How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

If you need to multitask and use two apps at the same time, here’s how to use the split-screen view and view apps side-by-side.

The Apple iPad has come a long way since it was originally released. It went from a content consumption device to now more of a production device. Especially if you have an iPad Pro with a keyboard and pen. Still, the traditional iPad allows you to multitask by using split-screen mode. Here’s how to view apps side-by-side.

Use Split Screen to View Apps Side-by-Side on iPad

To get started put your iPad in the horizontal mode. Then open an app on the iPad and swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the dock.

Next, tap and hold an app from the dock drag it onto the currently open app.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

If you drag it to the top of the screen it will open the second app into an overview screen. It’s a floating screen that you can move around. You can even move it entirely to the right side of the screen to hide it. Then you can see the app you dragged it onto. You will still get notifications from the app even if it’s not on the screen. Swipe from the right edge to the left to bring it back.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

If you drag an app from the dock over to the middle of the right side of the screen, you’ll get a traditional split-screen view. Now you can multi-task and work from both of the apps separately.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Move the middle divider bar to make one of the apps display more or less while multitasking. For example, here I want more browser real estate than for the Apple Music app.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

To close out of the split-screen view simply drag the divider bar all the way over the app you want to close. That will leave the other app open on your screen.

Having the ability to multitask on your iPad is helpful in times when you need two apps open. It’s easier than having to switch between the two apps you want to use.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

If you need to multitask and use two apps at the same time, here’s how to use the split-screen view and view apps side-by-side.

The Apple iPad has come a long way since it was originally released. It went from a content consumption device to now more of a production device. Especially if you have an iPad Pro with a keyboard and pen. Still, the traditional iPad allows you to multitask by using split-screen mode. Here’s how to view apps side-by-side.

Use Split Screen to View Apps Side-by-Side on iPad

To get started put your iPad in the horizontal mode. Then open an app on the iPad and swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the dock.

Next, tap and hold an app from the dock drag it onto the currently open app.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

If you drag it to the top of the screen it will open the second app into an overview screen. It’s a floating screen that you can move around. You can even move it entirely to the right side of the screen to hide it. Then you can see the app you dragged it onto. You will still get notifications from the app even if it’s not on the screen. Swipe from the right edge to the left to bring it back.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

If you drag an app from the dock over to the middle of the right side of the screen, you’ll get a traditional split-screen view. Now you can multi-task and work from both of the apps separately.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Move the middle divider bar to make one of the apps display more or less while multitasking. For example, here I want more browser real estate than for the Apple Music app.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

To close out of the split-screen view simply drag the divider bar all the way over the app you want to close. That will leave the other app open on your screen.

Having the ability to multitask on your iPad is helpful in times when you need two apps open. It’s easier than having to switch between the two apps you want to use.

Benj Edwards is an Associate Editor for How-To Geek. For over 15 years, he has written about technology and tech history for sites such as The Atlantic, Fast Company, PCMag, PCWorld, Macworld, Ars Technica, and Wired. In 2005, he created Vintage Computing and Gaming, a blog devoted to tech history. He also created The Culture of Tech podcast and regularly contributes to the Retronauts retrogaming podcast. Read more.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Split View on the iPad is a powerful multitasking feature that lets you use two supported apps on the screen at the same time. Still, it can be confusing to figure out how it works, and mastering it takes practice. Here’s how to use it.

What Is Split View?

Split View displays two windows side by side in split-screen mode with a black partition in the middle. It is designed for using two apps at the same time in a situation where you may need to continuously reference each one or move information from one to the other.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Apple first introduced Split View alongside other iPad multitasking features in iOS 9, which launched in 2015. It’s available on iPad Pro or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, iPad Air 2 or later, and iPad mini 4 or later. All iPad models currently sold by Apple support Split View.

Not every app supports Split View, but most official Apple-made apps do. Third-party developers must specifically choose to support the feature for it to work properly. There is no master list of Split View supported apps, so you’ll have to use trial-and-error to see if your favorite apps work with it.

What Is the Difference Between Split View and Slide Over?

iPad’s other primary multitasking feature, Slide Over, displays a primary app in full-screen mode and secondary app in a small floating window on the left or right side of the screen. The Slide Over window can be quickly dismissed and called back when needed, making it ideal for checking information from an app quickly while working on something else.

