Have you ever needed to reference information from one app while working in another? Or perhaps view multiple windows side-by-side for easy multitasking? Well my friend, then split screen is for you!
Split screening allows displaying two apps simultaneously, transforming your Mac‘s workflow. As an industry analyst, I‘ve witnessed Apple dramatically improve split view over the years. Today it‘s an indispensable feature for productivity and creativity.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about mastering split screen…
What Exactly is "Split Screen" on a Mac?
Split screen refers to viewing two app windows side-by-side at the same time. For example, you could have Safari pulled up on the left displaying this guide, while Photos edits images on the right. It essentially transforms your Mac into a multi-monitor setup using one screen.
Apple first introduced the concept of split screening apps back in OS X Lion (2011). It allowed two apps to be viewed simultaneously in full screen mode. However, adoption remained limited due to restrictions requiring apps be specifically optimized for full screen.
The feature greatly improved in OS X El Capitan (2015) which enabled almost any application windows to be viewed as split screen. Resize capabilities and usability refinements continued in follow-on OS versions.
As of macOS Ventura today, split view offers seamless drag-and-drop multitasking…
OS Version Release Year Split Screen Capability
OS X Lion 2011 Limited
OS X Mountain Lion 2012 Limited
OS X Mavericks 2013 Limited
OS X Yosemite 2014 Limited
OS X El Capitan 2015 Revamped, Widely Available
macOS Sierra 2016 Improved
macOS High Sierra 2017 Improved
macOS Mojave 2018 Improved
macOS Catalina 2019 Improved
macOS Big Sur 2020 Improved
macOS Monterey 2021 Improved
macOS Ventura 2022 Best Experience Yet Table showing evolution of split screen features over Mac OS versions
Why Use Split Screen on Your Mac?
Good question young padawan! Here are the prime benefits split view offers:
- Efficiency – Enables easier multitasking between apps for better workflow
- Convenience – Quickly transfer files, data between window copies
- Research – Display reference material while authoring documents
- Entertainment – Second screen experiences watching videos while chatting
As you can see, applications are nearly limitless! Common examples include:
- Comparing product specs & prices while shopping
- Analyzing financial reports with calculator open
- Graphic design with video tutorials playing
- Coding with documentation site ready for quick reference
I utilize split screen daily for writing articles and analysis. It enables my best work!
Step-By-Step Guide to Split Screen on Mac
Alright, time for hands-on learning! We‘ll walk through split screening the Safari web browser next to Apple‘s Photos app:
Step 1) Open Safari and Photos Apps
Click the launchpad icon in your dock to view applications. Locate and open the Safari browser along with Photos app so both windows are visible.
Launchpad Application Library in Mac OS
Step 2) Hover Over Green "+" Button
Move mouse to upper left corner of Photos app window. Hover over the green button next to the red and yellow buttons. Don‘t click the green button! That enters full screen mode.
Step 3 Choose "Tile Window To Left/Right"
With mouse hovered over green icon, a drop-down menu appears! Choose "Tile Window Left/Right of Screen" for desired split screen direction.
Tiling Window Left vs Right
Step 4) Select Second App For Split View
Photos app with automatically snap to the side chosen! Now simply click the Safari browser window to make it occupy the remaining space. Congrats, you did it!
Customizing Your Dual Screen Workspace
With the basics down, let‘s customize things to your liking:
- Resize Windows – Drag the vertical divider left/right
- Swap App Sides – Drag app windows across the separator
- Keyboard Shortcuts – Use command+option+F3 to quickly manage
- Exit Split Screen – Maximize windows by clicking green buttons again
Don‘t hesitate trying new splitter orientations and app combinations to optimize your view!
Alternatives to Split View
While game-changing for single-screen workflows, split view isn‘t for everyone or every use case. Limitations include:
- Only two apps visible simultaneously
- Vertical divide causes reduced horizontal space
- Individual app windows appear smaller
When split view no longer cuts it, consider these alternatives:
External Monitor Setup
Connecting a second (or third!) monitor enables far more flexibility. Additional screens allow numerous full-size app windows to remain visible while working.
All modern Macs support external displays:
Mac Model Max. # of Ext. Monitors
Mac Mini M2 (2023) 2
13" MacBook Pro M2 (2023) 1
14 & 16" MacBook Pro M2 (2023) 2
24" iMac (M1- 2021) 1
27" iMac (Intel- 2020) 2
iMac Pro (Intel- 2017) 2
Mac Studio (M1 Max - 2022) 4
Mac Pro (2019) 6Table showing external monitor support by Mac model
I personally utilize a 4 monitor powerhouse setup for my analysis and reporting!
Manual Window Resizing
You can also skip split view and simply resize windows manually instead. Arrange and overlap app windows however desired. Resize widths and heights to customize priorities.
Give the most screen real estate to your current primary task, while shrinking secondary apps. Don‘t hesitate getting creative!
Comparing Split Screen Implementations
While pioneered on mobile tablets, split view proved extremely effective for desktop computing. Apple led the way implementing the feature seamlessly across Mac OS versions:
| Platform | Split Screen Debut | Current Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 8 (2012) | Highly Capable |
| Chrome OS | Android App Split View | Functional |
| iPadOS/iOS | iOS 9 (2015) | Intuitive Direct Touch |
| Linux Desktop Environments | Varies by DE | Configurable |
| macOS | OS X El Capitan | Polished, Intuitive |
As you can see, Mac OS sets the bar for elegance and simplicity of use!
Use Case Examples
Let‘s explore a few examples demonstrating split view‘s capabilities:
- Research Papers – Reference material visible in Safari while typing in Pages
- File Transfers – Quickly copy files between paired Finder windows
- Media Creation – Watch YouTube tutorials while editing projects in Photos
- Coding – View programming documentation while writing code
- Graphic Design – Display color palettes/tools as working on illustrations
I‘m confident you‘ll discover countless applications boosting productivity and creativity!
Troubleshooting Issues
Of course no software is 100% perfectfriend. Let‘s cover resolving quirks if split screen misbehaves:
- App windows not snapping into place?
- Can‘t exit split view state?
- Split only shows one app window?
First, ensure Mac OS and the problem apps are fully updated. Outdated software often causes split issues.
Try toggling split view using command+option+F3 shortcuts instead of the mouse. This forces the windows to properly reset.
Finally, if problems continue, reboot your system to clear any lingering glitches. Or use Activity Monitor to force quit the troubled app process.
Following these steps resolves 99% of split view difficulties. But don‘t hesitate contacting Apple support if core system functions misbehave after updates. They offer wonderful assistance!
Conclusion
I hope you now feel empowered utilizing split screening alongside Photos on your Mac! While alternatives exist, split view nails the fundamentals for casual to moderate multitasking.
With practice, you‘ll soon find yourself naturally integrating the feature into daily workflows. Don‘t hesitate reaching out friend if any questions pop up! Happy to help fellow creatives and productivists maximize their potential.
Split on my friend!
