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Mastering Split View: Your Definitive Guide to Multitasking on macOS

The digital age demands efficiency, and your MacBook is a powerful tool designed to deliver just that. One of the most effective ways to boost your productivity is mastering Split View, macOS’s native split-screen multitasking feature. Essentially, Split View allows you to display two applications side-by-side, eliminating the constant window resizing and shuffling that can bog you down. Here’s how to use it: Hover your cursor over the green full-screen button in the top-left corner of a window, then choose either “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen” from the menu that appears; select a second window to fill the other side of the screen, instantly entering Split View.

Diving Deep: Unlocking the Power of Split View

Split View is more than just two windows sitting next to each other. Understanding its nuances can truly transform your workflow.

Initiating Split View: Multiple Methods

The classic green button method is the most well-known, but there are alternatives.

Mission Control: Open Mission Control (swipe up with three or four fingers on your trackpad, or press the Mission Control key on your keyboard). Drag one window onto another already in full-screen mode in the Space bar at the top of the screen. This merges them into a Split View space.
Drag and Drop from Mission Control: Open Mission Control as above. Drag two windows from the dashboard to the top of the screen next to the “+” sign. This will create a new desktop containing both windows in split view.

Adjusting Window Sizes

Once in Split View, you’re not stuck with a 50/50 split. A dark gray bar sits between the two windows. Click and drag this bar left or right to resize the windows, giving more screen real estate to the app you need most.

Exchanging Window Positions

Need the left window on the right and vice versa? Simply click and hold on the title bar (the very top of the window) of one of the applications. Then, drag it to the other side of the screen. The applications will swap positions seamlessly.

Exiting Split View

There are two primary ways to leave Split View:

Bring one application to full-screen: Click the green button on either of the windows. That window will return to full-screen mode, and the other will become a separate window.
Close one application: Closing one of the applications in Split View will automatically return the remaining application to full-screen mode.

Advanced Split View Techniques

Beyond the basics, several advanced techniques can further enhance your Split View experience.

Working with Multiple Spaces

Split View isn’t limited to just one desktop. You can have multiple Split View setups across different Spaces. This is incredibly useful for organizing different projects or workflows. Access these spaces using the touchpad and sliding right or left with three fingers.

Apps That Don’t Support Split View

Unfortunately, not all applications are fully compatible with Split View. Some older applications or those with custom window management may not tile correctly. In these cases, you’ll need to rely on manual window resizing and placement.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Split View

While macOS doesn’t offer default keyboard shortcuts specifically for initiating Split View, you can create custom shortcuts using System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > App Shortcuts. This allows you to assign specific key combinations to the “Tile Window to Left of Screen” and “Tile Window to Right of Screen” commands for individual applications, streamlining the process even further.

Split View and Full-Screen Apps

Full-screen apps and Split View apps behave similarly but are distinct. A full-screen app occupies an entire space, while a Split View setup consists of two apps sharing a single space. This subtle difference affects how you navigate between them using Mission Control and keyboard shortcuts.

Troubleshooting Common Split View Issues

Even with its simplicity, Split View can sometimes present unexpected behavior. Here are some common issues and their solutions.

Split View Not Working: Ensure both applications are not already in full-screen mode. Force quit and relaunch the apps. Restart your Mac. Also, verify that the app you are using actually supports this feature.
Unexpected Window Behavior: If windows are resizing erratically or refusing to tile correctly, try resetting your window preferences. This often involves deleting preference files associated with the problematic application. A quick Google search can provide specific instructions for the app in question.
Mission Control Issues: If Mission Control isn’t displaying your Split View spaces correctly, try restarting the Dock (the bar at the bottom of the screen). You can do this by opening Terminal (search for it using Spotlight) and typing killall Dock followed by pressing Enter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions regarding the use of Split View on a MacBook:

Can I use Split View with more than two applications at once? No, Split View is designed for displaying only two applications side-by-side. However, you can use multiple Spaces to create different Split View setups across your desktop.
Does Split View work with external monitors? Yes, Split View works seamlessly with external monitors. You can create separate Split View setups on each monitor connected to your MacBook.
Why can’t I see the “Tile Window” options when hovering over the green button? This usually indicates that the application you’re using doesn’t fully support Split View. Try resizing the window manually and positioning it next to another application.
How do I switch between different Split View setups? You can switch between different Split View setups and full-screen applications using Mission Control (swipe up with three or four fingers on your trackpad) or by pressing Control + Left/Right arrow keys.
Can I create a Split View with two windows from the same application? Yes, you can. For example, you can have two Safari windows, two Word documents, or two TextEdit windows in Split View.
Is there a way to save my Split View configuration for later use? macOS doesn’t offer a built-in feature to save Split View configurations directly. However, some third-party window management applications provide this functionality.
How does Split View affect battery life? Running applications in Split View shouldn’t significantly impact battery life compared to running them separately. The overall battery consumption depends more on the resource intensity of the applications themselves.
Can I use Split View with terminal windows? Yes, you can use Split View with terminal windows like iTerm2 or the built-in Terminal application. This is especially useful for developers who need to work on code and documentation simultaneously.
Does Split View work the same way on all macOS versions? While the core functionality remains consistent, the visual appearance and minor features of Split View may vary slightly across different macOS versions. Always refer to the official Apple documentation for the most up-to-date information.
What if I accidentally exit Split View? If you accidentally exit Split View, simply repeat the steps to initiate it again. macOS will usually remember the previous window sizes and positions, making it quick and easy to restore your setup.
Are there any accessibility considerations for Split View? Yes, users with visual impairments can adjust the contrast and text size in System Preferences to improve readability in Split View. Additionally, screen readers like VoiceOver are compatible with Split View, allowing users to navigate and interact with applications using keyboard commands and audio cues.
Why are my Split View windows displaying incorrectly after a macOS update? Sometimes, macOS updates can cause minor compatibility issues with existing Split View setups. Try restarting your MacBook or resetting the window preferences for the affected applications. If the problem persists, consider reinstalling the applications or contacting Apple Support for assistance.

By mastering these techniques and troubleshooting tips, you can harness the full potential of Split View and transform your MacBook into a multitasking powerhouse. Embrace the power of efficient workflows and enjoy the productivity gains that Split View brings to your macOS experience.