Mastering multitasking on your iPad can significantly boost your productivity and efficiency. No more constant app switching, no more losing your train of thought! Splitting your screen allows you to view and interact with two apps simultaneously, making everything from research to note-taking a breeze.
So, are you ready to transform your iPad into a multitasking powerhouse? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Unlocking the Power of Multitasking – A Quick Check
Before we embark on our split-screen journey, let's ensure your iPad is ready to unleash its full multitasking potential.
- Is your iPad updated? Split Screen (also known as Split View) was introduced with iOS 9. If you're running a much older version, you'll need to update. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check and install any available updates.
- Does your iPad model support it? While most modern iPads support Split View, older models might have limitations. Generally, iPads from iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, iPad Pro (all models), and newer iPad models support this feature. If you're unsure, a quick search for your specific iPad model's specifications can confirm.
Once you've confirmed your iPad is up to snuff, we can proceed to the exciting part!
Step 2: Initiating the Split – Two Main Methods
There are two primary ways to initiate Split View on your iPad, each offering a slightly different workflow. Choose the one that feels most intuitive for you!
Method 2a: Using the Multitasking Menu (The Dot-Dot-Dot Method)
This is arguably the most straightforward and consistent method.
- Open your first app: Start by opening the app you want to use on one side of your split screen. Let's say you're doing research, so you open Safari.
- Tap the Multitasking Dots: At the very top center of the app window, you'll see three small dots (...). These are your multitasking controls. Tap them.
- Select the Split View Icon: A small menu will pop up. You'll see three options:
- Full Screen (a single square icon): This is the default.
- Split View (two overlapping rectangles icon): This is the one we want! Tap it.
- Slide Over (a smaller rectangle on top of a larger one icon): We'll cover this later, but for now, focus on Split View.
- Choose your second app: As soon as you tap the Split View icon, your current app will shift to one side, and your Home Screen will appear on the other. Now, simply tap on the second app you want to use from your Home Screen, Dock, or App Library. Voila! You now have two apps side-by-side.
Method 2b: Using the Dock (The Drag-and-Drop Method)
This method is quick and efficient if the second app you want is readily available in your Dock.
- Open your first app: Just like before, open the app you want to use as your primary app.
- Bring up the Dock: Gently swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen just enough to reveal the Dock. Don't swipe too far, or you'll go to the Home Screen.
- Drag the second app: Tap and hold the icon of the app you want to open in Split View from the Dock.
- Position it for Split View: While still holding the app icon, drag it towards the left or right edge of the screen. As you drag, you'll see a black vertical bar appear, indicating where the app will snap into Split View. Release your finger when you see this bar. And there you have it – your two apps, side-by-side!
Step 3: Mastering Your Split Screen Layout – Resizing and Swapping
Now that you have your split screen set up, let's learn how to customize it to your liking.
Sub-heading 3a: Resizing the Apps
You're not stuck with a 50/50 split! You can adjust the width of each app to prioritize one over the other.
- Locate the divider: In the middle of your two split-screen apps, you'll see a vertical gray bar.
- Drag to resize: Tap and hold this gray bar. Then, drag it left or right to resize the app windows. You can typically get a 50/50 split, or a 70/30 split (where one app takes up more space), or even a 30/70 split.
Sub-heading 3b: Swapping App Positions
Want to quickly switch which app is on the left and which is on the right? Easy peasy!
- Tap and hold on the three dots: At the top of either of the split-screen apps, tap and hold the three dots (...).
- Drag to the other side: While still holding, drag the app to the opposite side of the screen. The apps will instantly swap positions.
Step 4: Beyond the Basics – Closing Split View and Slide Over
You've mastered the art of splitting your screen, but what about when you're done? And what about that "Slide Over" option we saw earlier?
Sub-heading 4a: Closing Split View
When you're finished with your multitasking session, there are a few ways to return to a single app view:
- Drag the divider all the way: Tap and hold the gray vertical divider in the middle of the split screen. Then, drag it all the way to the left or right edge of the screen until one of the apps disappears. The remaining app will go full screen.
- Use the Multitasking Dots: Tap the three dots (...) at the top of either app. From the menu that appears, tap the Full Screen icon (the single square). The app you tapped the dots on will go full screen, and the other app will revert to its previous state (or simply close if it was opened just for Split View).
