How Do I Split My Screen iPad?

Splitting your screen on an iPad allows you to use two apps side-by-side, enhancing productivity and multitasking. This feature, known as Split View, is a core part of iPadOS and lets you work on two tasks simultaneously, like browsing the web while taking notes or watching a video while chatting.

Enabling Split View on Your iPad

Before you can split your screen, ensure that the Split View feature is enabled in your iPad's settings. This is a one-time setup:

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap Multitasking & Gestures.
3. Under the "Multitasking" section, make sure Split View & Slide Over is turned on. If it's off, toggle the switch to the green "on" position.

Three Ways to Split Your iPad Screen

Once enabled, you can split your screen using a few different methods, depending on your workflow and current app.

1. Using the Multitasking Menu (Recommended)

This is the most common and versatile method for initiating Split View on modern iPadOS versions (iPadOS 15 and later).

• Open the first app you want to use.
• Look for the three small dots ... at the very top center of the screen. Tap them.
• A multitasking menu will appear. Tap the Split View icon (a rectangle split vertically in half).
• The current app will shift to one side, and your Home Screen will appear.
• Select the second app you want to use from your Home Screen, Dock, or App Library. The two apps will now appear side-by-side in Split View.

2. Using the Dock

The Dock provides a quick way to bring a second app into Split View if it's already in your frequently used apps.

• Open the first app you want to use.
• Swipe up slightly from the bottom edge of the screen to reveal the Dock. Do not swipe up too far, or you'll go to the Home Screen.
• Touch and hold the second app's icon from the Dock, then drag it to the left or right edge of the screen.
• Release your finger when you see the app snap into place, creating two equal windows.

3. Dragging from the App Library (iPadOS 15+)

If the app you want to split with isn't in your Dock, you can also access it through the App Library.

• Open the first app you want to use.
• Swipe up slightly from the bottom edge to reveal the Dock, then tap the App Library icon (the grid of apps) at the far right.
• Find the second app you wish to open in Split View.
• Touch and hold its icon, then drag it to the left or right edge of the screen until it snaps into Split View.

Managing Your Split View Windows

Once you're in Split View, you have several options to customize and control your multitasking experience.

Adjusting Window Size

• Between the two apps in Split View, you'll see a vertical black divider line.
• Touch and drag this divider left or right to resize the app windows. You can make one app larger than the other, or keep them equally sized.

Swapping Apps

To replace one of the apps in Split View:

• For the app you want to replace: Tap the three dots ... at the top of that app's window.
• A menu will appear. Tap the Split View icon again (the two rectangles).
• The current app will slide out, and your Home Screen will appear.
• Select a new app from your Home Screen, Dock, or App Library to replace it.

Closing Split View

To exit Split View and return to a single app:

• Touch and hold the vertical black divider line between the two apps.
• Drag the divider all the way to the left or right edge of the screen. The app that remains on the screen will be the one you dragged the divider away from.

Benefits of Using Split View

Split View is incredibly useful for a variety of tasks:

• Research and Writing: Have a browser open on one side for research while typing notes or an essay in a document app on the other.
• Learning: Watch a tutorial video or follow an online course on one side while practicing in a related app on the other.
• Communication: Keep a messaging app open on one side while working in another app.
• Comparison Shopping: View multiple product pages side-by-side to compare features and prices.
• Productivity: Manage your calendar or to-do list while working on an email or presentation.

Quick Reference: Split View Actions