How to use split view on a MacBook

Illustration by Samar Haddad / The Verge

Split View is your friend if you want to work with two apps side by side on a Mac computer. You could just do it yourself. If you use Split View, it will do that for you.

Split View makes all of your other windows go away. That means you won't have to worry about accidentally clicking off your windows. You can exit Split View if you need to access other things.

This is how to use split view on a MacBook.

How to use Split View on a MacBook

If you want to use Split View, you'll need to use two apps. Maps and Photos are going to be Apple's own applications. The more you use the feature, the more you will understand what isn't compatible.

The procedure for anyone running Catalina or later will be the same as for us.

• Right-click the green button in the top left corner of your window.
• Select Tile Window to Left of Screen or Tile Window to Right of Screen.

• On the opposite side, select the other app that you want to appear.

You can swap your windows in desktop mode by clicking and dragging them. The sides can be made bigger or smaller by dragging the bar between the windows.

How to exit Split View on a MacBook

If you want to take a break from Split View, you can do it by using your fingers on your trackpad. Get back into it by wiping left with your fingers.

To get rid of split view completely.

• Move your cursor to the top of one of your open apps and right-click the green button. This will send that window to fullscreen and exit Split View.
• If you decide you’d rather the other window be fullscreen, swipe left with four fingers on your trackpad.