Learning how to do split screen on iPad can completely change the way you use your tablet. Instead of switching back and forth between apps, you can have two compatible apps open side by side and work with both at the same time.
Imagine reading a webpage on one side while taking notes on the other. You could watch a tutorial while following the instructions, compare two documents, or keep Messages open while working in another app. That’s the advantage of iPad multitasking.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use split screen on iPad, adjust the size of each app, replace an app, exit split screen, troubleshoot common problems, and understand the difference between Split View and other multitasking options.
What Is Split Screen on iPad?
Split screen, commonly known as Split View, allows two compatible apps to appear side by side on the iPad display.
For example, you could have:
- Safari + Notes
- Mail + Calendar
- Files + Pages
- Messages + Safari
- Photos + Notes
Instead of one app completely covering the other, both remain visible.
This makes the iPad particularly useful for multitasking.
Can All iPads Use Split Screen?
Not every iPad or iPadOS version supports every multitasking feature.
Split View availability depends on your iPad model, iPadOS version, and the apps you’re using.
Newer iPad models generally provide more multitasking capabilities, while older devices may have fewer options.
If you don’t see the expected multitasking controls, first check whether your iPad supports the feature and whether it is running a compatible version of iPadOS.
How to Do Split Screen on iPad
The easiest way to start Split View is to open one app and then bring another compatible app beside it.
Step 1: Open Your First App
Start by opening the app you want to use.
For example, open Safari if you want to browse the web while taking notes.
Step 2: Open the Multitasking Menu
At the top of the app window, look for the multitasking button.
Tap it to display the available window options.
Step 3: Choose Split View
Select the option for Split View.
The current app should move to one side of the display.
Step 4: Select the Second App
The Home Screen or app selection interface will appear.
Choose the second app you want to use.
For example, select Notes.
Step 5: Start Multitasking
Both apps should now appear side by side.
You can tap either app and interact with it normally.
How to Split Screen on iPad Using the Dock
Depending on your iPadOS version and multitasking configuration, you may also be able to use the Dock to start multitasking.
Follow these steps:
- Open your first app.
- Swipe up slightly from the bottom edge to reveal the Dock.
- Find the second app.
- Touch and hold its icon.
- Drag the icon toward one side of the screen.
- Wait for the multitasking area to appear.
- Release the app.
If supported by your iPadOS version and the selected apps, the second app should open beside the first.
This method can feel natural once you’ve practiced it a few times.
How to Adjust the Split Screen Size
You don’t have to give both apps exactly the same amount of screen space.
A divider separates the two apps.
To Resize the Apps
- Find the vertical divider between the apps.
- Touch and hold it.
- Drag it left or right.
- Release it when the apps have the proportions you want.
You can make one app larger when it needs more space.
For example, you might give Safari most of the screen while keeping Notes in a smaller section for quick notes.
Can You Make One App Bigger Than the Other?
Yes.
The divider allows you to adjust the amount of space each app receives.
Depending on your iPad and iPadOS version, you may have several layout proportions available.
This is particularly useful when one app requires more room.
For example:
Research setup
Safari: larger
Notes: smaller
Writing setup
Pages: larger
Reference app: smaller
Communication setup
Main app: larger
Messages: smaller
How to Replace One App in Split Screen
You don’t always have to close Split View just because you want a different second app.
You can replace one of the apps.
Basic method:
- Open the multitasking controls.
- Select the option to change the current window or app.
- Choose another compatible app.
- Continue working in Split View.
The exact controls can differ between iPadOS versions.
How to Switch Between Apps in Split Screen
Once two apps are open, switching between them is simple.
Tap the app you want to use.
The selected app becomes active while the other remains visible.
You can also use familiar iPad gestures to navigate between apps, depending on your multitasking setup.
How to Drag and Drop Between Split-Screen Apps
One of the biggest advantages of split screen is drag and drop.
For example, you can move a photo from Photos into a note or drag text from one compatible app into another.
Basic process:
- Open both apps in Split View.
- Find the item you want to move.
- Touch and hold it.
- Drag it toward the other app.
- Position it where you want it.
- Release your finger.
Not every app supports every type of drag-and-drop operation, but many Apple and third-party apps do.
How to Copy and Paste Between Split-Screen Apps
You can also use standard copy-and-paste commands.
