In today’s world, multitasking is necessary to optimize our time effectively. And the split screen mode is one feature that makes it very easy.
The split screen tool opens two apps or windows side-by-side, making data collection or verification easier. It especially helps students with their thesis or research paper works.
So let’s dive in and explore how you can use split-screen mode on your Chromebook.
How to use Split-Screen on Your Chromebook
You can access Chromebook’s split-screen feature in 3 default ways. But I normally think the drag-and-drop method is the most beneficial and simplest. Just grab the top bar, pull down, and push it to the left or right side to get a perfect 50% split screen.
Nowadays, well-known corporations like HP, Acer, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, etc., introduce their Chromebook verdant alongside the Windows laptops in the market.
But because they all use Chrome OS, you can apply all 3 methods to split your app screen. So no need to worry.
Here are the 3 methods to split the app screen on your Chromebook:
1. Use Drag and Drop
The Drag and Drop method of splitting the Chromebook screen is the most beneficial and simplest way for me. Because you do not need to memorize any shortcut keys, and the steps are quite simple.
Here’s how to Drag and Drop:
- Open any applications or browsers on your Chromebook.
- Move the Pointer to the Top bar or Touch it (on touch screen mode).
- Drag the window to the left or right until you see a white see-through box for a perfect split screen.
- Release the mouse button.
After completing the steps, you will get a perfect 50% split-screen for that respective app. And for the other half of the screen, open another application and follow the same steps for that app also.
You can use this method on both window and tablet/touch-screen modes on Chromebook. If needed, check out how to right-click on a Chromebook.
You can also use the maximize button next to the cross(X) icon to split the window in half. This method isn’t well-known among users because of its unusual steps.
Let’s see the steps to split the window using the maximize button:
- Launch the applications you want to use on a split screen.
- Tap and hold the Maximize-minimize button on the window until the left-right arrow popup.
- Move your mouse pointer to the left or right side.
- Release the mouse button/touchpad.
After completing the steps, the windows split on the left or right side.
You can also press the Show Windows button on your keyboard to open the overview screen and grab any app window (with the mouse pointer or touchpad) to the left or right for a split app screen.
Related article: how to rotate screen on a Chromebook.
3. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
If you don’t want to use the mouse pointer or don’t like the dragging/moving apps around your screen, the keyboard shortcut is the best way to split the screen.
But to use keyboard shortcuts, you first have to memorize them. And unfortunately, Chromebook shortcuts are quite different from Windows.
Here’s how you can use keyboard shortcuts:
- Open the applications on your Chromebook.
- Press the ALT + [ to split the window to the left, and press ALT+ ] to split the window to the right.
And that’s it. After pressing the keys, you will see the split app screen in the left or right corner. In case the keyboard isn’t working properly on your Chromebook, check out the embedded article.
How to Resize Split-Screen Tabs on Chromebook
The Split Screen tool usually divides the app window into 50% screen length. But this 50-50 divide won’t always work for us; sometimes, we need a 60-40 or even an 80-20 ratio based on the work.
However, many people often have issues resizing tabs in split screens. Because if you quickly grab one window and change the size, the window will cover the other app.
Luckily the Chromebook has a hidden feature that lets you change both app sizes on a split screen. So when you increase one window size, the other window will automatically decrease and fit with the screen.
To resize all split-screen tabs together:
- Open the two apps in split-screen mode.
- Put the mouse pointer in the Screen divide line and wait for a second for the resize tool pop-up.
- Move the pointer to the Resize icon and hover-over left-right to rescale both split-screen tabs simultaneously.
This method was embedded in the Chromebook from the beginning. But many people didn’t know about this feature because of the pop-up delay.
On a side note, check out our in-depth article on how to inspect on Chromebook.
FAQs
Why is the split screen feature not working on my Chromebook?
Your Chromebook’s split screen doesn’t work because the device doesn’t have this feature. Navigate to Settings > Device > Display & Sound > Displays > Adjustments and find the Split Screen feature. If you don’t find that option, your device doesn’t support the divided-screen feature.
Does the Alt-Tab work on Chromebook?
Yes, the ALT+TAB shortcut works on your Chromebook. This keyboard shortcut helps you quickly switch between app windows.
What’s the keyboard shortcut for the Chromebook Split Screen tool?
ALT + [ or ] is the quickest Chromebook Split Screen keyboard shortcut. Press the ALT + [ keys to Split Screen on the left and ALT + ] on the right.
Conclusion
With their lightweight and versatile operating system, Chromebooks became popular among corporate users, educators, parents, and students. And many users find its advanced split screen feature particularly useful. This feature makes comparing information very easy, saving a lot of time.
You can easily access the split screen feature by dragging the window and pushing it to the left or right side.
After reading this post, I’m sure you can swiftly split the app window on your Chromebook. Comment if you face any complications applying the steps. And for everything else, stick with 10 Scopes.
