If you’ve ever wished your iPad felt more like a lightweight laptop, Split View is the multitasking feature that unlocks real productivity. Whether you’re taking notes while watching a lecture, writing an email while researching, or chatting while browsing, learning how to split screen on the iPad instantly upgrades the way you work.
The problem? Many iPad users either don’t know this feature exists, or they try it once, find it confusing, and give up. The good news is that iPadOS has made multitasking simpler in recent versions, and once you learn a few gestures and icons, it becomes second nature.
This step-by-step guide walks you through everything: how to open split screen, how to resize it, how to swap apps, how to use Slide Over, how to fix it when it won’t work, and how to unlock “pro-level” iPad multitasking.
Table of Contents
- What Split Screen Is (and Isn’t)
- How to Use Split View in iPadOS 15+
- How to Use the Dock to Start Split Screen
- How to Resize or Close Split View
- How to Use Slide Over (Bonus Mode)
- Using Split View with Stage Manager
- Troubleshooting Split Screen
- Best Productivity Uses for Split View
- Comparison Table: Split View vs Slide Over
- Final Expert Tips
- Meta Description (for SEO)
1. What “Split Screen” Actually Means on the iPad
When people say “split screen,” they usually mean Split View – two apps sitting side-by-side on your iPad. Apple has three multitasking modes:
- Split View → Two apps sharing the screen
- Slide Over → A floating narrow app that sits on top
- Stage Manager → A desktop-style windowed interface (for supported iPads)
This guide focuses on Split View and Slide Over, which are available on more devices.
For deeper context, Apple’s device lineup is documented here on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPad
2. How to Use Split View in iPadOS 15 and Later
iPadOS made multitasking much simpler by adding a new control: the three-dot multitasking button at the top of most apps.
Step 1: Open the first app
Launch Safari, Notes, Mail, or whatever app you want to start with.
Step 2: Tap the three dots at the top of the screen
These dots open the Multitasking Menu, which gives you three options:
- Full Screen
- Split View
- Slide Over
Step 3: Select Split View
Tap the middle icon (two equal rectangles). Your app will slide to the left or right, shrinking slightly and revealing your Home Screen.
Step 4: Choose your second app
Tap another app from your Dock or Home Screen. Both apps now sit side-by-side. You now have a true split screen.
3. How to Start Split Screen Using the Dock (The Faster Method)
If you like speed, this method is quicker once you learn it.
- Open your main app.
- Slowly swipe up from the bottom to reveal the Dock (without going Home).
- Press and hold an app icon.
- Drag it to the left or right edge of the screen until it “snaps” into place.
This method still works in all modern iPadOS versions.
4. How to Resize or Close Split View
The two apps are separated by a central divider bar (a vertical black or grey handle).
To resize the split:
Drag the divider left or right to choose:
- 50/50 split
- 70/30 split (left heavy)
- 30/70 split (right heavy)
To close Split View:
Drag the divider all the way to the edge until one app disappears.
Or tap the three dots again and select Full Screen.
5. Slide Over: The Underrated Bonus Feature
Slide Over isn’t split screen, but it pairs beautifully with Split View.
It’s a floating mini-app you can quickly access.
To open Slide Over:
- Open your main app.
- Open the Dock.
- Drag an app to the middle of the screen, not the edge.
You’ll see a floating narrow window.
To hide Slide Over:
Swipe it toward the right edge of the screen.
To recall Slide Over:
Swipe in from the right edge.
To cycle Slide Over apps:
Swipe left or right along the bottom handle – like switching apps on an iPhone.
6. Split Screen with Stage Manager (For Supported Devices)
Stage Manager allows overlapping windows, and multitasking works differently.
To turn Stage Manager on or off:
Swipe down from the top-right → Open Control Center → Tap Stage Manager.
With Stage Manager off, you get classic Split View.
With it on, you get resizable floating windows.
If Split View isn’t behaving normally, Stage Manager is often the reason.
7. Troubleshooting: Why Split Screen Might Not Work
1. The app does not support multitasking
If the three dots are missing, that app doesn’t support Split View.
2. Multitasking is disabled
Check here:
Settings → Home Screen & Multitasking → Multitasking
Enable Allow Multiple Apps.
3. Trying to drag an app not in the Dock
Apps must be available in the Dock or Home Screen to drag into Split View.
4. Stage Manager is interfering
Turn it off if you want classic Split View behaviour.
5. Restrictions or profiles
In school or work-managed iPads, multitasking may be blocked by admin policies.
8. The Best Productivity Uses for Split View
Split View isn’t a gimmick – it’s genuinely transformative.
Students
- Watch lectures while taking notes
- View slides while revising flashcards
Writers
- Research in Safari while drafting in Notes or Google Docs
- Compare two documents side-by-side
Professionals
- Email on one side, spreadsheets on the other
- Video calls next to project notes
Artists
- Watch tutorials while drawing in Procreate
- Use a reference photo while sketching
Everyday users
- Message friends while browsing
- Check calendars while booking travel
9. Comparison Table: Split View vs Slide Over vs Stage Manager
| Feature | Split View | Slide Over | Stage Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two apps side-by-side | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ (more flexible) |
| Floating window | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Adjustable size | ✔ | Limited | Full window resizing |
| Ideal use case | Productivity | Quick interactions | Laptop-like workflow |
| Works on all iPads? | Most | Most | Only certain models |
10. Final Expert Tips for Getting the Most Out of Split Screen
Keep your most-used apps in the Dock
This makes dragging apps into Split View effortless.
✔ Use a keyboard
Keyboard shortcuts dramatically boost multitasking, especially Command-Tab.
✔ Combine Split View + Slide Over
This is the secret “three-app layout” most users don’t realise exists.
✔ Master the three-dots menu
It’s the key to all multitasking features in iPadOS 15+.
✔ Turn off Stage Manager if you prefer simplicity
Classic Split View is still the most stable and predictable multitasking mode.