For example, to copy text from Safari into Notes:
- Select the text in Safari.
- Tap Copy.
- Tap inside Notes.
- Choose Paste.
This is one of the simplest ways to research a topic while building notes or a document.
How to Use Safari and Notes in Split Screen
This is one of the most useful iPad multitasking combinations.
Setup:
- Open Safari.
- Start Split View.
- Select Notes as the second app.
- Resize the divider if necessary.
- Browse the webpage.
- Write notes on the other side.
You can research a subject without repeatedly switching between Safari and Notes.
How to Use YouTube and Notes in Split Screen
If the YouTube app and your iPad configuration support the desired multitasking behavior, you can use YouTube alongside another compatible app.
For example:
YouTube → Notes
You could watch a tutorial on one side while writing important instructions on the other.
If YouTube doesn’t behave as expected in Split View, check whether the current app version and iPadOS configuration support the multitasking mode you’re trying to use.
How to Use Mail and Calendar Side by Side
Split View can also be useful for productivity.
You might keep:
Mail + Calendar
on the screen simultaneously.
For example, while reading a meeting invitation in Mail, you can check your Calendar without completely leaving the email.
How to Use Files and Another App Together
If you work with documents on your iPad, Files can be especially useful in Split View.
You could open:
Files + Pages
or
Files + Mail
This allows you to locate documents while simultaneously editing or sharing them.
Drag and drop can make moving supported files between apps even easier.
How to Exit Split Screen on iPad
Finished multitasking?
You can return to a single-app view.
Method 1: Drag the Divider
Touch and hold the divider between the two apps.
Drag it completely toward one side of the screen.
The remaining app should expand to fill the display.
Method 2: Use Multitasking Controls
Depending on your iPadOS version, open the multitasking menu at the top of the app and choose the appropriate full-screen option.
This closes the current split arrangement and returns the selected app to a larger view.
How to Close One App From Split Screen
If you want to keep one app but remove the other, use the divider or multitasking controls.
For example, if Safari and Notes are open and you want Safari to remain:
- Select the split-screen divider.
- Drag it toward the Notes side.
- Continue until Safari fills the display.
Notes will no longer occupy part of the screen.
What Is Stage Manager on iPad?
Some iPad models and iPadOS versions support Stage Manager, which provides a different approach to multitasking.
Instead of simply placing two apps side by side, Stage Manager can organize multiple app windows and groups.
This can be useful if you regularly work with several applications.
However, Stage Manager isn’t the same thing as traditional Split View.
If your goal is simply to place two apps side by side, Split View is often the more straightforward approach when available.
Split View vs. Stage Manager
| Feature | Split View | Stage Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Two apps side by side | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple windows | Limited | More flexible |
| Simple setup | Usually easier | More advanced |
| Window management | Basic | More extensive |
| Best for | Two-app multitasking | Multi-window workflows |
The best choice depends on how many apps you need to manage at once.
Why Can’t I Find Split Screen on My iPad?
If Split View isn’t appearing, there are several possible explanations.
Your iPad May Not Support It
Older iPad models may not support the same multitasking features as newer devices.
Your iPadOS Version May Be Different
Apple has changed multitasking controls across iPadOS versions.
The buttons and gestures described in older tutorials may therefore look different on a newer iPad.
The App May Not Support Multitasking
Some apps don’t support every iPad multitasking mode.
Try another app such as Notes, Safari, or Mail to see whether Split View works there.
Multitasking Settings May Need Checking
Open:
Settings → Multitasking & Gestures
Review the available multitasking options on your iPad.
The exact settings can vary by iPadOS version.
How to Fix Split Screen When It Isn’t Working
If you know your iPad supports multitasking but Split View isn’t behaving correctly, try these troubleshooting steps.
Restart the App
Close the app and open it again.
Try Another App
Test Split View with built-in apps such as Safari and Notes.
Restart the iPad
A restart can resolve temporary software problems.
Update iPadOS
Open Settings → General → Software Update and check for available updates.
Check Multitasking Settings
Review the multitasking and gestures settings on your device.
Can You Use Split Screen With Three Apps?
Traditional Split View is primarily designed around two app windows.
However, newer iPad multitasking features can allow more flexible arrangements depending on your iPad model and iPadOS version.
With compatible configurations, you may be able to keep additional app windows available through Stage Manager or other multitasking features.
