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How to Master Split Screen on Your iPad Pro: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to boost your iPad Pro productivity? Split Screen is your secret weapon. This guide will unlock the power of multitasking on your iPad Pro, transforming how you work, create, and consume content.

The Definitive Guide to Split Screen on iPad Pro

Enabling and using Split View on your iPad Pro is simpler than you might think, but understanding the nuances is key to truly mastering it. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

Ensure Compatibility: First, make sure your iPad Pro model supports Split View. Generally, all iPad Pro models support Split View, but older iPads might not. Any iPad Pro running iPadOS 13 or later will have this feature available.
Open Your First App: Launch the first app you want to use in Split View. This will become your primary application.
Access the Dock: Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to reveal the Dock. If you’re already in an app, a shorter swipe will usually bring it up.
Select Your Second App: Locate the icon of the second app you want to use in Split View within the Dock.
Initiate Split View: Touch and hold the icon of the second app, and then drag it either to the left or right edge of the screen. As you drag, the first app will automatically adjust its size to accommodate the second app.
Adjust the Divider: A vertical black line (the divider) will appear between the two apps. You can drag this divider to adjust the screen space allocated to each app.
Exit Split View: To exit Split View, drag the divider completely to the left or right, effectively closing one of the apps and returning the other to full-screen mode.

Understanding Slide Over

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Split View configurations, let’s touch on Slide Over. Slide Over is another multitasking feature closely related to Split View. Instead of sharing the screen equally, a Slide Over app floats in a smaller, windowed view on top of your main app.

To use Slide Over, follow steps 1-4 as above, but instead of dragging the second app to the edge, drag it slightly past the Dock and release it in the middle of the screen. This will place it in Slide Over mode. You can easily switch between Slide Over apps by swiping up on the bottom edge of the Slide Over window.

Maximizing Your Split View Experience

App Compatibility: Not all apps fully support Split View. Some may have limited functionality or display issues. Experiment to see which apps work best for you.
Keyboard Options: Utilize the floating keyboard or the split keyboard for comfortable typing in Split View. To access these, pinch two fingers together on the full keyboard to shrink it into a floating keyboard, or spread two fingers apart on the full keyboard to split it.
Drag and Drop: Take advantage of the drag-and-drop functionality between Split View apps. You can easily move text, images, and files between applications.
App Switcher: Access the App Switcher by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and holding. Here you’ll see grouped app pairs from your previously used split screen setups. This is a fast way to return to a pre-existing split screen layout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Split Screen on iPad Pro

Here are answers to the most common questions surrounding split-screen functionality on the iPad Pro:

1. Which iPad Pro models support Split View?

Generally, any iPad Pro model running iPadOS 13 or later supports Split View. This includes all recent generations of iPad Pro. If you have an older iPad, consult Apple’s website for specific compatibility information.

2. Why can’t I get Split View to work?

Several factors can prevent Split View from working. Ensure you’re using a compatible iPad Pro and running a recent version of iPadOS. Also, verify that the apps you’re trying to use support Split View. Some apps may be incompatible. Check in Settings > Multitasking & Gestures if multitasking is enabled.

3. How do I change the size of the apps in Split View?

The vertical divider bar separating the apps can be dragged left or right to adjust the screen space allocated to each app. Some apps may have minimum size constraints, limiting how small you can make them.

4. Can I use three apps at once on my iPad Pro?

While you can’t have three apps in true Split View simultaneously, you can use Slide Over in conjunction with Split View. This allows you to have two apps sharing the screen and a third app floating in a smaller window on top.

5. How do I close Split View?

To close Split View, drag the divider bar completely to the left or right edge of the screen. This will effectively close one of the apps and return the other to full-screen mode.

6. How do I switch the apps in Split View?

You can switch the position of the apps in Split View by dragging the grey bar at the top of each app to the opposite side of the screen. This will swap their positions.

7. Can I create a shortcut for my favorite Split View combination?

Unfortunately, iPadOS doesn’t offer a direct shortcut for saving Split View combinations. However, the App Switcher remembers your previously used Split View pairs, allowing you to quickly return to them.

8. Does Split View drain the battery faster?

Using Split View does require more processing power, which can lead to a slightly faster battery drain compared to using a single app. However, the difference is usually negligible unless you’re running resource-intensive apps in both Split View windows.

9. What’s the difference between Split View and Slide Over?

Split View allows two apps to share the screen equally, running side-by-side. Slide Over allows one app to float in a smaller, windowed view on top of your main app.

10. Can I use Split View in landscape and portrait mode?

Yes, Split View is supported in both landscape and portrait mode on iPad Pro.

11. Why does my keyboard disappear when I use Split View?

If your keyboard disappears, it may be due to a glitch. Try restarting your iPad Pro. You can also try using a hardware keyboard, which will remain visible regardless of the Split View configuration. Also, ensure that keyboard settings are properly configured in the iPad settings app under General>Keyboard.

12. Is there a way to disable Split View entirely?

Yes, you can disable multitasking features, including Split View, in Settings > Home Screen & Multitasking. Toggle off the “Allow Multiple Apps” switch to disable Split View and Slide Over.

Mastering Split View on your iPad Pro can significantly enhance your productivity and workflow. Experiment with different app combinations and configurations to find what works best for you. With a little practice, you’ll be a Split View pro in no time!