Putting two windows side by side on your MacBook (split screen) is handy for comparing, copying text over or taking notes during a video call. macOS has a few ways to do it: dragging to the edge, via a window's green button, and with shortcuts. This article explains all three, plus how a second screen gives you even more room.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam. If your trackpad does not work properly, shortcuts are a good way out; more about that at the end.
Method 1: via the green button
- Hold the pointer over the green button at the top left of a window (do not click).
- A menu appears. Choose a layout, for example left or right of the screen.
- The window jumps to that half. Then choose a second window for the other half.
If you want both windows full screen side by side (without menu bar and Dock), choose the full-screen option with a second window beside it in the same menu.
Method 2: dragging to the edge
In recent macOS versions you drag a window by its title bar to the left or right edge of the screen. An outline appears; let go and the window fills that half. Drag to a corner and it fills a quarter of the screen. If you hold the Option key while dragging, you see the layouts before you reach the edge.
Method 3: shortcuts
In recent macOS versions you can use the Globe key (fn) together with Control and an arrow key to move a window to the left, right, top or bottom. In the Window menu of most apps you see under Move & Resize which shortcuts exist. More handy combinations in keyboard shortcuts for your MacBook.
Handy for work and study
Split screen is most useful when you use information from one window in the other: a source on the left and your text on the right, a spreadsheet next to your e-mail, or a video call next to your notes. On a 13-inch MacBook Air it does get tight; zooming out a little in the app with Command + minus helps.
Moving the divider
With two windows side by side you can drag the line between them to make one window wider than the other. With two full-screen windows, drag the black bar in the middle.
Settings
In System Settings, Desktop & Dock you find under Windows the options to tile windows by dragging them to the edge, and whether tiled windows have a margin. If you find windows snapping to the edge annoying, turn it off there.
More room: a second screen or Stage Manager
- An external monitor gives you a second desktop. See connecting your MacBook to a monitor.
- Stage Manager (in Control Centre) puts the app you are working in at the centre and moves other apps aside, handy on a small screen.
- Mission Control (swipe up with three fingers) shows all your windows at once.
It does not work
- Some apps have a minimum width and do not fit in half a screen.
- If dragging does not work, check the setting in Desktop & Dock.
- If the trackpad responds poorly when dragging, use the shortcuts and read MacBook trackpad not working.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
If your trackpad or keyboard does not work properly, or your screen shows lines or patches, we repair it. You hear beforehand what is needed. More on our pages about MacBook trackpad repair and MacBook repair in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put three windows side by side?
Yes, by dragging windows to the corners you can also arrange three or four windows.
Does split screen work on an older macOS?
Full screen side by side has worked for a long time. Dragging to the edge is in recent versions.
How do I leave full screen?
Press the green button or Control + Command + F.
