In recent years, Apple has raised the bar for its iPadOS devices. Now, you don’t need to carry your laptop or iMacs around as iPads have stepped up their game to become the best productivity tool.
In today’s age, working on a single app at a time does not suffice. One must learn to multitask to keep up with the world, and the Apple iPad devices enable this idea. Due to the sheer need to multitask on numerous apps, the iPad allows you to work on two apps simultaneously. So, don’t worry if you don’t know how to juggle because Apple has found creative ways to help you work smoothly.
A few apps allow multitasking on a split screen on an iPad. This is possible with the split-screen feature that allows two apps to appear side by side in a split display configuration. With new updates in the iOS versions, the latest additions have made multitasking more accessible than ever on the iPad.
This is all thanks to the new Multitasking menu. It allows the user to use the iPad in the following choices: Fullscreen, Split View, and Slide Over. By default, fullscreen mode is always open for view. However, this can be easily changed as per the user’s needs.
If you want to learn more about how to use the iPad’s pro split screen segment, keep reading!
Table of Contents
Types Of Multitasking Options:
Before we go ahead and talk in detail about the split-screen benefits, let’s find out more about all the types of multitasking options available on the iPad. This may be helpful if you want to switch modes while multitasking on different apps.
Split Screen:
When you opt for a Split View, you can use two apps side-by-side at the same time. The option to resize the apps is available. First, you need to drag the slider, which will appear between the two apps.
Slide Over:
In the Slide Over option, you can use an app that will appear in the more undersized floating window. You can move the window to your screen’s left or right side.
Center Window:
Some apps allow the user to open a center window to concentrate on certain items, such as notes or emails. iPad supports the center window option.
How is the iPad Pro Split Screen Option Helpful?
Many users have highly preferred this split-screen option for many years. As it is clear from its name, this Split Screen view option divides the screen into two to use two apps simultaneously.
The option to split your iPad’s screen was introduced when iOS 11 came out. But, over the years, Apple has added new features to simplify the multitasking options. Now, you don’t have to activate multiple app setting to split your screen.
For example, you can simultaneously open the Messages app and Maps in the Split View mode. Or you can open two Messages windows in Split View mode and have two conversations with different people side by side without minimizing the first one.
Open Multiple Apps on Split Screen on iPad
Gone are the days when you need to open your laptop to use several apps simultaneously. Instead, all you need is an iPad to split view on your iPad screen and use more than one app. So, if you want to open two different apps or two windows from a specific app, you can enter a split-screen mode.
Before we go ahead and exhibit how to open different apps on split view, you must have a compatible iPad model for it. If you have a 5th-generation iPad or iPad Pro, iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, or any other 5th-gen or later model, then you have this option right up your alley. However, unfortunately, all the iPad models before the 5th generation don’t support a split-screen view.
Moreover, ensure that your device has the latest version of iPadOS. That being said, if you want to use multiple windows on your iPad, then keep reading to follow the instructions:
How to Use Split Screen on iPad?
If you want to use other apps on your iPad while using the current app, then follow the steps ahead:
- First, launch an app on your iPad.
- Select the three dots near the top of the screen. These dots are called the Multitasking buttons. Tapping on it should reveal three options.
- Select the Split View button. It is denoted by a frame equally divided into two.
- Now the app that was already open will move aside to display the Home screen. Next, select another app you want to launch on the Home screen or in the Dock.
- The second app will now be displayed on the side of the first app.
How to Use Split View Option Via Dock?
You can launch the split-screen view through the dock as well. If you want to try this approach, then follow the steps ahead:
- First, launch an app on your iPad.
- Slide your finger upward from the bottom side of your screen until the Dock appears. Now, release your finger.
- Find the app you want to open in the dock and hold on to it. While holding the app, drag it out of the Dock to the left or right edge of your screen.
- The second app will now be displayed on the side of the first app.
How to Adjust Split View On Your Screen?
If you want to adjust the size of one app more than the other in the split view, you can also adjust it. All you need to do is follow the steps ahead:
- To adjust the size of the apps you currently use on your iPad pro, look for the app divider and drag it to the left or right. For example, if you want your second app to have the same screen size as the main app, pull the app divide back to the center of the screen.
