Welcome to our guide on how to put two windows side by side on a Mac! A common issue that many Mac users encounter is the challenge of viewing multiple windows simultaneously, whether for work or leisure. Fortunately, there is a simple solution that can help maximize your screen space and boost productivity. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step explanation of how to put two windows side by side on your Mac, including some essential tips and tricks!
Steps:
Step 1: Open the first window
The first step is to open the first window that you want to view. You can do this by selecting the application from your Dock or by using the Command + Tab keyboard shortcut to switch between applications. Ensure that the window is active and that you can see its contents.
Step 2: Choose the second window
The next step is to choose the second window that you want to view alongside the first one. You can do this by either clicking on the application’s icon in the Dock or using Command + Tab to switch applications. Once you have the second application windows opened, navigate to the window you wish to display side by side with the first window.
Step 3: Click and hold the green full-screen button
The green full-screen button is typically located in the top left-hand corner of the window. Click and hold the green button until you see the window shrink and become transparent.
Step 4: Drag the window to the left or right side of the screen
Once the window has become transparent, you can drag it to either the left or right side of the screen depending on where you would like it to appear in relation to the first window. You should see a blue vertical line that appears, indicating the new position of the window.
Step 5: Release the green full-screen button
Once you have dragged the window to the desired position, release the green full-screen button. The application window should now take up half of the screen, leaving space for you to place another window alongside it.
Step 6: Repeat steps 1-5 for the second window
Next, you should repeat steps 1-5 for the second window. Open the application and choose the window you want to view alongside the first one. Click and hold the green full-screen button, drag the window to the opposite side of the screen to the first window, and release the button. The two windows will now be displayed side by side and should take up the entire screen.
Step 7: Adjust window size
If the applications you are using have a sidebar or toolbar that is taking up too much space, you can adjust the size of the window by clicking and dragging the vertical line in between the two windows to resize them.
Step 8: Use keyboard shortcuts
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Control + Arrow left or right to switch between the two windows that you have side by side.
Step 9: Exit side-by-side view
To exit the side-by-side view, simply click and hold the green full-screen button on the first window you opened until the transparent overlay appears again and drag the window back to its original position. Do the same with the second window and they will return to their original size and position.
Step 10: Use Split View
If you’re using macOS High Sierra or later, you can also use Split View to put two windows side by side. To do this, click and hold the green full-screen button on the first window you want to use, and then drag it to the left or right side of the screen. Release the button, and the first window will take up half of the screen. Next, click on the second window and drag it to the opposite side of the screen until it snaps into place. Release the button, and the two windows will now be in Split View mode.
Step 11: Use third-party software
If you’re still struggling to put two windows side by side on your Mac, there are a number of third-party softwares available that can make it easier. Tools like Magnet or Divvy allow you to create custom window layouts and snap windows to specific areas of the screen with ease.
Step 12: Experiment with different layouts
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts to find what works best for you. You may find that certain windows work better when they are displayed side by side, while others may be best viewed separately on different desktops or screens. Try out different configurations and see what works best for your workflow!
Explanation:
Making the most of your screen space
One of the biggest advantages of knowing how to put two windows side by side on your Mac is the ability to maximize your screen space. Whether you’re working on a project that requires multiple windows, or you simply want to browse the web and work on a document at the same time, being able to view two windows simultaneously can be a game-changer. This is particularly true for those who work from a laptop or smaller display, where screen real estate can be limited.
Boosting productivity and efficiency
In addition to maximizing your screen space, displaying two windows side by side can also help boost productivity and efficiency. By having two applications open at once, you can quickly switch between them using keyboard shortcuts or by clicking on the window you want to view. This can help you work faster, minimize distractions, and stay focused on the task at hand.
Improving multitasking capabilities
Finally, knowing how to put two windows side by side on your Mac can improve your multitasking capabilities. Instead of constantly switching back and forth between different applications, you can have two windows open at once, making it easier to perform tasks that require information from multiple sources. Whether you’re working on a presentation, conducting research, or simply browsing the web and chatting with friends, being able to view two windows side by side can help you get more done in less time.
