How to split screen on a Chromebook

Multitasking is key when trying to get anything done on your computer. This is why learning to use split screen on a Chromebook is just as important as it is with any other device. Today we’ll show you how to divide your screen to view multiple windows simultaneously while using a Chrome OS laptop or tablet.

Also read: The best Chromebook apps on the Play Store

Can I split screen on a Chromebook?

The truth is you can’t really split the screen on a Chromebook the way you would on a mobile device running Android or iOS. These mobile operating systems make it possible to divide a screen and essentially create two small ecosystems for each app.

The only exception is when using tablet mode. This works more similarly to split screen on mobile devices. You can even use your finger to resize screen sizes so they’re not split right down the middle. We’ll talk more about this later.

When in laptop mode, Chrome OS allows for window management, similar to how you would handle windows in a traditional PC operating system. There are ways to easily arrange windows so you can view two at a time. Of course, you can also drag the edges and do this manually, but it’s much faster and more convenient to use shortcuts.

How to split the screen on a Chromebook by dragging and dropping

The easiest way to split screen on a Chromebook is to use the traditional drag-and-drop method. This has become a common feature in computers, and Chromebooks are no exception.

1. Click and hold on to a window’s Title bar.
2. Drag it to the far left or right, whichever side you want that window to occupy.
3. The OS will create a shadow covering the space the window will use. Let go of the window when this happens, and Chrome OS will place the window on that side of the screen.
4. Do the same with another window, but drag it to the opposite side of the screen.
5. You can now see two windows or apps side by side!

You can also use keyboard shortcuts

Dragging and dropping works for splitting a Chromebook screen, but there are faster ways to accomplish this. The quickest one is likely keyboard shortcuts.

1. Select a window you want to use in split screen mode.
2. Press the alt and [ simultaneously to place it on the left half of the screen.
3. You can also press the alt and ] keys to move it to the right.
4. Use these keyboard shortcuts to arrange the second window or app.
5. Done!

Split the Chrome OS screen using the touchscreen

If you have a Chromebook tablet, or simply prefer using touch, you can also use the window size control button in the top-right corner of a window. It looks like a square when not maximized, or two squares when maximized.

1. Select the window you want to use in split screen mode.
2. Tap and hold on to the window size control button.
3. Drag either to the left or right arrows on its sides to choose which half of the screen you want to window to occupy.
4. Follow the same steps with the second window, but drag your finger to the opposite side.
5. You’re in split screen mode.

Try overview mode

Overview mode lets you see all your windows and arrange them as you wish. You can also split screen on a Chromebook using this feature. The steps are different if you’re using Chrome OS in tablet mode or laptop mode, though. If you have a Chromebook tablet or convertible, you’ll want to make sure you check out our second set of instructions in this section.

In laptop mode:

1. Launch Overview mode by either pushing the Overview key (it looks like a square with two lines on the right side) on your keyboard or swiping three fingers using the trackpad.
2. Click and hold on to one of the windows you want to use in split screen mode.
3. Drag it to the far side of the screen you want it to occupy and release.
4. On the empty side, simply click on the window you want to place there.

In tablet mode:

1. When in tablet mode, drag your finger up from the bottom of the screen and hold.
2. You’ll enter Overview mode. You can let go when this happens.
3. Tap and hold on to a window you want to use in split screen mode.
4. Drag it to the far side of the screen you want it to occupy and release.
5. On the empty side, simply click on the window you want to place there.
6. You can now drag the middle part of the screen from left to right to automatically resize the windows.

How to remove split screen on a Chromebook

Getting out of split screen mode is even easier than getting into it. Because Chrome OS is essentially simplifying window management for you, you can resize them as you would any other window. This can be done by dragging the window edges, or you can click on the Minimize, Maximize, or Close buttons in the top-right corner.

If you’re in tablet mode, you can go to your home screen by dragging your finger up from the screen’s bottom edge.

Next: Chromebook shortcuts and gestures you should know

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