How To Split Screen On iPad [Expert Guide]

In this day and age, just about everyone is busy. In fact, many instances demand us to juggle multiple tasks at a time. Be it responsibilities from work, at home, in your social life, your extra-curricular, or your self-care practices – there is always something that needs to be done.

Thanks to research and development, the latest technology has been proven to be a great help in terms of boosting our productivity, creativity, efficiency, and even quality of work.

One of the best things that technology has offered us (aside from an endless amount of information, of course) is the ability to multitask better. If you are an Apple user who cleverly decided to invest in an iPad, then this guide is to help you maximise your screen by splitting it into two!

Why Would I Want To Split My Screen On iPad? 

By splitting your screen in two, you can view two different sources at a time, compare the two sets of information quickly, or even combine each of them to finalise your own project at hand.

Similarly, many love to use one side of the screen for information and the other for taking down notes or creating visuals based off of their research. By being able to view multiple apps at once, the possibilities on how you can maximise this feature are virtually endless.

How Does Multitasking Work On iPad? 

If you want to get started maximising your iPad this way, here is all you need to know about the Multitasking feature that is built into your device.

3 Main Ways To Use Multitasking On iPad 

The Multitasking feature on the iPad allows the user to utilise more than one app at any given time. There are 3 main ways to view your apps while on Multitasking mode, namely:

Split View 

When using the Split View, the two apps will appear right beside each other. One side can appear wider than the other if you prefer. You can control this by simply dragging the slider located in between both panels to the left or right.

Slide Over 

When using the Slide Over, one of the apps appears as a secondary screen. It will display as a much narrower, floating window than you can move to either your left or right hand side of the screen.

Centre Window 

When using the Centre Window, you can choose one app to be your main focus by having it display right in the middle of the screen.

How To Activate Multitasking On iPad 

You can activate the multitasking method in 4 ways: through the Multitasking menu, the Dock, the App Library, or via Spotlight.

How To Activate Multitasking On iPad Via Multitasking Menu 

Step 1: Open any of your preferred apps.

Step 2: Tap the Multitasking button (3 dots) located at the top of the screen.

Step 3: Select either the Split View button or the Slide Over button to choose how you want to view your apps. Once you click one, your current app will move aside and your Home Screen will appear as your secondary app.

Note: In Split View, the second app will appear on the side. In Slide Over, the second app will open in full screen mode while the first app adjusts to a smaller window on the side.

Step 4: On the Home Screen side, look for the second app that you want to open.

How To Activate Multitasking On iPad Via the Dock 

Step 1: Open any of your preferred apps.

Step 2: Use 1 finger to slide the page up from the bottom edge of your screen to make the Dock appear. Once it displays, you may release.

Step 3: Select and hold down on the secondary app within the Dock. Swiftly drag it upwards, out of the Dock and into an area on your screen.

Note: By dragging the secondary app to either the left or right edge of your screen, the app will appear in the Split View mode, together with the primary app. However, if you release the hold while the app is in the middle of the screen, it will display in a Slide Over window.

How To Activate Multitasking On iPad Via the App Library 

Step 1: Open the App Library, located on the right hand side of the Dock.

Step 2: Select and hold down on one of the bigger app icons, and swiftly drag it either into the Split View mode or Slide Over mode.

Step 3: To view the other apps you have by category, tap one of the groups of smaller app icons. Similarly, you may also tap the App Library search bar to view all apps within your device. Once they are on display, simply drag one of them into the screen.

How To Activate Multitasking On iPad Via Spotlight 

With this method, you will first need to have a keyboard connected to your iPad.

Step 1: Open any of your preferred apps.

Step 2: Select the Command button simultaneously with the Space bar on your keyboard in order to activate Spotlight.

Step 3:  Search for the name of the secondary app you want to use.

Step 4: Select and hold down on the second app’s icon once it appears in Spotlight results. Swiftly drag it out of Spotlight and into your screen.

Note: By dragging the secondary app to either the left or right edge of your screen, the app will appear in the Split View mode, together with the primary app. However, if you release the hold while the app is in the middle of the screen, it will display in a Slide Over window.

How To Activate Centre Window Multitasking On iPad 

Since the guidelines above focus on either the Split View or Slide Over modes, here is a quick guide to using Centre Window mode. It is important to note that there are only a limited number of apps that support this type of display, such as Mail or Notes, so this process will not work with most apps.

Step 1: Open an app that supports Centre Window view.

Step 2: Select and hold down on an individual object within the app (such as an email, a note, or another specific item).

Step 3: Select “Open in New Window” once the menu appears.

Note: If you wish to close the Centre Window view, simply tap Done or Close. Similarly, you may also select the Multitasking button (3 dots), and then select one of the buttons to change the centre window view to a single full screen, Split view, or Slide Over.

How To Open Slide Over Mode On iPad 

A lot of Multitasking users love the Slide Over mode because not only does it help them view two apps at once, but it also helps in highlighting one over the other. To open this mode up, follow these steps:

Step 1: With your primary app open, tap on the Multitasking button (3 dots) located at the top of the screen. This will reveal the 3 mode options.

Step 2: Select the Slide Over button (the third button on the left hand side). You can confirm this is the right button if the frame is only partially filled up on its right side.

Step 3: Once you select the Slide Over mode, the primary app you have open will then move to the side. This will reveal your Home Screen in the main window and your Dock below.

Step 4: Now, you may select another app either on the Home Screen or within the Dock. This secondary app will open in full screen mode, while the primary app will adjust to a smaller window, which you can either move on your left or right hand side.

How To Open Slide Over Mode Via Dock On iPad 

The above method is the most commonly used way of activating the Slide Over mode. However, you may also activate it using the Dock.

Step 1: Open any of your preferred apps.

Step 2: Use 1 finger to slide the page up from the bottom edge of your screen to make the Dock appear. Once it displays, you may release.

Step 3: Select and hold down on the secondary app within the Dock. Swiftly drag it upwards, out of the Dock and into the middle of the screen. The secondary app will then display as a smaller window.

How To Switch Between Apps While In Slide Over Mode 

If you want to switch between the full screen and narrow window apps, you can do so by simply swiping halfway up on the narrow window (Slide Over window). Once you are in the middle area, pause for a second, and then lift your finger off the screen.

This will display all of the Slide Over apps you have currently running. Select one of them to display in full screen.

How to Adjust Split Views?

To adjust how much screen real estate you want for either app on Split View mode, simply drag the app divider located in between either panels left or right. If you wish to have both apps consume an equal amount of space, drag the dividers to the centre of the screen.

To close the Split View mode, you can select the Multitasking button (3 dots) on the top portion of the screen while the app you want to keep is open. Then, select the Full Screen button or simply drag the app divider over the app you want to close up.

Lastly, if you want to replace either of the apps, simply swipe down from the top of the app in question, and then choose another one from your Home Screen or Dock.

You’re All Set! 

Now that you know the ins and outs of Multitasking on an iPad, you can better put your gadget to good use. Maximise all of the features and be sure to keep your maintenance in check by getting your iPad repaired and kept in good condition regularly!