The main differences between Split View and Slide Over are how much screen real estate each of the two apps takes up, and that each is suited to different types of tasks.

How to Use Split View on an iPad

To use Split View, open an app. This will be one of the two apps you use on the screen at the same time. To open a second app, you first need to make sure it is added to your Dock.

With the first app you want to use already open, slowly swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Dock.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Find the second app you’d like to open, place your finger on its icon, and hold it for just a moment. (But not too long, or you’ll trigger a pop-up menu.) Slowly drag the icon upward off the dock toward the direction you’d like to place the second window.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

After a moment, the icon will become part of a blurry rectangular box with rounded edges. Keep dragging the icon with your finger toward the far left or right edge of the screen where you want the second window.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Near the edge of the screen, the first app separates from the edge with a black border, and that is how you know you are about to enter Split View mode. (This is important to note because it is easy to place the app in Slide Over mode instead by accident.)

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Once the icon you are dragging is located over the black border, you can release your finger, and the second app will snap into place. Then you’ll see Split View: two apps on screen with a black partition in the middle between them.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

If it didn’t work, then you either didn’t get the maneuver just right (it is tricky and takes practice), or the app does not support Split View mode. In that case, try again, or try with a different app.

Using your finger, you can drag the partition left or right and resize both windows proportionally, making one app wider or narrower than the other according to your preference.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

How to Get Rid of Split View on iPad

If you’d like to dismiss Split View, you need to get rid of one of the windows. Place your finger on the center of the black partition line, and drag it at a steady medium speed toward the right edge of the screen.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

As you slide closer to the edge of the screen, the apps will blur out, and you will see two windows with the apps’ icons in them instead. Keep sliding your finger to the right.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Toward the very edge of the screen, the black partition between the two windows will begin to grow wider (this visually signifies that you are about to “break up” Split View). Keep sliding your finger until you reach the edge of the screen.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Once at the edge of the screen, release your finger, and the Split View should be gone.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Multitasking features on the iPad can be quite handy and powerful if you get the hang of them. Because of the nuances of the gestures involved, they do take patience and practice to get just right.

On the other hand, if you prefer to use the iPad as a single-task device, or you keep bringing up extra app windows by accident, you can easily turn off Split View and Slide Over in the Settings.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Split View on the iPad is a powerful multitasking feature that lets you use two supported apps on the screen at the same time. Still, it can be confusing to figure out how it works, and mastering it takes practice. Here’s how to use it.

What Is Split View?

Split View displays two windows side by side in split-screen mode with a black partition in the middle. It is designed for using two apps at the same time in a situation where you may need to continuously reference each one or move information from one to the other.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Apple first introduced Split View alongside other iPad multitasking features in iOS 9, which launched in 2015. It’s available on iPad Pro or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, iPad Air 2 or later, and iPad mini 4 or later. All iPad models currently sold by Apple support Split View.

Not every app supports Split View, but most official Apple-made apps do. Third-party developers must specifically choose to support the feature for it to work properly. There is no master list of Split View supported apps, so you’ll have to use trial-and-error to see if your favorite apps work with it.

What Is the Difference Between Split View and Slide Over?

iPad’s other primary multitasking feature, Slide Over, displays a primary app in full-screen mode and secondary app in a small floating window on the left or right side of the screen. The Slide Over window can be quickly dismissed and called back when needed, making it ideal for checking information from an app quickly while working on something else.

The main differences between Split View and Slide Over are how much screen real estate each of the two apps takes up, and that each is suited to different types of tasks.

How to Use Split View on an iPad

To use Split View, open an app. This will be one of the two apps you use on the screen at the same time. To open a second app, you first need to make sure it is added to your Dock.

With the first app you want to use already open, slowly swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Dock.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Find the second app you’d like to open, place your finger on its icon, and hold it for just a moment. (But not too long, or you’ll trigger a pop-up menu.) Slowly drag the icon upward off the dock toward the direction you’d like to place the second window.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

After a moment, the icon will become part of a blurry rectangular box with rounded edges. Keep dragging the icon with your finger toward the far left or right edge of the screen where you want the second window.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Near the edge of the screen, the first app separates from the edge with a black border, and that is how you know you are about to enter Split View mode. (This is important to note because it is easy to place the app in Slide Over mode instead by accident.)