Tips and Tricks:
1. Use third-party software
If you’re finding it difficult to put two windows side by side using the built-in features on your Mac, consider using a third-party software like Magnet or Divvy. These tools allow you to snap windows to specific areas of the screen with ease, and they can help you create custom window layouts that work best for your workflow.
2. Use Split View
Remember that if you’re using macOS High Sierra or later, you can use Split View to put two windows side by side. This feature allows you to split your screen into two equal halves, with each application taking up half of the screen.
3. Experiment with different window arrangements
Try out different window arrangements to find what works best for you. You may find that some windows work best side by side, while others are better viewed on separate desktops or screens. Play around with different configurations and find what works best for your workflow.
4. Use keyboard shortcuts
Don’t forget that you can use keyboard shortcuts to switch between your two windows once they are side by side. Use Control + Arrow left or right to switch between the two windows quickly and easily.
5. Adjust window size
If you find that the windows you’re working with are too large or taking up too much space, consider adjusting their size by clicking and dragging the vertical line in between them. This will allow you to resize the windows and create more space for other applications or documents.
6. Customize your Dock
You can also customize your Dock to make it easier to switch between applications. Consider adding frequently used apps to the Dock so you can access them quickly and easily, and rearrange the Dock to put your most commonly used applications within easy reach.
7. Use multiple desktops
Finally, don’t forget that you can use multiple desktops to help organize your workspace. Think of each desktop as a separate workspace, and use them to keep related applications and documents together. This can help minimize distractions and streamline your workflow.
8. Use full-screen mode
If you’re working with an application that requires your full attention, consider using full-screen mode to eliminate distractions. This will allow you to focus on one application at a time and can help you stay on task.
9. Use Mission Control
Mission Control is a built-in feature on your Mac that allows you to view all of your open windows and applications at a glance. You can enter Mission Control by swiping up with three or four fingers on your trackpad, or by pressing the Mission Control key on your keyboard.
10. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you’re still struggling to put two windows side by side on your Mac, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether you reach out to friends, family members, or tech support professionals, there are plenty of resources available to help you navigate the ins and outs of your Mac.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Putting Two Windows Side by Side on a Mac
Advantages:
1. Multitasking becomes easier when you can view and work on two applications simultaneously.
2. It saves time and enhances productivity by eliminating the need to switch between different windows or applications frequently.
3. You can compare and analyze data or information from two different sources quickly and efficiently.
4. It allows for better organization of work, where you can keep related applications or documents together.
5. Having two windows side by side enables seamless communication and collaboration with team members or clients.
6. It is a great feature for designers, writers, and other creative professionals who need to view reference materials or inspiration while working on a project.
7. You can easily customize the size and location of each window based on your preference and convenience.
8. Putting two windows side by side is a simple and effective way to increase your screen real estate with minimal effort or expense.
9. It simplifies complex tasks by breaking them down into smaller components that can be managed easily.
10. It brings convenience and helps you stay organized, which can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Disadvantages:
1. Depending on the size and resolution of your screen, putting two windows side by side can make them appear smaller or cramped.
2. It may cause eye strain or fatigue due to working on multiple applications or documents simultaneously.
3. It can be distracting or overwhelming for some people, especially if they are not used to multitasking or working with multiple windows.
4. If you have limited memory or processing power, running two applications side by side can slow down your computer or cause it to crash.
5. It requires some skill and practice to master the art of putting two windows side by side efficiently.
6. You may experience compatibility issues or conflicts between different applications, which can cause errors or glitches.
7. Some applications may not work well when resized or placed side by side, which can affect their functionality or usability.
8. It may not be suitable for tasks that require maximum focus or attention, such as writing or editing a document.
9. It can be a challenge to manage multiple windows when using a laptop or a smaller screen size.
10. It may not be suitable for individuals who prefer to work in a clutter-free environment or who find multiple windows distracting or overwhelming.
