How to use Split View on MacBook to run two apps side-by-side

Split View on macOS

If you’re using a MacBook and want to boost your productivity, learning how to use split screen can come in quite handy. It lets you run two apps side by side without having to constantly switch between windows. Whether you’re researching while writing, or watching a video while taking notes, here’s how you can set up split screen in just a few steps.

Open the first app you want to use. In the top-left corner of the window, hover your mouse over the green fullscreen button (don’t click it just yet). A small menu will pop up with a few options.

From the dropdown, select “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen,” depending on where you want the app to sit. The app will snap to that side.

Once the first app fills one half of the screen, your Mac will show the rest of your open windows on the other side. Click on the second app you want to use—it’ll fill the other half of the screen.

You can drag the black divider in the middle to give more space to one app or the other.

To exit, just hit the green button again or press Esc, and both windows will return to regular view.

Split screen works with most modern macOS versions (macOS Catalina and later). It’s a simple but powerful way to multitask more efficiently—no extra apps or tools needed.