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Once the icon you are dragging is located over the black border, you can release your finger, and the second app will snap into place. Then you’ll see Split View: two apps on screen with a black partition in the middle between them.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

If it didn’t work, then you either didn’t get the maneuver just right (it is tricky and takes practice), or the app does not support Split View mode. In that case, try again, or try with a different app.

Using your finger, you can drag the partition left or right and resize both windows proportionally, making one app wider or narrower than the other according to your preference.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

How to Get Rid of Split View on iPad

If you’d like to dismiss Split View, you need to get rid of one of the windows. Place your finger on the center of the black partition line, and drag it at a steady medium speed toward the right edge of the screen.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

As you slide closer to the edge of the screen, the apps will blur out, and you will see two windows with the apps’ icons in them instead. Keep sliding your finger to the right.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Toward the very edge of the screen, the black partition between the two windows will begin to grow wider (this visually signifies that you are about to “break up” Split View). Keep sliding your finger until you reach the edge of the screen.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Once at the edge of the screen, release your finger, and the Split View should be gone.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Multitasking features on the iPad can be quite handy and powerful if you get the hang of them. Because of the nuances of the gestures involved, they do take patience and practice to get just right.

On the other hand, if you prefer to use the iPad as a single-task device, or you keep bringing up extra app windows by accident, you can easily turn off Split View and Slide Over in the Settings.

With Split View, you can fill your Mac screen with two apps, without having to manually move and resize windows.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Enter Split View

If you’re using macOS Catalina or later:

  1. Hover your pointer over the full-screen button in the upper-left corner of a window. Or click and hold the button.
  2. Choose ”Tile Window to Left of Screen” or ”Tile Window to Right of Screen” from the menu. The window then fills that side of the screen.
    How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad
  3. Then click a window on the other side of the screen to begin using both windows side by side.

If you’re using macOS Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, or El Capitan:

  1. Click and hold the full-screen button in the upper-left corner of a window.
  2. As you hold the button, the window shrinks and you can drag it to the left or right side of the screen.
  3. Release the button, then click a window on the other side of the screen to begin using both windows side by side.

If you can’t enter Split View

If Split View doesn’t work, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, click Mission Control, and make sure that “Displays have separate Spaces” is selected.

Work in Split View

In Split View, you can use both apps side by side, without the distraction of other apps.

  • Choose a window to work in by clicking anywhere in that window.
  • Show the menu bar by moving the pointer to the top of the screen.
  • Swap window positions by dragging a window to the other side.
  • Adjust window width by dragging the vertical line between the windows.
  • Switch to other apps or your desktop with Mission Control, or use a Multi-Touch gesture such as swiping left or right with four fingers on your trackpad.

Split View on iPad is great when you want to run two apps side-by-side. But adding a second app can be convoluted unless you’re using the tablet with a keyboard. Here’s how to quickly open iPad apps in Split View from search using a keyboard.

You might be familiar with the traditional method of using Split View on your iPad. You swipe up to bring up the Dock and drag an app to the edge of the screen to add it to Split View. But what if the app that you want to add isn’t in the Dock?

How to Quickly Open iPad Apps in Split View Using Universal Search

The Universal Search feature introduced in iPadOS 14 simplifies the multitasking feature by letting you add any app to Split View.

After opening an app on your iPad, use the Command+Space keyboard shortcut on your keyboard to bring up the floating Universal Search feature. If you don’t have a keyboard attached, you can use the AssistiveTouch feature (more on that in the section below).

Now, search for the second app that you want to add to Split View.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

From the search results, press and hold the app icon and drag it out of the search window.

Now, drag it to the right edge of the iPad screen, and lift your finger to dock it to the right side.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

You can use the handle icon between the two apps to resize them.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

If you want to exit “Split View,” drag the handle icon to the right edge of the screen.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

You can use this trick to replace an existing app in Split View, or you can add an app as a floating Slide Over window as well.

How to Open Universal Search from Anywhere without a Keyboard

As we mentioned above, there’s a workaround to get this feature even if you don’t use your iPad with a keyboard. AssistiveTouch is an accessibility feature that brings a floating Home button with quick gesture shortcuts to your display. You can assign a double-tap gesture to the floating Home button that will quickly open “Universal Search” on top of the current app.

