How to use your Chromebook’s split screen feature
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We use computers to be productive, and when multitasking, a single window may not cut it. Most computers have keyboard shortcuts or touchpad gestures to switch between windows. Chromebooks include a split screen mode in the ChromeOS operating system, which makes two windows or apps visible so that you may use them simultaneously. These work well on all Chromebooks but look best onthe best Chromebookswith large screens. This tutorial shows how to use the split screen feature on your Chromebook.
An offline Chromebook can still use many of its cloud-based apps
What is the split screen feature on a Chromebook?
The split screen feature on a Chromebook allows you to have two apps or windows visible on your screen simultaneously. They are positioned next to each other so that you can use them at the same time. This feature works with browser windows, progressive web apps, and Android apps.
These split screen layouts are available:
As of June 2024, there isn’t a function to stack windows on top of each other, only side to side or floating on top.
How to activate a split screen with the Maximize button on your Chromebook
The Restore/Maximize button in the Chromebook window’s upper-right corner has a little-known trick to activate split screen mode. This is the easiest method for productivity beginners.
Repeat this process for your other window or app for the other side of the desired layout, and you’re ready to multitask.
How to set up a split screen by dragging and dropping
Sometimes, the easiest way to use a split screen is by dragging and dropping your window where you want it.
Dragging and dropping is an easy way to make sure windows are where you need them with a flick of the wrist.
Check out how each component of your Chromebook is doing
How to use keyboard shortcuts to activate a split screen
There’s a keyboard shortcut if you don’t want to use your mouse to activate a split screen.
Snapping windows using the keyboard means you don’t have to lift your fingers from the keyboard to multitask.
How to use the overview menu to set up a split screen
Similar to Windows 10, Windows 11, and Mac, ChromeOS has a dedicated overview menu to glance over opened apps and tabs. it’s possible to use it to resize an app window to half of the screen. Let’s see it in action.
The overview menu can help you sort through open windows and find items.
How to use a split screen on a Chromebook in tablet mode
Some Chromebook manufacturers offer 2-in-1 devices with a touchscreen. You can still use the split screen mode if you have one and use it in tablet mode.
Browse more safely on your Chromebook using a VPN
Bonus: How to maximize a window on your Chromebook
When you finish multitasking, you may want to switch back to a single full screen window. There are a couple of ways to do this on a Chromebook. Let’s take a look at each of them.
How to maximize a ChromeOS window using the Maximize/Restore button
How to maximize a window via drag and drop
How to maximize a ChromeOS window with a keyboard shortcut
The screenshot tool has some pretty slick tricks
Multitask to your heart’s content
Juggling multiple windows on a single screen can be tedious, but ChromeOS’s multitasking features make it easier. Like split screen mode, making your most used apps and websites easily accessible is a great way to make multitasking easier. That’s where the Chromebook’s shelf comes in, where it’s easy topin your favorite apps and websites.
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