How to Split Screen on Your Chromebook?

Chromebooks have long supported a split-screen feature, which has seen significant improvements over time. Yet, many users are still unfamiliar with how it works or how it can enhance their multitasking experience. This guide will walk you through the different ways of using split screen on your Chromebook and highlight its key benefits.

How to Split Screen on Chromebook for Multitasking

There are multiple ways to activate the split-screen feature on a Chromebook, making multitasking smoother and more efficient. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

Using the Maximize Button for Browsers and Web Pages

1. Open the browser or application you want to use.
2. Move your cursor over the maximize button (the square icon located in the top-right corner of the window).
3. A pop-up will appear, allowing you to select either a half or partial split based on your preference. Click on the left or right edge to position the window accordingly.
4. Once the first window is docked, you’ll be prompted to select another open window or app to occupy the other half of the screen.

Using the Maximize Button for Apps and Web Apps

1. Launch the app you want to use.
2. Hover over the maximize button, then press and hold it until directional arrows appear.
3. Select whether you want the app to be positioned on the left or right side of the screen.
4. After placing the first app, you can either choose another open app to fill the remaining space or leave it as is.

Chromebook Split Screen Keyboard Shortcuts

1. Open the window you want to place in split-screen mode.
2. Press Shift + [ to snap the window to the left side of the screen or Shift + ] to move it to the right.

Using Touchpad Gestures for Split Screen

1. ChromeOS, like Windows, supports touchpad gestures for easy multitasking. Start by swiping up with three fingers on the touchpad.
2. Click and hold the window you want to use, then drag it to either the left or right side of the screen.
3. Once the first window is in place, select another open app or window to fill the remaining half of the screen.

Using Touchscreen Gestures for Split Screen

1. Open the app you want to use, then swipe up with one finger and hold to bring up the overview menu.
2. From the overview menu, tap and hold your desired window, then drag it to either the left or right side of the screen.
3. After positioning the first window, select another app or window to fill the remaining half of the screen.

What are the Benefits of Split Screen?

One of the biggest benefits of the split-screen feature is improved multitasking. It enables users to work on two tasks at the same time, significantly enhancing efficiency and productivity. This feature is especially useful for real-time collaboration, allowing users to communicate with colleagues in one window while editing documents or viewing presentations in the other. These are just a few of its advantages, but the flexibility and convenience it offers go far beyond these examples.

Since split-screen is a software-based feature, most major apps and windows support it seamlessly. However, some applications, like Netflix, may not function optimally in split-screen mode due to design limitations. By following the methods outlined above, you can easily enable split-screen on your Chromebook, making multitasking more efficient and improving overall productivity. With multiple ways to activate the feature, you can choose the method that best suits your workflow and preferences.