How to Use Split Screen on Your iPad

Before You Start

Your iPad lets you use apps in two different ways:

• Full Screen Apps: each app takes up the entire screen
• Windowed Apps: apps appear in movable, resizable windows (similar to a computer)

You can switch between these.

Step 1: Turn On the Window Options

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Multitasking & Gestures
3. Choose one of the following:
   • Full Screen Apps
   • Windowed Apps (recommended for split screen)

If you pick Windowed Apps, you’ll be able to resize and move apps like on a Mac or PC.

Step 2: Open the “Traffic Light” Window Menu

Whenever an app is open:

1. Swipe down from the top of the app window

2. A small set of buttons will appear. This is the traffic light menu:

   • 🔴 Red: Close the app
   • 🟡 Yellow: Minimize the app
   • 🟢 Green: Resize the app window

Step 3: Use the Green Button to Change Window Size

1. Tap the Green (🟢) button to resize the app

2. OR Tap & Hold the green button

3. You will now see several layout options, such as:

   • Left side of screen
   • Right side of screen
   • Smaller floating window
   • Larger window

4. Tap the option you want

5. The active app will automatically move and resize to that position

This is how you create a split screen setup.

Step 4: Open Another App in Split Screen

After resizing the first app:

1. Swipe up slowly from the bottom to try to show the dock
   • ⚠️ Note: This is now more difficult in the new iPadOS. Don’t worry, it may take a couple tries.
2. Tap another app from the dock
3. The new app will appear in its own window
4. Position it using:
   • The traffic light menu, or
   • Dragging the window with your finger

Important Notes

⚠️ Some apps do not support resizing

If an app refuses to change into a smaller window, it’s because the developer has not enabled that feature yet.

It’s now easier to multitask

You can:

• Have multiple browser windows open
• Place them side-by-side
• Rearrange them using the green resize button