How To Split Screen on Mac (FAST & EASY) - Macbook Tips
Learn how to split screen on a Mac to boost your productivity. Discover two fast and easy methods to arrange windows side by side and optimize your workflow.
Key Takeaways
Working with multiple windows on a Mac doesn't have to mean constantly switching back and forth between applications. Whether you are referencing notes while writing or dragging files into a project, arranging your windows side by side is a guaranteed way to boost your productivity.
Fortunately, macOS has split-screen solutions already built in. There are two primary methods to split your screen on a Mac, and one offers distinct advantages over the other. Read on to learn how to master both techniques.
Option 1: The Full Split Screen Method
The first way to organize your workspace is by using the traditional full-screen split method. This built-in feature creates a dedicated, distraction-free workspace for two specific apps.
How to Use Full Split Screen
FAQ
Why does macOS say "Not available in this split view" when using Adobe Photoshop?
The traditional Full Split Screen method does not support certain applications, including Adobe Photoshop. To work around this limitation, use the Fill & Arrange split screen method instead, which works seamlessly with apps that typically resist full-screen split views.
How do I drag and drop files from Finder while using split screen?
For the best drag-and-drop experience, use the method rather than the full-screen split. This keeps your apps on the standard desktop, allowing you to open floating Finder windows over your workspace and easily drag files directly into your active project.
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Choose between two built-in macOS multitasking methods: Full Split Screen and Fill & Arrange.
Activate either method by clicking and holding the green circle button in the upper-left corner of any window.
Use the Full Split Screen method to create a dedicated, distraction-free workspace, though it isolates you from Finder and unsupported apps.
Opt for the Fill & Arrange method (recommended) to keep windows on your desktop, allowing easy drag-and-drop and compatibility with apps like Adobe Photoshop.
Resize both windows simultaneously in either mode by dragging the grabber tool in the middle of the screen.
Ensure both windows you want to split are open and on the same screen.
On one of the windows, click and hold the green circle button in the upper-left corner.
Hover over the Full Screen option and release your mouse on the left side of the screen. This will snap the app to the left half and put it in full-screen mode.
On the right side of your screen, your Mac will display all other active apps that support this feature. Click on the second window you want to use.
Your two apps are now perfectly side by side.
Adjusting and Exiting:
Resize: You can drag the split bar in the middle of the screen left or right to resize both windows simultaneously.
Exit: To leave this view, click the green button in the upper left of one of the apps to exit full screen. Note: You will then need to individually open the other app and click its green button to exit full screen for that window as well.
Limitations of Full Split Screen
While this method is simple, it has a few notable drawbacks. First, if you want to drag an image or file from Finder into your active app, Finder will open in an entirely different workspace, making drag-and-drop difficult. Second, some popular applications, like Adobe Photoshop, do not support this split-screen view. If you attempt to use it, macOS will display a "Not available in this split view" message.
Option 2: The Fill & Arrange Split Screen Method (Recommended)
If you want to avoid manually resizing windows and bypass the limitations of the full-screen method, the Fill and Arrange option is your best bet.
How to Use Fill & Arrange
Select the two windows you want to work with.
Click and hold the green circle button in the upper-left corner of one of the windows.
Look for the Fill and Arrange options. Select the second icon, which looks like a split screen.
Your Mac will automatically resize your two most recently active windows to sit side by side on your desktop.
Why This Method is Better:
Broader App Support: Unlike the full-screen method, Fill and Arrange works seamlessly with apps that traditionally resist split views, including Adobe Photoshop.
Middle Grabber: Just like the full-screen version, hovering your pointer near the middle of the arranged windows reveals a grabber tool that lets you resize both apps at once.
Floating Windows: Because this method does not force your apps into a full-screen workspace, you can still open other windows over the top of them. This makes it incredibly easy to open Finder and drag images or files directly into your workspace.
Comparing the Two Split Screen Methods
Feature
Option 1: Full Split Screen
Option 2: Fill & Arrange
Desktop Mode
Moves apps to a new full-screen workspace
Keeps apps on the standard desktop
Resizing
Middle split bar adjusts both apps
Middle grabber adjusts both apps
App Compatibility
Limited (Fails on apps like Photoshop)
High (Works with almost all apps)
Drag & Drop (Finder)
Difficult (Finder opens in another workspace)
Easy (Allows floating windows on top)
Exiting
Requires exiting each app individually
Close or move windows normally
Next Steps for Mac Productivity
Now that you have mastered arranging your windows side by side, you are well on your way to being twice as productive on your MacBook.
Can I change the size of my side-by-side windows once they are split?
Yes! Both split screen methods allow you to adjust the window proportions. Just hover your pointer near the middle of the screen to reveal the split bar or grabber tool, then drag it left or right to resize both applications simultaneously.
How do I exit split screen mode on a Mac?
If you are using the full-screen split method, click the green circle button in the upper-left corner of one app to exit. Note: You will then need to open the second app individually and click its green button to exit full screen as well. If you used the Fill & Arrange method, you can simply move or close the windows normally on your standard desktop.
What are some other ways to optimize my Mac workflow?
Once you have mastered arranging your windows side by side, optimizing your menu bar is a great next step to boost productivity. For a comprehensive guide, check out this tutorial: How to make the best use of your Mac menu bar.
