Split View is macOS’s built-in way to place two windows side by side, each sharing the screen without manually resizing both windows. It is useful for comparing documents, referencing a page while writing, or working without a second monitor.
This applies to recent macOS versions on built-in and external displays.
Does This Affect You?
Use Split View when you repeatedly arrange two windows next to each other and want macOS to snap them into place quickly.
Use the Green Window Button
- Hover over the green button in the top-left corner of a window.
- Choose Tile Window to Left of Screen or Tile Window to Right of Screen.
- Click another available window to fill the other half.
- Drag the divider between the two windows to give one side more room.
Enter Split View by Dragging
- Click and hold a window title bar.
- Drag the window to the left or right edge of the screen.
- Release when macOS shows the snap preview.
- Choose the second window from the thumbnails on the other side.
Split View Notes
Exit Split View
Move the pointer to the top of the screen until the window controls appear, then use the green button and choose to exit full screen. Split View uses full-screen Spaces behind the scenes.
Swap Sides
Drag one window title bar to the opposite side to swap positions with the other window.
Some Apps Do Not Support It
Older utilities and apps with fixed window sizes may not show the Tile Window option. That depends on how the app was built.
Switch Between Split Views
Each Split View pair becomes its own Space. Swipe left or right with three or four fingers, or use Control + Left/Right Arrow, to move between them.
External Displays
Split View can be used independently on connected displays, so one display can have a Split View pair while another shows regular windows or a full-screen app.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use Split View on Mac
- Apple Support: Use full-screen apps and Split View on Mac
- Apple Support: Use Mission Control on your Mac