If you specifically need three apps visible simultaneously, check the multitasking capabilities supported by your particular iPad.
How to Use Split Screen for Studying
Split screen can turn your iPad into a useful study tool.
For example:
Safari + Notes
Use Safari to research and Notes to summarize.
Or:
PDF/document + Notes
Read material on one side and write your study notes on the other.
You can also use drag and drop to move supported content between apps.
How to Use Split Screen for Work
For productivity, try combinations such as:
- Mail + Calendar
- Safari + Notes
- Files + Pages
- Messages + Mail
- Reference document + writing app
The key is to choose two apps that support the workflow you need.
How to Use Split Screen for Writing
If you’re writing an article, assignment, or report, Split View can save time.
You can keep your writing app on one side and research material on the other.
For example:
Safari | Pages
You can research information without repeatedly switching windows.
If you need to copy information, use copy and paste or drag and drop where supported.
How to Use Split Screen With an External Keyboard
An external keyboard can make iPad multitasking even more convenient.
You can use keyboard shortcuts supported by iPadOS and individual apps to move between applications and perform common commands.
However, the exact shortcuts depend on the keyboard, iPadOS version, and app.
If you frequently work on your iPad, combining Split View with a keyboard can create a more laptop-like workflow.
How to Prevent Accidental Split Screen
If you repeatedly activate multitasking by accident, pay attention to gestures around the bottom and top edges of the display.
You can also review your multitasking and gesture settings.
This is particularly useful if you mainly use your iPad for watching videos or reading and don’t need multitasking frequently.
Best Split-Screen Combinations on iPad
Here are some practical combinations to try:
| First App | Second App | Useful For |
|---|---|---|
| Safari | Notes | Research |
| Safari | Pages | Writing |
| Calendar | Scheduling | |
| Files | Pages | Document editing |
| Photos | Notes | Organizing information |
| Messages | Safari | Browsing while chatting |
| PDF/document | Notes | Studying |
| Reference app | Writing app | Research and writing |
Not every app supports every multitasking configuration, so availability can vary.
Tips for Better iPad Multitasking
Keep the Most Important App Larger
Give the app you’re actively using more screen space.
Use Drag and Drop
When supported, it can be faster than repeatedly copying and pasting.
Learn the Multitasking Controls
Knowing where the multitasking menu is makes it easier to create and close split-screen layouts.
Don’t Overload the Screen
Two apps are often enough. If you add too many windows, the workflow can become harder to manage.
Use a Keyboard for Long Sessions
A keyboard can make writing and switching between tasks more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I split the screen on my iPad?
Open an app, use the multitasking controls at the top of the app window, select Split View, and then choose the second compatible app.
Why can’t I split screen on my iPad?
Your iPad model, iPadOS version, or selected app may not support the Split View feature you’re trying to use. Check your multitasking settings and test with apps such as Safari and Notes.
How do I make one side of split screen bigger?
Drag the divider between the two apps toward the side of the app you want to make smaller.
How do I get rid of split screen on my iPad?
Drag the divider completely toward one side of the display, or use the available multitasking controls to return an app to full-screen mode.
Can I use two apps at the same time on an iPad?
Yes. Compatible iPads and apps can support multitasking features such as Split View. Newer iPad models may also offer Stage Manager and additional window-management options.
Conclusion
Learning how to do split screen on iPad gives you a much easier way to multitask. Instead of constantly switching between apps, you can keep two compatible apps visible and work with them simultaneously.
Start by opening your first app, use the multitasking controls to activate Split View, and select your second app. Once both apps are visible, adjust the divider to give each one the amount of screen space you need.
Whether you’re researching in Safari while taking notes, checking your calendar while reading email, or working with documents in Files, Split View can make everyday iPad tasks more efficient.
Key Takeaways
- Split View lets you use two compatible apps side by side.
- Open the first app and use its multitasking controls to start Split View.
- Choose a second compatible app to complete the split-screen setup.
- Drag the divider to change the size of each app.
- You can often replace one app without leaving multitasking mode.
- Drag and drop can make transferring supported content easier.
- Split View and Stage Manager are different multitasking features.
- Not every iPad or app supports every multitasking option.
- If Split View isn’t working, check your iPad model, iPadOS version, app compatibility, and multitasking settings.
- Restarting the app or iPad can help resolve temporary multitasking problems.