How to Split Screen on Chromebook

Splitting your screen on a Chromebook has become easier than ever with recent updates to Chrome OS. The feature now treats split-screen windows as a single entity, making it simpler to organize your workspace and switch between tasks. ChromeOS 128 introduced an improved split-screen mode that allows users to manage their split windows together when using overview mode or moving between Virtual Desks.

Gone are the days of awkwardly managing multiple windows for multitasking. Now you can simply right-click and select “open in right pane” rather than manually positioning windows side by side. This streamlined approach makes everyday tasks like comparing documents, taking notes while watching videos, or referencing information while writing much more efficient.

The process is straightforward – just open two apps, press and hold the top area of one app window, and drag it to the left or right side of your screen. Chrome OS will then automatically suggest positioning the second app on the opposite side, creating a perfect split-screen setup for improved productivity.

What Split Screen Does

Split screen mode on a Chromebook lets you view two windows or apps side by side. You can drag, resize, and switch between them for better productivity — similar to how it works on Windows or macOS.

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🧭 Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

This is the fastest way to split your screen.

1. Open the two apps or windows you want to use.
2. Select the first window.
3. Press:
   • Alt + [ → snaps the window to the left side.
   • Alt + ] → snaps the window to the right side.
4. Click the other window to automatically fill the opposite side.

💡 Tip: You can resize the divider between the two windows by dragging it left or right.

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🖱️ Method 2: Using the Maximize Button

You can also split the screen using the window controls.

1. Open the first app or Chrome window.
2. Hover your cursor over the square “Maximize” button (top-right corner).
3. You’ll see arrows appear on each side of the button.
4. Click the left arrow to snap left or the right arrow to snap right.
5. Open your second app, then click it to fill the other half.

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✋ Method 3: Using Drag and Drop

If you prefer using your touchpad or touchscreen:

1. Open both windows.
2. Click and drag the first window to the left or right edge of the screen until you see a transparent outline.
3. Release it — the window will snap to that side.
4. Select the second window to fill the other half.

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🧩 Method 4: Using Partial Split (ChromeOS 115+)

Newer Chromebooks (ChromeOS 115 or later) have a Partial Split feature for more layout options.

1. Hover over the Maximize button or press Alt + Z.
2. Choose from these layouts:
   • Left split
   • Right split
   • Partial split (⅔ + ⅓)
   • Full screen
3. Select your preferred layout and pick the windows to fill each section.

🆕 This feature is perfect if you want one window larger than the other (e.g., a main task on the left and a reference app on the right).

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🧹 Exiting Split Screen

To return to a single-window view:

• Click the Maximize button again, or
• Press Alt + = to make the active window full screen.

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⚙️ Bonus Tips

• Touchscreen users: You can drag windows with your finger just like on a tablet.
• Virtual Desks: Use multiple desktops to organize different tasks — press Search + = to create a new desk.
• Resizing windows: Drag the divider line to adjust proportions.

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✅ Summary

Method	Shortcut / Action	Works On
Keyboard Shortcut	Alt + [ or Alt + ]	All Chromebooks
Maximize Button	Hover → Choose Side	ChromeOS 100+
Drag and Drop	Drag to screen edge	All Chromebooks
Partial Split	Alt + Z or hover over Maximize	ChromeOS 115+

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Sources:

• How-To Geek – How to Split Screen on a Chromebook
• Beebom – How to Split Screen on Chromebook
• WikiHow – How to Split the Screen on a Chromebook
• Digital Trends – How to Split Screen on a Chromebook

Key Takeaways

• ChromeOS now treats split-screen windows as a unified entity when switching between tasks or virtual desks.
• Users can quickly split their screen by dragging app windows to the sides or using the “open in right pane” option.
• The latest split-screen features make multitasking significantly more efficient for students, professionals, and everyday Chromebook users.

Getting Started with Split Screen on Chrome OS

Split screen functionality on Chrome OS offers a powerful way to multitask and boost productivity. This feature allows users to view and work with two applications side by side without constantly switching between windows.

Understanding Chromebook Split-Screen Capabilities

Chromebooks come with built-in split-screen capabilities that make multitasking easier. The feature divides the screen into two equal parts, with a vertical line separating the windows. This setup is perfect for comparing documents, taking notes while watching videos, or referencing information while writing.

Chrome OS supports various split-screen arrangements. Users can position windows side by side horizontally, which is the most common setup. The system automatically resizes each application to fit exactly half of the screen, ensuring both are fully visible and functional.

Split screen works with most applications including Chrome browser tabs, Android apps, and Linux applications (if enabled on the device). This versatility makes it useful for students, professionals, and casual users alike.

Enabling Split Screen on Chromebook Devices

Enabling split screen on a Chromebook is straightforward. The simplest method is to drag a window to either side of the screen until a highlight appears, then release to snap it into position. The remaining apps will appear on the other side for selection.

Keyboard shortcuts provide an even faster approach:

• Alt + [ – Snap window to the left half
• Alt + ] – Snap window to the right half

Users can also activate split screen by clicking and holding the maximize button at the top-right corner of any window. This reveals directional arrows that allow snapping to either side.