- If you want to switch from a Split View app to a Slide Over app, then select the Multitasking button. Now, from the drop option, click on the Slide Over option. You can also drag and drop the Multitasking button onto the same app.
- If you want to exit Split View, select the Multitasking button in the app that you want to keep working on. Now, select the full-screen button, or you can bring the app divider on the one you want to close.
- If you want to replace an app, you can swipe down from the top of the app. Then, once it’s closed, you can select whatever new app you want to open next from your Home Screen or Dock.
How to Replace An App in Split View?
The idea of multitasking gestures is to allow maximum flexibility to an iPad user. So, if you open more than one app on your screen, it is very plausible that you will need to shut one down and open another.
For example, if you’re working on a photo-editor app, you may need to use Gallery and the editor side by side. But, there’s a high chance that in another minute, you may want to use a third app — such as another editor or the platform on which you’re uploading on the side of your main editor.
In such cases, you can easily replace an app in the split view. This is particularly encouraging for those wary of using split-screen on the Ipad. So, if you want to try it, follow the steps ahead.
- On the app you want to replace, check the top and find the Multitasking button. Once you find it, swipe down on it.
- As soon as you are done, the app will drop down. Now, the new app should move to the side to reveal the Home screen.
- Select the app you want to open from your Home screen or in the Dock. Once done, the selected app will appear alongside the currently open app in Split View.
You can replace your current or newly replaced app using the abovementioned steps.
How To Turn Split View into Slide Over?
If you have dual apps open on your Apple iPad screen, then you can easily switch one of them into a Slide Over window. Wondering what that is? Well, it means one of your apps will appear in a smaller floating window that glides in front of the other apps.
Slide-over option helps you quickly interchange apps on all your iPad. This feature is helpful to quicken your pace of work. So, if you want to attempt this, follow the steps ahead:
- At the top of the window app you want to turn into a Slide Over window; you will see a Multitasking button.
- Select it. Click on the option of Slide Over.
It is pertinent to point out that this is only carried out if you have one of the iPad models that supports a multitasking menu with the Split and Slide over option.
How to Return to Fullscreen?
Sometimes, you’re working on multiple apps simultaneously, and it’s helpful. However, to converge all your focus on one app, you might require it to be on full screen. This is not possible in Split View unless you remove the other app opened on the side.
Once you do that, your current app will expand into full-screen mode again. But, if you’re confused about the split view, keep reading to find out a few different ways to do this.
- Pull the center divider of your screen to the left or right edge of your iPad screen.
- Select the three dots at the top of the app you want to operate in fullscreen, known as the Multitasking button.
- Select the filled frame button, the first one from the left.
- Touch and hold the Multitasking button on the app you want to use in fullscreen. Next, hold its top edge at the top of the screen, pull it to the center of your screen and wait until its name and icon emerge. Now, release.
Once you’re back in the fullscreen, you can focus all of your energy on the current app. And, if you want to use split-screen again, you can enter split view mode again.
How to Turn Off Split Screen Feature Forever?
Split-screen is not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. It can be distracting or overwhelming for some people to work on multiple applications simultaneously.
However, from all that you’ve read above, it is pretty evident that a split-screen can sometimes appear with a slight touch on the bottom edge of the screen. So naturally, this could be jarring for a few users. But don’t worry! There is a simple solution to switch off the split-screen component permanently.
So, if you want to opt for eternally disabling this feature, then follow the steps ahead:
- First, open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Select General.
- Now, under this tab, look for Multitasking & Dock. Tap on it.
- Turn off Allow Multiple Apps. You can do this if you swipe left on the button.
And, voila! You cannot turn on the multitasking features now unless you undo this action.
Final Word!
Multitasking can be pretty overwhelming. And it can be worse if you constantly change tabs and keep track of all the information. Split-screen considerably reduces the changing of tabs time by letting you work on more than a single app simultaneously!
So, try it out as it is not hard to activate on your compatible iPad device. Save time and increase your productivity level with the help of this simple feature!