Multitasking on a Chromebook is a relatively easy process thanks to a wide variety of features but that doesn’t mean all of those are intuitive. Among those that some users might find less obvious, is how to move into a split-screen view on a Chromebook.
But, combined with other productivity-focused features such as overview mode — which now includes and supports virtual desks — it’s definitely worth taking the time to learn how to do it.
Here, we’ll explore exactly how that’s done on a Chromebook or other Chrome OS gadgets.
Split-screen enhances multitasking
Now, there are two ways users can learn how to enter split-screen on a Chromebook or Chrome OS device. Each is relatively straightforward and, to an extent, at least one should be familiar. But we’re here to see how those tasks are performed. So let’s dig in without further ado.
Move those windows manually or with on-screen cues
The first method for using split-screen on a Chromebook is likely to be the most familiar to users. And that’s because it’s the same method used on Windows, for example. As well as some other operating systems.
Namely, users can click and hold in an empty area within the top bar of the desired app. In our case, for Google Chrome and that’s going to be the area between open tabs and the underscore, square, and “x” icons at the top-right-hand side of the window. This click and drag method, from the user’s perspective, is the same method used for simply moving the window around the screen.
From there, you can just keep holding while dragging the window or app to the right- or left-hand edge of the screen. The display will fill with a transparent white overlay to show where the window will be resized to. The effect will be similar to that shown in the less intuitive method, laid out below and shown in our sample images. Then a second window can be moved into the opposite side of the display for a true split-screen experience.
We’ll be showcasing a less intuitive method here, for clarity. Or at very least a method that’s less intuitive until it’s been learned. As well as ways to interact with the split after it’s been formed.
- Begin by opening up a new Chrome window, tab, or app to be used in split-screen mode. For our example photos below, we’ve utilized Chrome. But this will work with any app on Chrome OS as well. And that’s going to include Android apps, PWAs, Linux apps, or anything else. This is a system-level feature.
- Place the mouse over the square or multi-square icon at the top-right-hand side of the UI. The interface will change to show two arrows — one left and one right — instead of the underscore or “x” icons
- Click and hold to drag the window slightly to the left or to the right. The screen will show a placeholder transparent white box on the side that the mouse has been moved toward. In our example images, the square moves first to the right before we settled on a left-bound orientation
- Release the mouse to drop the window. Chrome OS will snap the window, app, or other software over to the side chosen, taking up half of the display
- Open up a second window or app. For our example, we’re utilizing the Google Play Store
- Repeat the click and drag gesture, using the same UI as before but moving the window to the opposite side of the page. Chrome OS will snap the second window in place, leaving no space between the two windows
How do you interact with the split-screen mode after placing the windows on your Chromebook?
Now, to get the most out of your split-screen experience on your Chromebook, it may not be best to simply leave the windows at their default size. And our example provides a prime example as to why that is the case.
Working on multiple documents, spreadsheets, and similar types of projects is easy enough with a 50/50 split. In fact, that’s usually best for those types of work. But that won’t necessarily be the case for every app.
Chrome, as shown in the images above, really needs more than half a screen to be usable. Especially on sites with a wider content layout. Conversely, the Google Play Store really doesn’t need all of that real estate. Particularly since it’s a mobile app. So, generally speaking, it’s optimized for mobile-scale viewing. Additionally, many Android users will find a slimmer layout more familiar and therefore appealing.
The same holds true for just about any app. They each have their own optimal scale. Fortunately, the scale can be adjusted after snapping without having to resize each window individually in Chrome OS. So it’s easy enough to use just about any application at a more intuitive, useful scale without needing to spend a productivity-killing amount of time.
- Start by opening two apps in split-screen mode on your Chromebook, as shown in the example above. Any two apps can be used for this but our example will continue to utilize Chrome and the Google Play Store
- Hover the mouse icon over the center-placed, vertical line separating the two windows. Chrome OS will show a new icon with a double-arrow, replacing the standard mouse icon. Conversely, a tap on that separator will showcase a similar result. Namely, a vertical dark bar with two arrows appearing just below the mouse
- Using either, click and hold to drag the icon left and right. Chrome OS will automatically resize the windows alongside that motion. Dragging toward the left will resize the right-hand window to a larger scale. Dragging in the opposite direction has, as might be guessed, the reverse effect