Sub-heading 4b: Understanding Slide Over
Slide Over is another fantastic multitasking feature, but it's different from Split View. Instead of side-by-side, Slide Over allows a second app to float as a narrow, movable window on top of your primary app. It's perfect for quick checks, messages, or calculator use without fully splitting your screen.
How to initiate Slide Over:
- Open your primary app.
- Bring up the Dock.
- Drag the second app: Tap and hold the icon of the app you want to use in Slide Over from the Dock.
- Position it for Slide Over: While still holding, drag it towards the center of the screen. You'll see a smaller, rectangular preview of the app appear. Release your finger to drop it into Slide Over mode.
Managing Slide Over:
- Move it: Tap and hold the three dots (...) at the top of the Slide Over window and drag it to the left or right side of your screen.
- Switch between Slide Over apps: If you have multiple apps in Slide Over, swipe left or right along the bottom edge of the Slide Over window to quickly switch between them.
- Close it: Tap and hold the three dots (...) and drag the Slide Over window off the right edge of the screen.
Step 5: Troubleshooting and Tips – When Things Go Awry
Sometimes, technology can be a bit stubborn. Here are some common issues and helpful tips to keep your split-screen experience smooth.
- "I can't see the multitasking dots!"
- Ensure the app you're in fully supports Split View. Some very old or niche apps might not.
- Make sure you're running an iPadOS version that supports Split View.
- Restarting your iPad can often resolve minor glitches.
- "The second app isn't going into Split View, it's just going full screen!"
- When dragging from the Dock, ensure you're dragging to the very edge of the screen until you see the black vertical bar. If you drop it in the middle, it will open full screen.
- "Can I use any two apps in Split View?"
- Almost! The vast majority of modern apps support Split View. However, some apps are designed only for full-screen use and may not work.
- "My apps look squished!"
- Remember to use the gray vertical divider to adjust the size of each app to your preference.
- *Orientation Matters: Split View works best in landscape orientation. While it is possible in portrait, the screen real estate is more limited, and the experience might not be as optimal.
- Drag and Drop Between Apps: One of the most powerful features of Split View is the ability to drag and drop content (like text, images, or files) directly between the two open apps. For example, drag a photo from the Photos app into an email you're composing in Mail, or text from Safari into a note in the Notes app. This saves an incredible amount of time!
- App Pairs: iPadOS remembers your most recently used Split View "app pairs." When you bring up the multitasking screen (by swiping up from the bottom and holding), you'll often see these paired apps grouped together, allowing you to quickly reopen them in Split View.
You've now got all the knowledge to become a true iPad multitasking master! Experiment with different app combinations and workflows to discover how split screen can supercharge your productivity.
How to Split Your Screen on iPad - FAQs
How to exit Split View on iPad?
To exit Split View, drag the central gray divider all the way to the left or right edge of the screen until one app disappears, or tap the three dots (...) at the top of either app and select the "Full Screen" icon (single square).
How to resize apps in Split View on iPad?
To resize apps in Split View, tap and hold the gray vertical divider in the middle of the screen and drag it left or right to adjust the width of each app.
How to switch apps in Split View on iPad?
To switch the positions of the two apps in Split View, tap and hold the three dots (...) at the top of one of the apps and drag it to the opposite side of the screen.
How to use three apps at once on iPad?
While true Split View only supports two apps side-by-side, you can use a third app in "Slide Over" mode, which floats as a smaller window on top of your two split-screen apps.
How to get rid of Slide Over on iPad?
To get rid of a Slide Over app, tap and hold the three dots (...) at the top of the Slide Over window and drag it off the right edge of the screen.
How to drag and drop between apps in Split View on iPad?
To drag and drop between apps, simply tap and hold on text, images, or files in one app and drag them directly into the other app while in Split View.
How to know if an app supports Split View on iPad?
Most modern apps support Split View. If an app doesn't support it, you won't see the multitasking dots (...) at the top, or it won't snap into Split View when you try to drag it from the Dock.
How to enable multitasking features on iPad?
Multitasking features like Split View and Slide Over are enabled by default on compatible iPad models running recent iPadOS versions. You can check Settings > Home Screen & Multitasking for some related settings.
How to use Split View in portrait mode on iPad?
While generally better in landscape, you can use Split View in portrait mode. The resizing options will be more limited due to the vertical screen space.
How to quickly access recently used Split View app pairs on iPad?
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to bring up the App Switcher. You'll often see your recently used Split View app pairs grouped together, allowing for quick reopening.