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Unleash iPad Pro Multitasking: Mastering Split Screen Like a Pro

So, you want to wrangle the power of split screen on your iPad Pro? Excellent! It’s the key to truly unlocking its potential for productivity and entertainment. Here’s the breakdown: to use split screen on your iPad Pro, simply open the first app, then either swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock and drag a second app icon to the side of the screen, or use the App Switcher (swipe up and hold) to drag one app on top of another. This will instantly transform your iPad Pro into a multitasking powerhouse.

Delving Deeper: Split View and Slide Over Explained

The iPad Pro’s split-screen capabilities go beyond just having two apps visible at once. There are two main modes: Split View and Slide Over. Understanding the difference is crucial for maximizing your workflow.

Split View: Equal Partners

Split View allows you to have two apps side-by-side, each taking up a portion of your screen. You can adjust the size of each app’s window, giving one app more space than the other. This is ideal for tasks like writing while researching, or comparing two documents simultaneously.

To enter Split View:

Open your first app. This will be the primary app on your screen.
Access the Dock. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock.
Drag a second app. Locate the icon of the app you want to use in Split View and drag it either to the left or right edge of the screen.
Release the app icon. The second app will snap into place, creating a split screen.
Adjust the divider (optional). A vertical bar will appear between the two apps. Drag this bar to resize the windows, giving more screen real estate to one app.

Slide Over: A Floating Companion

Slide Over presents a second app in a floating window that sits on top of your primary app. Think of it as a mini-app that you can quickly access and dismiss. This is perfect for tasks like checking email or responding to a quick message without interrupting your current workflow.

To use Slide Over:

Open your first app. This will be the primary app on your screen.
Access the Dock. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock.
Drag a second app. Locate the icon of the app you want to use in Slide Over and drag it slightly beyond the edge of the screen (to the left or right).
Release the app icon. The second app will appear in a floating window on top of your current app.
Dismiss Slide Over: Swipe the Slide Over app window off the screen to the right.
Bring Slide Over back: Swipe from the right edge of the screen to the left to bring the Slide Over window back into view.

From Slide Over to Split View, and Vice Versa

You can easily transition between Slide Over and Split View. When an app is in Slide Over mode, look for the three dots at the top of the Slide Over window. Tap those dots, and a menu will appear giving you the option to switch to Split View. Likewise, from Split View, you can drag one of the apps back to the Dock to return it to full-screen mode, leaving the other app as the primary one.

Mastering Split Screen Gestures and Shortcuts

Beyond the basics, mastering a few key gestures will make your split-screen experience even smoother.

App Switcher: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to reveal all open apps. From here, you can drag one app onto another to enter Split View.
Quickly Adjusting Split: The divider bar between the two apps in Split View is more than just a separator. Drag it to the center to give each app equal screen space.
Closing Split View: Drag the divider bar all the way to the left or right edge of the screen to close one of the apps and return the other to full-screen mode.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why Can’t I Use Split Screen on My iPad Pro?

Split View and Slide Over require iPadOS. Make sure your iPad Pro is running iPadOS 13 or later. Older iOS versions do not support these multitasking features. Also, ensure that the apps you are trying to use are compatible with Split View. Some apps may not support this functionality.

2. How Do I Know if an App Supports Split View?

While there isn’t a definitive list, most modern apps designed for iPadOS support Split View. A good indicator is whether the app appears in the Dock. Apps that appear in the Dock are generally compatible. If you’re unsure, try the drag-and-drop method described above; if it doesn’t work, the app likely doesn’t support Split View.

3. Can I Use Split Screen with Three Apps?

No, Split View only supports two apps simultaneously on the screen. However, you can use Slide Over in conjunction with Split View, effectively giving you three apps accessible at once. One app will be in full screen, another in Split View, and the third in Slide Over.

4. How Do I Change the Ratio of the Split Screen?

Simply drag the divider bar located between the two apps in Split View. You can adjust the ratio to give more screen space to one app over the other.

5. How Do I Exit Split Screen or Slide Over?

To exit Split View, drag the divider bar all the way to the left or right edge of the screen. This will close one of the apps and return the other to full-screen mode. To dismiss Slide Over, swipe the app window off the right edge of the screen.

6. Can I Use Split Screen in Landscape and Portrait Mode?

Yes, Split View and Slide Over work in both landscape and portrait modes on the iPad Pro. The layout will adapt to the orientation of your device.

7. How Does Split Screen Affect Battery Life?

Running two apps simultaneously will generally consume more battery than running a single app. However, the impact is usually minimal, especially on newer iPad Pro models with efficient processors. Consider closing apps you’re not actively using to conserve battery life.

8. Can I Use Split Screen with Apps from the Same Developer?

Yes, you can use Split Screen with multiple apps from the same developer, as long as those apps support the feature. For example, you can have two Safari windows open side-by-side.

9. How Do I Know Which App is Active in Split View?

The active app in Split View is usually indicated by a subtle highlighting or shading difference around the app’s window. Generally, the app you last interacted with is considered the active app.

10. Does Split Screen Work with External Keyboards and Mice/Trackpads?

Absolutely! Using an external keyboard and mouse or trackpad enhances the Split Screen experience. It allows for more precise control and navigation between apps.

11. Are There Any Third-Party Apps That Enhance Split Screen?

While iPadOS’s built-in Split Screen functionality is robust, some third-party apps offer additional features or customization options. However, these apps often require special permissions and might not integrate seamlessly with the system. It’s generally best to stick with the native functionality.

12. How Can I Make Split Screen My Default Mode?

Unfortunately, you cannot set Split Screen as the default mode. Whenever you close an app and reopen it, it will typically open in full-screen mode. You’ll need to re-enter Split View each time you want to use it.