How to Split Screen on Mac: Split View vs Window Tiling

To split screen on a Mac, you can put two apps into full-screen Split View or tile their windows side by side on the regular desktop. Both arrangements make it easier to compare documents, keep notes next to a browser, or work in two apps without constantly switching tabs. The best method depends on whether you want the Dock and desktop available.

Split View vs window tiling: choose the right layout

Split View creates a dedicated full-screen space with two compatible windows side by side. It is useful when you want fewer distractions. Window tiling arranges one or more windows on the desktop and generally leaves access to the menu bar and Dock. Apple documents both options separately; menu wording and available tiling controls can vary with your macOS version.

If you work with large documents on a smaller MacBook screen, consider whether two narrow columns remain readable. For some tasks, quickly switching between full-size windows can be more comfortable than forcing them side by side.

How to use Split View on Mac with the green window button

Apple’s current Split View instructions begin with an open, supported app window:

1. Open both apps you want to see.
2. Move your pointer over the green button in the upper-left corner of the first window.
3. Under the Full Screen options, choose Left of Screen or Right of Screen.
4. On the other side, click the second available app window.

The two apps fill a new full-screen space. If the menu on your Mac says something slightly different, look for the full-screen split option; do not confuse it with ordinary desktop tiling under Move & Resize.

Resize each side without closing your apps

Place the pointer on the dividing line between the two windows and drag it to change how much space each app receives. If an app requires a minimum width, it might resist resizing beyond a particular point. You can also drag the window’s title area to exchange sides, subject to the layout controls available on your macOS release.

Exit Split View safely

Move your pointer to the top to show the window controls. Hover over the green button on one app and use the option to move it to the desktop, replace it, or make it full screen according to the menu. Apple notes that the remaining app may stay full screen in its own space. Open Mission Control with Control–Up Arrow to find the other space if it seems to have disappeared. Your work has not been deleted just because the window moved.

How to put two Mac windows side by side without full screen

For everyday multitasking, desktop tiling may be simpler than Split View. Apple’s window tiling guide describes several approaches on supported versions of macOS.

1. Open your first app window and hover over its green button.
2. Under Move & Resize, select the layout for the left or right half of the screen.
3. Arrange the other window in the opposite half using the same options, a suggested multiwindow arrangement, or a supported drag-to-edge gesture.

On versions that support it, dragging a window toward the screen edge can reveal a highlighted placement zone. Release it when you see the desired area. Holding Option while dragging may provide another tiling method if it is enabled in settings. Unlike full-screen Split View, these windows stay in the desktop workspace rather than becoming a dedicated full-screen pair.

Why can’t I split screen on my Mac?

The app does not support the requested size

Not every app window works with Split View or every tile position. Try two common resizable windows such as Finder and Safari to establish whether the problem is app-specific. Small dialogs, utility windows or fixed-size windows might not offer all controls.

The green button menu looks different

Split View and window tiling have evolved across macOS releases. Use the wording on your own menu and the matching Apple Support article rather than assuming a shortcut from a video filmed on another version. Update macOS only through Apple’s supported update process when it makes sense for your computer; an update is not a required first step simply to arrange two windows.

Dragging to the edge does nothing

Open System Settings → Desktop & Dock and look under the Windows area for tiling preferences on versions where they are available. Apple documents switches such as Drag windows to left or right edge of screen to tile and Hold Option key while dragging windows to tile. If the feature is disabled or unavailable on your version, use the green window control instead.

One app is on another monitor

Split View on additional displays depends in part on the Displays have separate Spaces setting in Desktop & Dock. If a pair cannot form across your setup, bring both apps to the same display and retry. You can also tile normal desktop windows separately on each display when your configuration supports it.

Quick ways to move between Mac windows

Press Command–Tab to switch apps, or Control–Up Arrow to enter Mission Control and locate full-screen spaces. These commands are useful when a window seems missing after you changed the layout. They are not the same as a universal one-key command that always builds a two-app Split View pair.

For a visual record of what is on your display, our Mac screenshot shortcuts guide explains capture methods, while our Mac screen recording guide covers recording a demonstration. Neither action is necessary to set up Split View.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep the Dock visible while using two windows?

Yes, choose ordinary desktop tiling instead of full-screen Split View. Your Dock visibility still follows your Mac’s Dock preferences.

Can three apps share the screen?

Some macOS desktop tiling layouts can arrange three or more windows. Classic Split View is specifically a two-app full-screen arrangement. Available desktop layouts depend on the operating-system version and window sizes.

Does closing Split View close my apps?

No. Leaving the arrangement moves or resizes windows; it does not inherently quit the apps or delete your files. Save work normally before making unrelated system changes.

Can I split screen with an external monitor?

Yes, subject to your display and Spaces configuration. For full-screen Split View on other monitors, Apple recommends enabling Displays have separate Spaces.

Photograph: rawpixel, via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0. It illustrates a MacBook workspace, not a step-by-step screenshot of macOS Split View.