For touch-enabled Chromebooks, users can drag a window from the top of the screen to the left or right edge to activate split screen mode.

Navigating the New Window Layout Menu

Chrome OS features a Window Layout menu that enhances split-screen functionality. To access it, hover over the maximize button in any window. A dropdown menu appears showing different layout options.

The menu offers several choices:

• Full-screen – Expands the window to fill the entire screen
• Left half – Snaps the window to the left side
• Right half – Snaps the window to the right side

Once the first window is positioned, Chrome OS displays all other open windows in an overview mode, making it easy to select which application should fill the remaining space.

Users can adjust the dividing line between applications by clicking and dragging the vertical separator. This flexibility allows for customizing the space allocation based on specific needs for each task.

Advanced Multitasking and Accessibility on Chromebook

Chromebooks offer powerful multitasking capabilities beyond basic split-screen functionality. These features help users work more efficiently while providing accessibility options for diverse needs.

Utilizing Virtual Desks for Enhanced Multitasking

Virtual Desks on Chromebooks let users organize their work across multiple workspaces. To create a new desk, press the Overview key (the rectangle with lines) and select “New desk” at the top of the screen. Users can have up to 8 virtual desks, each with different apps and windows.

Switching between desks is simple with a quick swipe gesture on the touchpad using three fingers or by pressing Search + ] or Search + [. This feature is particularly useful for separating work tasks from personal activities.

For power users, keyboard shortcuts make virtual desk management even faster. Pressing Search + Shift + = creates a new desk, while Search + Shift + – removes the current desk. These virtual workspaces maintain their state even when the Chromebook sleeps.

Integrating Android and Linux Apps

Chromebooks now support both Android and Linux apps, expanding multitasking possibilities. Users can install Android apps from the Google Play Store and run them alongside Chrome browser windows in split-screen view.

To enable Linux apps, go to Settings > Advanced > Developers > Turn on Linux. This creates a Linux environment where users can install desktop applications through the Terminal. These apps can participate in split-screen multitasking just like Chrome and Android apps.

For optimal performance, users should:

• Keep the number of open apps reasonable
• Close unused applications
• Use the Task Manager (Search + Escape) to monitor resource usage

Android and Linux apps can be pinned to the shelf for quick access during multitasking sessions. The integration creates a seamless experience across all application types.

Optimizing Chromebook Performance and Accessibility

Chromebooks include several accessibility features that enhance the multitasking experience. Users can access these by opening Settings > Advanced > Accessibility. Key features include:

• Screen magnifier: Enlarges portions of the screen without changing window arrangements
• High contrast mode: Makes split-screen content easier to distinguish
• ChromeVox: Screen reader that works with split-screen configurations
• Dictation: Allows voice input in any text field

Performance can be improved by enabling WiFi prioritization in Settings > Network. This feature ensures video calls and streaming maintain quality while multitasking.

For users with older Chromebooks, limiting background processes helps maintain smooth performance. Flagging critical tabs in Chrome (right-click > More tools > Flag as important) ensures they receive processing priority when resources are limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chromebook users often have specific questions about making the most of the split screen feature. Here are answers to some common questions to help enhance your productivity.

What are the keyboard shortcuts to split screen on a Chromebook?

The quickest way to split your screen on a Chromebook is by using keyboard shortcuts. Press Alt + [ to snap a window to the left side of your screen.

For snapping a window to the right side, press Alt + ].

You can also use Alt + Maximize button to toggle between full screen and your previous split screen arrangement.

How can you view two tabs side by side in Google Chrome?

To view two Chrome tabs side by side, click and hold on a tab and drag it downward until it separates into a new window.

Then use the Alt + [ keyboard shortcut on one window and Alt + ] on the other to position them side by side.

Alternatively, click the maximize button of each window and select the left or right arrow icons that appear.

What steps are involved in using split screen for educational purposes on a Chromebook?

Teachers and students can use split screen to compare documents or take notes while watching educational videos. First, open both applications you need for your lesson.

Use Alt + Tab to switch between open windows, then snap them using the maximize button or keyboard shortcuts.

For research projects, keep your writing document on one side and research sources on the other for easy reference and citation.

Is there a way to enable split screen functionality on a Chromebook using an extension?

While Chrome OS has built-in split screen capabilities, extensions like “Tab Resize” can provide additional split screen layouts beyond the standard side-by-side view.

Some extensions allow for custom grid layouts, letting you split your screen into quarters or other configurations.

These extensions are available through the Chrome Web Store and can be helpful for users who need more advanced split screen options.

How do you configure a second display to work with a Chromebook?

Connect your external display using an HDMI cable or appropriate adapter based on your Chromebook’s ports. Your Chromebook should automatically detect the display.

Click on the time in the bottom-right corner, then select Settings > Device > Displays to adjust your display arrangement.

You can choose to extend your desktop across both screens or mirror the display. When extended, you can drag windows between displays or use split screen on either monitor independently.