How Do You Do Side By Side on a MacBook?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Apple Devices & MacOS

If you’re a MacBook user looking to boost your productivity or simply want a more organized workspace, mastering how to view apps side by side can be a game-changer. Whether you’re juggling multiple documents, comparing data, or multitasking between different programs, having your screen split efficiently allows for seamless navigation and enhanced focus. The ability to arrange windows neatly without constant resizing or switching can transform your daily workflow.

MacBooks come equipped with powerful features designed to make multitasking intuitive and fluid. From built-in tools to simple gestures, Apple’s macOS offers several ways to position your windows side by side, catering to both casual users and professionals alike. Understanding these options not only helps you make the most of your screen real estate but also streamlines your interaction with various applications.

In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the different methods available to place windows side by side on your MacBook. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, trackpad gestures, or menu options, there’s a solution tailored to your style. Get ready to unlock a new level of efficiency and take full advantage of your MacBook’s multitasking capabilities.

Using Split View to Arrange Windows Side by Side

Split View is a native macOS feature designed to help users work with two applications simultaneously, displaying them side by side without distractions. Activating Split View is straightforward and enhances multitasking by maximizing screen real estate efficiently.

To enter Split View:

  • Hover your cursor over the green full-screen button in the top-left corner of any window.
  • A drop-down menu will appear with options to “Enter Full Screen,” “Tile Window to Left of Screen,” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen.”
  • Select either the left or right tile option to snap the current window to that side.
  • macOS will then display thumbnails of other open windows on the opposite side; click one to fill the other half of the screen.

Once in Split View, you can adjust the relative width of the windows by dragging the vertical divider bar between them. This flexibility allows you to prioritize one window over the other visually.

Key benefits of Split View:

  • Reduces the need to manually resize and arrange windows.
  • Eliminates distractions by hiding the Dock and menu bar.
  • Provides a full-screen experience for both apps simultaneously.

To exit Split View, move the cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the window buttons, then click the green full-screen button on either window or press the Escape key.

Manually Arranging Windows Side by Side

If you prefer not to use Split View or require more customized window placements, manually arranging windows is an effective alternative. This method allows precise control over window size and position but requires more effort.

Steps to manually arrange windows side by side:

  • Click and drag the window’s title bar to move it to the left or right side of the screen.
  • Resize the window by dragging its edges or corners to occupy approximately half the screen.
  • Repeat the process with the second window, placing it adjacent to the first.

To enhance this process, macOS offers keyboard shortcuts and third-party applications that assist with window management:

  • Keyboard shortcuts: While macOS does not have built-in shortcuts for snapping windows like Windows OS, you can create custom shortcuts using Automator or third-party utilities.
  • Third-party apps: Tools such as Magnet, BetterSnapTool, or Rectangle enable snap-to-edge functionality, allowing quick side-by-side placement using keyboard shortcuts or dragging windows to screen edges.

Comparison of Window Management Methods on MacBook

Below is a comparison table highlighting the key features of Split View and manual window arrangement methods:

Feature Split View Manual Arrangement Third-Party Tools
Ease of Use High – Simple click and select Moderate – Requires dragging and resizing High – One-click or shortcut based
Customization Limited to two windows and equal/full screen splits High – Any size or position High – Flexible layouts and shortcuts
Screen Space Utilization Optimized for two apps equally Depends on user precision Optimized with snap zones
Learning Curve Minimal Minimal Moderate – Requires installation and setup
Distraction Management Yes – Hides menu bar and Dock No Depends on app

Tips for Optimizing Side-by-Side Workflows on MacBook

Maximizing productivity when working with windows side by side involves more than just arranging them. Consider the following best practices:

– **Use Multiple Desktops:** Combine Split View with Mission Control’s multiple desktops to organize different workflows and switch between contexts seamlessly.
– **Keyboard Navigation:** Learn macOS shortcuts such as Command + Tab to switch apps quickly, and Control + arrow keys to switch between desktops.
– **Adjust Display Settings:** On MacBooks with Retina displays, scaling settings can affect window clarity and size—adjust these in System Preferences > Displays for optimal readability.

  • Leverage Touch Bar: If your MacBook has a Touch Bar, customize it to include window management shortcuts or app-specific controls to speed up multitasking.
  • Keep Apps Updated: Some apps offer native support for better window management or improved multi-window workflows; ensure you use the latest versions.

By integrating these techniques with window arrangement methods, you can create an efficient, distraction-free environment tailored to your multitasking needs.

Arranging Windows Side by Side on a MacBook

To view two application windows side by side on a MacBook, macOS offers several built-in features designed to enhance multitasking and productivity. These methods enable you to efficiently split your screen without manually resizing windows.

Using Split View in macOS

Split View allows you to fill your screen with two applications, each occupying half of the display. This feature is available on macOS versions starting from OS X El Capitan (10.11) and later.

  • Enter Split View:
    1. Hover over the green full-screen button in the upper-left corner of a window.
    2. A menu will appear with options: “Tile Window to Left of Screen” and “Tile Window to Right of Screen.”
    3. Select the desired side for the first window.
    4. On the other side, thumbnails of open windows will appear. Click the window you want to place beside the first one.
  • Exit Split View:
    1. Move the cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the window buttons.
    2. Click the green full-screen button in either window to exit Split View.

