabled, which can cause issues.
- Why it helps: This puts the app in a state macOS recognizes for split view. Not all apps support full-screen, so if you see the button grayed out, that’s probably why.
- When it applies: When you want to split apps that support the feature natively.
- What to expect: The app goes full-screen but stays docked to the desktop, ready for split view.
Pro tip: If the green button is missing or doesn’t do anything, check if the app supports full-screen mode or if there’s an update. Also, some apps behave weirdly — for example, if it’s a third-party app or very lightweight, it might not cooperate.
Drag the Window to Activate Split View
- Click and hold the window’s title bar, then drag it to the left or right edge of the screen. On some setups, you might see a translucent outline or the window highlights, signaling it’s ready.
- Release it when you see the split view indicator, and the window should resize to take up half the screen. Sometimes, you have to do this quickly, or it might get out of sync if a window isn’t properly in full-screen mode.
- Tip: If dragging doesn’t work, try right-clicking the window icon and selecting “Move to Left Half” or “Move to Right Half” if available.
Select the Second Application to Fill the Other Side
- After the first window is snapped into place, macOS will display your other open apps on the other side (or a workspace switcher).Click on the second app you want, and it should snap into the free space automatically.
- If it doesn’t, make sure the second app is fully opened and not minimized or hidden behind other windows.
Adjust the Divider to Fine-Tune the Layout
- Once both windows are floating side by side, move your cursor to the black divider line between them. Click and drag to resize as needed.
- This makes it easier to give more space to one app or keep things balanced.“Sometimes, the default split isn’t quite right, especially if you’re trying to focus on one window more than the other.”
Tips for Better Split View on Mac
- Keyboard shortcut hack: you can try Control + Up Arrow to open Mission Control, then drag apps into a split arrangement manually if the normal method fails.
- Make sure your system’s updated — macOS 11 Big Sur and newer handle Split View a lot better. Sometimes, an outdated OS or app version causes glitches.
- Use Mission Control to preview all open windows and systems: swipe up with three fingers or press Control + Up Arrow. It’s a quick way to see if your apps are in a good state for split view.
- Arrange your most-used apps in your dock or desktop for quick access—they won’t show in the split view unless they’re open and in full-screen or windowed mode, so keep that in mind.
- And, yeah, try different app combos — some apps just don’t play nice in split view or only work in full-screen mode. On some setups, it works smoothly the first time, then the next reboot or app update breaks it. Typical macOS stuff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the deal with Split View on Mac?
It’s basically a way to use two apps side by side in full-screen mode, making multitasking way less annoying. Perfect if you’re juggling applications and want a cleaner workspace.
Can I split more than two windows at once?
Not really with native Split View — it’s designed for just two windows. But with Mission Control, you can manage and switch among multiple desktops and apps more comfortably.
Why doesn’t Split View work sometimes?
Could be the app doesn’t support full-screen, macOS bugs, outdated OS, or weird app quirks. Sometimes just restarting your Mac or updating macOS and apps helps.
How do I get out of Split View?
Hover at the top of the screen, click the green button again, or press Escape. It’ll revert both apps back to normal windowed mode.
Switching sides — can I do that after starting?
Yep, just drag around the windows into the opposite edges if needed. No fuss there.
Summary
- Open the apps, make sure they support full-screen if you wanna go that route.
- Enter full-screen with the green button or from the menu.
- Drag the window to a side or use the menu options to activate split view.
- Pick the second app from the other side’s available windows.
- Resize if needed, and voilà — work mode enabled.
Wrap-up
Getting split windows working on a Mac can be a bit of a pain sometimes — especially if apps aren’t cooperating or settings are misaligned. But once you crack the core method, it’s a game changer for multitasking. Just remember to keep your macOS up to date, and don’t be too mad if it takes a few tries in the beginning. Sometimes a quick restart or reset of the app does the trick. Spend a little time customizing your layout, and you’ll find it becomes second nature. Fingers crossed this helps someone cut down their window chaos!