How to split screen on iPad

Main points

• Multitasking on iPad is very efficient, with split-screen and swipe-through options available to use multiple apps on the same screen.
• Split screen allows viewing of two applications side by side and provides customizable window sizes for each application.
• The slide-over option lets you view one app in a floating box above another, maximizing screen space efficiency.

The average iPad screen may be smaller than that of a MacBook, but that doesn’t mean the tablet isn’t great at multitasking. iPad’s split-screen and slide-over modes make multitasking easy, eliminating the need to constantly switch back and forth between separate apps. By splitting the screen, you can put your notes on one side and your e-book on the other. Or, you could put your shopping list on one side and your favorite Pinterest recipes on the other. The possibilities and multitasking efficiency seem almost endless.

The possibilities and multitasking efficiency seem almost endless.

Multitasking was introduced in iOS 9 (Apple changed the iPad’s software name to iPadOS in iPadOS 13), and all current models of iPad support the feature, starting with Split View and Swipe Options, which let you simultaneously Use multiple apps on the same screen.

But with the release of iPadOS 15, Apple has added a new stage manager for newer iPad models, starting with the 3rd generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, any generation 11-inch iPad Pro, and the 5th generation iPad Air. Stage Manager allows you to customize the size of your application windows and use your iPad more like a Mac screen. Stage Manager gets even better in iOS 17 thanks to free placement of windows and improved external monitor support.

However, no matter what iPad you own, you can use multitasking shortcuts to effectively keep two apps on the screen at the same time. However, in this article, we’ll focus on the multitasking tools available on every iPad: Split Screen and Slide Over.

How to multitask on iPad

Let’s start with split screen

There are many different ways to multitask on the iPad. We’ll walk you through the two main ways to split your screen so you can choose which one works best for you and what you plan to do.

A view that dedicates one part of the screen to one application and another part of the screen to another application is called split screen. It allows you to display two applications on the screen at the same time. That’s it:

1. Open the first application you want to use.
2. Click Multitasking button (three gray dots) at the top of the screen.
3. Click split view button in the middle.
4. Select another app from the Home screen or the App Library.
5. The second app will appear side by side with the original app.

By default, the two apps you select will appear in a 50:50 ratio, but you can change this if you want one app to take up more space on the screen. When two applications are side by side, Drag the gray line Move left or right within the black bar between two apps to increase or decrease the space each app uses on the screen.

You can arrange your apps so that one app takes up 25% of the screen and another app takes up 75% of the screen.

How to change apps in split view

You can change one or both apps currently displayed in split-screen view at any time. There are a few different ways to make changes. The first is to gently swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the app dock. You can then drag and drop any app into the dock, or open the app library and drag the app from there to either side of the screen to replace an open app.

Additionally, if you want to change one of the apps you’ve been using in split-screen view to something else, you can swap it out with a quick gesture. Start by touching the three-dot icon at the top of the app window, then drag the window down to the bottom of the screen.

Once near the bottom, lift your finger and the window will disappear, effectively minimizing it. Individual apps that remain open will slide off the side of the display, revealing the home screen, the app dock, and access to the app library. From there, you can click to select the second app to open, placing it alongside the original app you opened.

How to use Slide Over on iPad

Another multitasking tool you should know about

Like Split Display, the Slide Over option allows you to view two apps at the same time. However, in Slide, you can drag an app onto a smaller floating screen around the display. This is a good choice if you want one window to be smaller than the other, or don’t mind one app covering part of another.

To use Slide Over, follow these instructions:

1. Open the first app you want to use, and it will eventually appear in a smaller floating box above the other app.
2. Click Multitasking button (three gray dots) at the top of the screen.
3. Click Slide over button from a list of three options.
4. Select another app from the Home screen or the App Library.
5. The second app will take up the full screen, while the original app will appear in a smaller box at the top.

You can move Swipe apps to either side of the display, or even away from either side of the screen if you need to see them all.

How to keep Slide View or Split View on iPad

If you want to return to a single full screen application

After you’re done multitasking, returning to standard full screen is a simple process.

1. Click Multitasking button (three gray dots) The top of the screen for the app you want to keep open.
2. Click full view button to the left of the options.
3. The second application you are using will close.