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The split screen feature on Chromebooks/ChromeOS is a useful function that allows users to view and work on two windows simultaneously. This can enhance productivity and multitasking, especially for tasks that require switching between different tabs or applications. There are different ways to use the split screen feature on Chromebooks, depending on the device type and user preference.
Limitations of the Chromebook Split Screen Feature
The split screen feature of ChromeOS has some limitations that users should be aware of. There are several reasons why you might be unable to achieve a split screen on your Chromebook device:
- The Chromebook might be in tablet mode, which does not support split screen by default.
- The split screen shortcut might be disabled on some models.
- You might have clicked the maximize button on the window they want to use for split screen, which prevents it from being resized.
Additionally, you should note that by default, the split screen mode splits the screen 50/50, which might not be suitable for some apps or tasks. You can adjust the window sizes by hovering the mouse cursor over the vertical line between the windows and dragging it left or right. However, this adjustment might not be precise enough for some users who prefer more control over their window layouts.
How to use Split Screen on a Chromebook via Drag and Drop
- Move the cursor to the menu bar of the open window and drag+drop it to the left or right side of the screen
- A gray outline of the window appears on the edge of the screen
- After releasing the window on the desired side, repeat the for the other window that you want to move to the opposite side of the screen
How to use Split Screen on a Chromebook Using the Maximize Button
You can also use the maximize button to activate the Chromebook split screen feature which requires less moving of the mouse pointer.
- Click and hold the maximize button and move either to the left or right arrow symbol right next to it
- After releasing the window on the desired side, repeat the for the other window that you want to move to the opposite side of the screen
How to use Split Screen on a Chromebook Using a Keyboard Shortcut
You can also use a keyboard shortcut to activate the Chromebook split screen feature, which might be even more comfortable, depending on your situation/habits.
- Press and hold the Alt key and tap the [ ] key
The [ ] key is the one next to the backspace key. to snap the active window to the right half of the screen.
- After releasing the window on the desired side, repeat the for the other window that you want to move to the opposite side of the screen
