If you use your laptop for business, the ability to multitask is essential. In order to get more done in less time, split-screen mode is a must-have. Split-screen multitasking is a feature most people associate with desktop computers, but did you know Chromebooks support it with the same gestures?
Method 1: Tap the “Show Windows” Button.
The ‘Show Windows’ key, labelled F5, looks like a square with two horizontal lines on the right. Pressing this key will reveal all of your open windows, allowing you to rearrange them as needed.
Using the ‘Show Windows’ key, you can divide your Chromebook’s display into two screens:
- It is up to you which programmes you utilise in your split-screen mode, so launch them all.
- Maintain pressure on the button (Show Windows).
- Simply drag one of the programmes to the “Drop here to use split-screen” area.
Method 2: Use The Mouse’s Drag-And-Drop Functionality
On a Chromebook, you may easily split the screen by dragging and dropping the windows to the right or left side of the screen. If you’re using a touchpad, this could be difficult; we suggest using a mouse instead.
Here’s how to use the mouse to create a split screen:
- The first step in using split-screen mode is to launch the programmes that you intend to use.
- Press and hold the navigation button.
- Simply drag the window’s border to the left or right to reposition it.
- Once you let go of the mouse, the window should automatically move to the side you selected.
Method 3: Apply Keyboard Shortcuts
If you are familiar with macros, splitting the screen is a breeze with a few keystrokes. Just press and hold the “Alt” key, and then press either the “[” or “]” key.
You can move the window to the left by hitting Alt and the left bracket key at the same time, or to the right by pressing Alt and the right bracket key.
Method 4: To Maximise or Minimise, click the Maximize/Restore Down button.
The Maximize and Restore Down button is another option for using split-screen mode on a Chromebook.
This button’s primary use is to restore the window to its previous size (minimise or maximise it), but it can also be used to create a split-screen arrangement.
Here are the measures that must be taken:
- To begin using split-screen, launch two programmes of your choosing.
- Select one of the programmes and press and hold its Maximize/Restore button.
- Pressing the button will activate two arrows on either side of it. Hold the button down while dragging the cursor to the left or right side of the screen to make the app fit.
- To create a split-screen, launch a second app and follow steps 2 and 3.
Possible causes for your Chromebook’s inability to split-screen
Keep in mind that not all ChromeOS versions support the split-screen functionality if none of the preceding solutions work for you.
This functionality is likely inaccessible if you are using an older device model that has not been upgraded to the current ChromeOS version.
Search for “split-screen” in your Chromebook’s display settings (Settings > Device > Display & Sound > Display) to see if it’s a feature you can use.
Even if your Chromebook technically supports split-screen mode, you may still have issues on rare occasions.
Some potential roadblocks to implementing a split screen on your Chromebook include:
- Perhaps you’re using your Chromebook in tablet form.
- Ctrl+Alt, which is used to activate split-screen mode, is now unavailable.
- Accidentally pressing the maximise button on the window you planned to utilise for the split-screen.
