How to Split Screen on the iPad: A Complete Guide

One of iPad’s most useful features is the ability to split the screen, allowing users to enjoy apps, perform tasks, and read information simultaneously. This multitasking capability can transform your productivity, whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who loves to manage multiple tasks. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to split screen on the iPad.

What Is Split Screen on iPad?

Split screen on the iPad, officially known as “Split View,” is a multitasking feature that allows you to display two screens or two applications simultaneously. Instead of constantly switching back and forth between apps, you can have both on the same screen.

How to Use Split View on iPad

To start using two apps side-by-side, follow these steps:

1. Open Your First App
Open the first app you want to use in Split View.

2. Access the Multitasking Menu
At the top of the screen, you will see three dots. Tap on it to reveal your options.

3. Select Split View
After tapping the three dots, you’ll see three icons. The middle icon, which looks like a rectangle split in half, represents Split View. Tap this icon.

4. The First App Moves Aside
Once you select Split View, the current app will move to the side of the screen, and your Home Screen will appear. This indicates that your iPad is ready for you to choose your second app.

5. Choose Your Second App
Now, tap and hold the icon of the second app you want to open.

6. Enjoy Split View!
The second app will open alongside the first, and you are now officially using Split View.

Adjusting the Split View Divider

A black divider bar separates the two apps. To adjust the view:

• Place your finger on the divider bar.
• Drag it to the left or right to resize the app windows. You can create a 50/50 split or a 25/75 split, depending on your needs.
• To exit Split View, drag the divider all the way to the left or right edge of the screen until one app disappears completely.

How to Multitask on iPad​

Split View is just one part of the iPad’s multitasking system. Apple has integrated several features to help you manage multiple apps and workflows with ease.

Slide Over: An App on Top of an App

Slide Over is another useful multitasking feature. Instead of splitting the screen, it lets you open a second app in a smaller floating window that hovers over your primary app.

How to Use Slide Over:

1. While in a full-screen app, tap the Multitasking button (…) at the top.
2. Select the third icon, which looks like a rectangle with a smaller one on its right side.
3. The current app will move aside, and your Home Screen will appear.
4. Choose your second app. It will open in a floating window.

You can drag the Slide Over window to either side of the screen. To hide it, simply swipe it off the right edge of the screen. To bring it back, swipe in from the right edge.

Center Window: Focused Multitasking

Sometimes you need to focus on a specific item without opening the entire app in Split View or Slide Over. The Center Window feature allows you to do just that.

For example, in the Mail or Notes app, press and hold on an individual email or note. In the menu that appears, tap “Open in New Window.” The selected item will appear in a centered window on top of your current screen, allowing you to focus on it, take action, and then dismiss it to return to your main view.

Using the Dock for Faster Multitasking

The Dock at the bottom of your iPad screen is your best friend for efficient multitasking. You can drag and drop apps directly from the Dock to initiate Split View or Slide Over.

To start Split View from the Dock:

1. Open your first app.
2. Gently swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock.
3. Press and hold the icon for the second app you want to use.
4. Drag the app icon to the far left or right edge of the screen.
5. Release the icon, and the screen will split to accommodate both apps.

This drag-and-drop method is often faster for users who are comfortable with iPad gestures. It’s a great way to quickly organize your workspace on the fly.

Tips for iPad Multitasking

Now that you know how to split screen on the iPad and use its other multitasking features, here are a few tips on how to multitask:

• Organize Your Dock: Keep your most frequently used apps in the Dock. This makes it much quicker to drag them into Split View or Slide Over.
• Create App Pairs: The iPad remembers your Split View combinations. If you frequently use the same two apps together, you can find the pair in the App Switcher (swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause) to reopen them together with a single tap.
• Drag and Drop Content: One of the biggest benefits of Split View is the ability to drag and drop content between apps. You can drag text, images, and files from one app to another. For example, drag a photo from your Photos app directly into an email you are composing.
• Explore App-Specific Features: Some apps have unique multitasking capabilities. For instance, Safari allows you to open two browser windows side-by-side in Split View, which is incredibly useful for research.

iPad Pro 11 vs 12.9 Multitasking

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch offers more screen space, making multitasking like Split View and Slide Over easier and more comfortable, especially for handling large documents or multiple app windows. The 11-inch model, on the other hand, is more portable and still supports all the same multitasking features, but apps appear smaller side by side.

Conclusion

Mastering how to split screen on the iPad can fundamentally change how you use your device since they are designed to streamline your workflow and save you time. Dive in and see how multitasking can make boost your productivity and tailor your workspace to fit your needs. For more tech tips, check our blog.