FAQ: How to Put Two Windows Side by Side on Mac
1. What is the purpose of putting two windows side by side?
Putting two windows side by side can increase productivity and efficiency by making it easier to compare and work between two different applications. It is especially useful for tasks such as copying and pasting information between programs.
2. How do I put two windows side by side on a Mac?
One way to put two windows side by side on a Mac is by clicking and holding the green full-screen button on the top left corner of the window, then selecting “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen” from the menu that appears. Another way is to use the Split View feature, which can be activated by holding down the green full-screen button or swiping up with three fingers on the trackpad and then selecting the desired window to fill the other side.
3. What if the windows won’t snap into place?
If the windows won’t snap into place, make sure that both windows are not already in full-screen mode. Also, try resizing one of the windows by dragging the edges before attempting to snap them side by side.
4. Can I adjust the size of each window in Split View?
Yes, you can adjust the size of each window in Split View by clicking and dragging the divider between the two windows. However, the maximum size of each window is determined by the available screen space.
5. How do I exit Split View?
To exit Split View, click and hold the green full-screen button or swipe up with three fingers on the trackpad again, then select “Exit Full Screen” or simply click on the window you want to exit from.
6. Is Split View available on all Macs?
Split View is available on Macs running OS X El Capitan or later, which includes most Mac models from 2012 or later.
7. Can I use Split View with more than two windows?
No, Split View only supports two windows side by side at a time.
8. Can I switch which window is on the left or right side?
Yes, you can switch which window is on the left or right side by clicking and dragging the title bar of one of the windows to the other side.
9. Can I use Split View with multiple displays?
Yes, you can use Split View with multiple displays by dragging one of the windows to the other display and then activating Split View on that display. However, both displays must be running OS X El Capitan or later.
10. Is there a keyboard shortcut for Split View?
Yes, you can activate Split View with the keyboard shortcut Control-Command-F.
11. Do all applications support Split View?
No, not all applications support Split View. However, most common applications such as Safari, Preview, and Pages do support Split View.
12. Can I customize the behavior of Split View?
Yes, you can customize the behavior of Split View in System Preferences under the Mission Control settings. Here, you can change the keyboard shortcuts and adjust the behavior of Split View on multiple displays.
13. Are there any alternatives to Split View?
Yes, there are several third-party applications such as BetterSnapTool and Magnet that offer more advanced window snapping and resizing features than Split View.
How to Put Two Windows Side by Side on Mac
As a Mac user, you may find yourself trying to multitask on your computer. One of the best ways to do this is to put two windows side by side. This can be especially useful for comparing documents or working on two different projects simultaneously. Here’s how to put two windows side by side on your Mac:
Step 1: Begin by opening two applications on your Mac.
The first step is to open the two applications that you want to view side by side. You can open any two applications that you want, such as Pages and Preview, or Safari and Notes. Once the applications are open, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Click and hold the green full-screen button on one of the windows.
The next step is to click and hold the green full-screen button on one of the windows. This button is located in the top left corner of the window, next to the red and yellow buttons. When you click and hold the button, you will see a menu of options appear.
Step 3: Select “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen.”
From the menu that appears, select “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen.” This will cause the window to snap to one side of the screen, taking up half of the available space. The other window will then snap to the other side of the screen, taking up the other half of the space.
Step 4: Adjust the size of each window as needed.
Once the windows are side by side, you can adjust the size of each window as needed. To do this, move your cursor to the divider between the two windows. When your cursor changes to a double-sided arrow, click and drag the divider to adjust the size of each window. You can make one window larger than the other, or adjust them both equally.
Conclusion and Closing
And that’s it! Putting two windows side by side on a Mac is a useful multitasking technique that can help you be more productive and efficient. Just remember to start by opening two applications, click and hold the green full-screen button, select “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen,” and adjust the size of each window as needed.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to Apple support. Until next time, happy multitasking!