How to use split screen on a Chromebook

Sometimes you’ll want to have two windows open at once on your Chromebook, maybe so that you can copy and paste from one to the other. Or simply so you can have the information from both available to see at the same time.

So, what’s the easiest way to use apps in split view on a Chromebook? Here, we’ll show you the simple steps that will have dual apps open on your desktop.

Open two windows at once on a Chromebook

It’s very easy to have two apps displayed at the same time on your Chromebook. All you need to do is take the following steps:

• Open a window by launching one of the apps you want to use.
• In the top right corner of the window, click and hold the Maximise button (square shape with another behind it).
• Arrows will appear either side of the Maximise button.
• Move the cursor onto the side you want the first window to appear, then let go of the trackpad.
• You should see half the screen now filled with that window.
• To add a second pane, repeat the process, only this time choose the other arrow. If you want to open a second version of the same app (say Chrome), just press Ctrl+N and the new window should open automatically on the other half of the screen.

Now you will have the two halves of your desktop occupied by the apps you selected. To return to full-screen versions of them, simply click the Maximise button and the app will be blown up to full-size once more.

Obviously, this technique is best suited to devices with larger screens, so if you find you’re struggling to see what’s on the screen, check out our Best Chromebooks roundup for models with larger screens.