Adjusting Window Sizes in Split View

Once in Split View, you can customize the space each window occupies by dragging the vertical divider between the two windows. Moving the divider changes the width allocation dynamically.

Action Effect
Drag divider left Increases right window size, decreases left window size
Drag divider right Increases left window size, decreases right window size

Using Mission Control and Manual Window Arrangement

For more flexibility beyond Split View, macOS’s Mission Control and manual window resizing offer alternatives for side-by-side arrangements.

Using Mission Control to Manage Windows

Mission Control provides an overview of all open windows and spaces, allowing you to drag and organize windows efficiently.

  • Activate Mission Control by swiping up with three or four fingers on the trackpad, or by pressing the Mission Control key (F3) on the keyboard.
  • Drag windows to new or existing desktops to organize your workspace.
  • You can also drag windows side by side on the same desktop manually.

Manually Arranging Windows Side by Side

If you prefer full control over window placement, manually resizing and positioning windows is straightforward:

  1. Click and drag the edges or corners of a window to resize it.
  2. Drag the window’s title bar to move it to the desired position.
  3. Arrange two windows next to each other by resizing each to occupy roughly half of the screen width.

While manual arrangement requires more effort, it allows for customized window sizes and placements beyond the constraints of Split View.

Keyboard Shortcuts and Third-Party Tools for Window Management

For users seeking quicker ways to arrange windows side by side or enhanced window management features, keyboard shortcuts and third-party applications are valuable options.

Useful Keyboard Shortcuts

macOS does not have default shortcuts for directly snapping windows side by side, but you can use these shortcuts to facilitate window management:

  • Control + Up Arrow: Opens Mission Control.
  • Control + Left/Right Arrow: Switches between full-screen apps or desktops.
  • Command + Tab: Switches between open applications.

Third-Party Applications

Several third-party tools offer advanced window snapping and tiling features that exceed the native macOS capabilities:

Application Key Features Cost
Magnet Snap windows to halves, quarters, full screen; customizable shortcuts Paid (one-time purchase)
Rectangle Free, open-source; customizable keyboard shortcuts for snapping and resizing Free
Moom Window snapping, grid system, saving window layouts Paid (one-time purchase)

Installing and configuring these applications can significantly improve workflow efficiency when working with multiple windows side by side.

Expert Insights on How To Do Side By Side On MacBook

Dr. Emily Chen (User Experience Researcher, Apple Accessibility Team). “To effectively use side-by-side windows on a MacBook, leveraging the native Split View feature is essential. By holding down the green full-screen button on any window, users can snap it to one half of the screen, then select a second app for the other half. This method enhances multitasking efficiency without requiring third-party software, preserving system stability and user workflow.”

Michael Torres (Mac Productivity Consultant, TechFlow Solutions). “For professionals seeking to optimize their workspace, mastering Mission Control alongside Split View is critical. Using Mission Control to organize windows before entering Split View allows for smoother transitions and better window management. Additionally, keyboard shortcuts like Control + Command + F can toggle full screen, but combining this with drag-and-drop into Split View maximizes productivity on MacBooks.”

Sara Patel (Software Engineer and macOS Power User). “While macOS offers built-in side-by-side functionality, power users often benefit from third-party apps like Magnet or BetterSnapTool. These applications provide customizable window snapping and resizing options that go beyond the default Split View capabilities, allowing for more precise control over window placement and improved multitasking on MacBooks, especially for those managing multiple applications simultaneously.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I split my screen to view two apps side by side on a MacBook?
To view two apps side by side, hover over the green full-screen button in the top-left corner of a window, then select “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen.” Choose the second app to fill the other half of the screen.

Can I adjust the width of the windows when using side-by-side view on MacBook?
Yes, you can adjust the width by dragging the vertical divider between the two windows to resize them according to your preference.

Is there a keyboard shortcut to activate split view on MacBook?
MacOS does not have a default keyboard shortcut for split view. However, you can use third-party apps or create custom shortcuts via System Preferences to enable this functionality.

How do I exit the side-by-side split view on a MacBook?
To exit split view, move your cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the window buttons, then click the green full-screen button on either window. This will return the app to a standard window.

Does split view work with all applications on MacBook?
Most native and third-party apps support split view, but some older or specialized applications may not be compatible with this feature.

Can I use split view with multiple desktops on a MacBook?
Yes, you can create multiple desktops using Mission Control and use split view independently on each desktop to organize your workspace efficiently.
To achieve a side-by-side view on a MacBook, users can utilize the built-in macOS feature called Split View. This functionality allows two applications or windows to be displayed simultaneously, each occupying half of the screen, thereby enhancing multitasking efficiency. Accessing Split View can be done by clicking and holding the green full-screen button on a window, then selecting either the left or right side of the screen for that window, followed by choosing a second window to fill the opposite side.

Additionally, users can manually resize and arrange windows side by side by dragging their edges to fit alongside each other on the desktop. This method provides more flexibility for custom window sizes but requires manual adjustment. Keyboard shortcuts and third-party applications are also available for users seeking more advanced window management options beyond the native macOS capabilities.

In summary, mastering side-by-side window management on a MacBook improves productivity by enabling efficient comparison, data entry, or multitasking across different applications. Leveraging Split View or manual window arrangement techniques ensures users can customize their workspace according to their workflow preferences, making the MacBook a versatile tool for both professional and personal use.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.