Maximizing Multitasking: How to Use Split Screen on Mac?

Being productive in a world where you are bombarded with information at every step can become increasingly challenging. There are ads everywhere that aim to catch your attention. The screen of your phone might light …

Maximizing Multitasking

Being productive in a world where you are bombarded with information at every step can become increasingly challenging. There are ads everywhere that aim to catch your attention. The screen of your phone might light up when you get a new message. Someone might call you. Or you might work in a noisy environment. Either way, being efficient and productive when there are so many distractions becomes increasingly challenging.

Despite the fact that technology can sometimes serve as a major source of distractions, it can also act as a significant aid. There are features designed to assist you in blocking distractions and maintaining your work focus without disruptions. Certain features of this kind are accessible to MacBook users, which can be immensely beneficial. You can maximize multitasking if you learn how to split screen on Mac. Learning about the MacBook split screen shortcut and how to exit split screen on Mac will enable you to take your productivity to the next level. So, how to enable split view on Mac, and how can this help you? Continue reading to find out more. 

 Identify Compatible Applications 

If using a split screen on your Mac can enhance your productivity, it’s a skill worth acquiring. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to note that not all apps are conducive to split-screen functionality. Some may only operate in full-screen mode, so this has to be kept in mind. The first thing you should do is to identify the applications compatible with this view mode and organize your tasks depending on this. If you are working in an office, then you probably know that you should protect your data at all costs. Learn how to lock screen on Mac and the MacOS lock screen shortcut so that no one can use your laptop while you are away. Mac lock screen is a helpful hack if you are working in a cafe too. 

Enter Full-Screen Mode 

The following step involves entering full-screen mode. To do this, simply click on the green “Full Screen” button located in the top-left corner of the first application you wish to utilize in Split Screen. This button looks like a green circle or two outward-pointing diagonal arrows. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Control + Command + F for the same effect.

Swipe Up on Trackpad or Use Mission Control

After you’ve entered full-screen mode with your initial app, you have several choices:

  1. Swipe up on your trackpad using three or four fingers (depending on your trackpad settings).
  2. Press Control + Up Arrow on your keyboard.
  3. Employ Mission Control (by pressing F3 on your keyboard or swiping up with three or four fingers on the trackpad).

Then, simply drag the window of your second app to the top of the screen.

Choose Second Application 

Moving on to the next step, setting up Split Screen involves selecting the second app to run alongside the first. Here’s the process: Open Mission Control or swipe up, and you’ll see all your open apps at the top of the screen. Just click on the second app you want for Split Screen. If you can’t find it there, it’s likely that the app doesn’t support this split-screen mode.

Adjust Split Screen Layout 

Setting up Split Screen initially provides an automatic view, but remember, you’re not locked into it – you have the flexibility to customize the layout to your preferences. If you wish to emphasize one app over the other, it’s a straightforward process. Hover your cursor over the line that divides the two apps. Once your cursor’s icon changes, click and drag to adjust the window sizes according to your liking.

Exit Split Screen

To exit Split Screen and return to regular view, you can click the green button in the top left corner of one of the applications, use the keyboard shortcut Control + Command + F, or swipe down on your trackpad.

Final Thoughts 

In the fast-paced modern world, where everyone competes for their focus, reaching optimal productivity can be quite the feat. Our surroundings are rife with diversions, making it progressively harder to stay concentrated on our tasks. Multitasking offers a solution to some of these hurdles. Yet, to fully harness its advantages, it’s essential to acquaint yourself with certain useful methods, like becoming proficient in using a split screen on your Mac. While it may appear somewhat intricate, adhering to these steps guarantees that you can operate smoothly and efficiently.

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