It’s easy to rack up open windows on your Chromebook when you’re working, browsing, or multitasking. If you want to work with two windows side by side, there’s a quick way to split your screen. ChromeOS gives you several simple options.
Here’s how to split screen on Chromebook in five easy ways.
1. How to Split Screen on Chromebook
A Chromebook makes multitasking easier by letting you place two windows side by side. Whether you want to compare two web pages, follow instructions while working in another app, or copy information between windows, split screen can help you work more efficiently.
There are several common ways to split screen on Chromebook:
Method 1: Snap Windows Using the Window Controls
ChromeOS includes built-in window layout controls that let you quickly snap a window to one side of the screen. How to do split screen on Chromebook with these tools:
- Open the first app or window you want to work with.
- Move your cursor over the Maximize/Restore button in the top-right corner of the window.
- When the window layout menu appears, select the split-screen option for the left or right side.
- After positioning the window, select another open window from the suggestions to fill the remaining side of the screen.
On newer ChromeOS versions, the window layout menu can also provide additional options, such as partial-screen layouts. If you only want a basic two-window split, choose the option that divides the screen between the left and right sides.
Method 2: Drag Windows to Either Side of the Screen
Dragging is another simple way to split your Chromebook screen.
- Open the window you want to position.
- Click and hold the title bar at the top of the window.
- Drag the window toward the left or right edge of the screen.
- Continue dragging until the side of the screen is highlighted.
- Release the window.
ChromeOS will snap the window into place and use approximately half of the screen. You can then select another window to occupy the other side.
This method is particularly convenient when you are already working with several open windows and want to arrange them visually.
Method 3: Use Chromebook Keyboard Shortcuts
For the fastest method, use ChromeOS keyboard shortcuts.
How to split your screen on a Chromebook with keyboard:
First, select the window you want to move. Then:
- Press Alt + [ to dock the window to the left.
- Press Alt + ] to dock the window to the right.
For example, open your first window and press Alt + [. Then select your second window and press Alt + ]. The two windows will sit side by side.
Method 4: Arrange Windows from Overview Mode
Overview mode lets you see your open windows and arrange them from one place.
Below is how to do a split screen on Chromebook using overview mode:
- Press the Show windows key on your Chromebook keyboard.
- Find the window you want to use.
- Drag the window toward the left or right side of the screen.
- Release it when the split-screen position is indicated.
- Select another open window to fill the remaining space.
You can also open Overview by swiping up with three fingers on the touchpad.
On supported ChromeOS versions, Overview can also help you manage existing split-screen groups.
Method 5: Use Split Screen in Tablet Mode
If you have a Chromebook that can be used as a tablet, you can split the screen using touchscreen gestures.
First, open Overview by swiping up from the bottom of the touchscreen and holding. You will see your open app windows. Then:
- Press and hold the window you want to use.
- Drag it toward the left or right side of the screen.
- Release the window when it reaches the side.
- Select another open window to use in the remaining space.
Once two windows are side by side, you can adjust their relative sizes by dragging the divider bar between them. To return a split window to its previous full-window size, select its Maximize button.
>>> Read more: How to Copy and Paste on Chromebook? Easy Shortcuts for Text, Files & Pictures
2. Customize Your Split-Screen Layout
You can adjust the layout to make multitasking more comfortable.
- Adjust Window Proportions: To change the amount of space each window uses, move your cursor over the divider bar between the two windows. When the resize cursor appears, click and drag the divider left or right. This lets you make one window larger while giving the other less space.
- Use Snap Groups: On ChromeOS M128 and later, when you pair two windows in split screen, ChromeOS can organize them as a Snap Group. This makes it easier to bring the paired windows back into view together.
- Choose a Suggested Window: When you snap the first window, ChromeOS can show a list of other open windows that you can use on the opposite side. Simply select one of the suggested windows to complete your split-screen setup.
The suggestions apply to windows on the same desk and display. If you do not see them, make sure you have at least two windows open and that Show window suggestions when starting split screen is enabled in Settings.
3. How to Exit Split Screen
If you no longer need two windows side by side, you can quickly return a split-screen window to its normal size. ChromeOS provides several ways to do this.
- The simplest option is to select the Maximize button on the window you want to restore. ChromeOS will return that window to its previous full-window size and end the split-screen arrangement.
- Alternatively, you can select the window you want to restore, then press Alt + =. This is the official ChromeOS shortcut for maximizing the current window.
- On supported touchscreen Chromebooks, you can remove split-screen by dragging the divider in the center of the screen all the way to either side. This leaves the other window visible.
>>> Read more: How to Fix Keyboard Delay? Easy Fixes
4. FAQs
What does Ctrl+Alt+Z do on a Chromebook?
Ctrl + Alt + Z turns ChromeVox, ChromeOS’s built-in screen reader, on or off. It helps users navigate and hear content aloud.
How do I split my screen into two tabs?
ChromeOS splits windows, not individual browser tabs. Open the tabs in separate Chrome windows, then snap each window to opposite sides of the screen.
Why can’t I split screen in Chrome?
You may be using one Chrome window with multiple tabs. Split screen requires separate windows. You can also check whether your ChromeOS version supports the window layout feature.
How to split screen on Chromebook without mouse?
Use keyboard shortcuts. Select the first window and press Alt + [ to snap it left. Select the second window and press Alt + ] to snap it right.
Conclusion
Splitting your screen makes multitasking easier. Different problem: keeping your Chromebook organized when too many windows are open. If that is the next mess on your list, use ChromeOS’s built-in window controls to arrange windows side by side.
It will not organize every open tab. The guide on how to split screen on a Chromebook will not replace a full window-management tool. It solves the other Chromebook annoyance: switching between windows when you need to work with two things at once.
For more simple tips and helpful tech guides, such as how to connect a hotspot to a laptop for Windows & Mac, follow the AirTalk Wireless blog.