How to Split Screen Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Split Screen Windows?

Split screen windows allow you to work on multiple applications or documents at the same time without having to constantly switch back and forth between them. This can greatly increase productivity and efficiency, especially for tasks that require referencing multiple documents or data sources.

For example, you could have a research paper open on one side of the screen while taking notes on the other side, or you could have your email open on one side while working on a project in another application on the other side.

Split screen windows are also great for multitasking, allowing you to watch a video or attend a video call while working on other tasks. Overall, splitting your screen can help you work smarter, not harder.

Split Screen Windows on Windows OS

Split screen windows are built into Windows OS, and it’s easy to use them to split your screen between two or more applications. Here’s how:

1. Open the first application you want to split on one side of the screen.
2. Click and hold the title bar of the application window and drag it to one side of the screen until you see a transparent overlay appear.
3. Release the mouse button, and the application window will snap to that side of the screen.
4. Open the second application you want to split on the other side of the screen.
5. Click and hold the title bar of the second application window and drag it to the other side of the screen until you see a transparent overlay appear.
6. Release the mouse button, and the second application window will snap to the other side of the screen.
7. Adjust the divider line between the two windows to resize them to your preference.

You can also use keyboard shortcuts to split your screen on Windows OS. Press the Windows key and the left or right arrow key to snap the current application window to the left or right side of the screen, respectively.

Split Screen Windows on Mac OS

Split screen windows on Mac OS can be accessed through the Mission Control feature. Here’s how:

1. Open the first application you want to split on one side of the screen.
2. Click and hold the green full-screen button in the upper-left corner of the application window until you see the window shrink and a transparent overlay appear.
3. Drag the application window to one side of the screen until you see a blue highlighted area.
4. Release the mouse button, and the application window will snap to that side of the screen.
5. Open the second application you want to split on the other side of the screen.
6. Open Mission Control by swiping up with three or four fingers on the trackpad or pressing the Mission Control key on your keyboard.
7. Drag the second application window to the other side of the screen until you see a blue highlighted area.
8. Release the mouse button, and the second application window will snap to the other side of the screen.
9. Adjust the divider line between the two windows to resize them to your preference.

You can also use keyboard shortcuts to split your screen on Mac OS. Press and hold the green full-screen button and select the other application you want to split with from the list of open windows.

Split Screen Windows on Linux OS

Split screen windows on Linux OS can be achieved through various methods depending on the distribution and desktop environment you are using. Here are some examples:

1. GNOME: Drag the application window to the top of the screen until you see it maximized. Then, drag the application window to one side of the screen until you see it snap to that side. Open the second application window and repeat the process on the other side of the screen.

2. KDE: Click and hold the title bar of the first application window and drag it to one side of the screen until you see a transparent overlay appear. Release the mouse button, and the application window will snap to that side of the screen. Repeat the process with the second application window on the other side of the screen.

3. i3: Use the i3 keybindings to split your screen between two or more applications. For example, press $mod+v to split your screen vertically, then open the first application on one side and the second application on the other side.

4. Xfce: Open the first application you want to split and right-click the title bar. Select “Split into Left and Right Parts” or “Split into Top and Bottom Parts.” Then, open the second application and it will automatically appear on the other side of the screen.

As you can see, the process for splitting screen windows on Linux OS can vary depending on the distribution and desktop environment you are using. It’s best to check your user manual or desktop environment documentation for specific instructions.

Tips for Using Split Screen Windows Efficiently

Here are some tips for using split screen windows efficiently:

1. Use keyboard shortcuts: Most operating systems have keyboard shortcuts for splitting your screen. Learning these shortcuts can save you time and make the process faster.

2. Customize your split: You don’t have to split your screen 50/50. Adjust the divider line to resize the windows to your preference. For example, you might want one application to take up more space than the other.

3. Use multiple split screens: Some operating systems allow you to split your screen into more than two windows. This can be useful if you need to reference multiple documents or applications at the same time.

4. Prioritize: If you’re splitting your screen to multitask, make sure you prioritize your tasks. Focus on the most important tasks on each side of the screen to avoid getting overwhelmed.

5. Use a larger monitor: Splitting your screen can be more effective on a larger monitor. If you find yourself splitting your screen often, consider investing in a larger monitor to increase your productivity.

By following these tips, you can make the most out of split screen windows and improve your efficiency while working on your computer.