To enable this feature, open the “Settings” app. From there, go to the “Accessibility” section. Here, choose the “Touch” option.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Select the “AssisitiveTouch” option.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Enable the feature from the top and then select the “Double Tap” option.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Tap “Spotlight” from the list.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Now, you can double-tap the “AssisitiveTouch” button to bring up Universal Search. Then, search for the app and drag it to the right edge of the screen to enter “Split View” (as detailed above).

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

When Apple introduced iOS 9, it was more of a refinement than an overhaul. However, two of the more useful features for iPad users are Split View and Slide Over. These multitasking additions let you work on more than one thing at one time. Not everyone can take advantage of these new features, and they don’t work with all apps, so here’s what you need to know to get started.

Slide Over lets you momentarily switch to another app by quite literally sliding it on top of the one you are currently using. It appears when you swipe in from the right-hand side of your screen, but it will only take up about a third of your viewing area. When you slide a new app on to your screen, it becomes the active app and the one you were using previously is greyed out and cannot be used until you swipe the Slide Over app back to where it came from. It is a useful way to quickly see your Twitter feed, add a quick note, or check something on your calendar.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Split view takes things to the next level by allowing you to have two active apps open at one time. You engage Split View by swiping an app in from the right-hand side of your screen, just like you do for Slide Over. However, if you grab the bar in the middle of that app and pull it to the left, you will be able to snap that app side by side with the one you had open. Once you have the two apps side by side you can switch navigate through each one independently. This is useful for taking notes at the same time you are looking at a website.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

Maybe. Slide Over is available on the iPad Pro, the iPad Air (or later), and the iPad Mini 2 (or later). Split View is a little more demanding, so it is only available on Apple’s newest devices – the iPad Pro, the iPad Air 2, and the iPad Mini 4. The other thing to consider is that not all apps support Split View or Slide Over. Developers have to enable this functionality in their apps to allow it to work in this way. That said, many of the apps you are most likely to want to use this way have already been updated to allow the use of Split View or Slide Over.

Split View and Slide Over are essentially productivity enhancements. They speed up your workflow and let you be more efficient at completing tasks that you may otherwise have found easier to do on a Mac or PC. So, things like taking notes while browsing the web is now a lot quicker on the iPad. Teachers might have a spreadsheet of results on one side that they are ready to input into a web based gradebook on the other. The YouTube app works in Slide Over view, but you can use Split View if you visit m.youtube.com if you want to take notes side by side with a video.

Split View may also be useful for a classroom backchannel on one side of your screen and a notetaking app on the other. This could be Today’s Meet in a web browser or the new Padlet app. You can use Slide Over in the Camera app for video projects if you need to quickly check on your shot list or a script that you have been working on. You can also put things like Word and PowerPoint side by side so that you can turn your notes into a presentation. The possibilities are seemingly endless and they become even more relevant on a larger screen like the iPad Pro.

However, as useful as Split View and Slide over are, these features are not necessarily for everyone. Younger students may find it frustrating to have these apps appear when swiping around on the screens of their favorite apps. You can fix this by disabling them under Settings > General > Multitasking > Allow Multiple Apps if required.

The video below has a quick visual tutorial on how to use Split View and Slide Over, as well as a few additional tips.

Here’s a step by step guide on how to use split screen on iPad running on iPadOS 14 or iPadOS 15.

iPadOS 15 introduces a new Home Screen design with integrated widgets and the App Library, system-wide note-taking with Quick Note, enhanced multitasking, new features for FaceTime calls, a redesigned Safari experience, and more.

Multitasking has been redesigned in iPadOS 15 with a new multitasking menu at the top of apps. It let users enter Split View or Slide Over more easily, quick access to the Home Screen when using Split View. A new shelf allows for easier multitasking with apps that have multiple windows, and more, making it easier to work with multiple apps at once.

Multitasking on iPad with Split View is now as easy as swiping your finger. If you do not know how to use split screen on iPad, you’re missing out on one of the best multitasking options in the iPad ecosystem.

The iPad is so versatile that it sometimes feels like a complete replacement for your computer.

Multitasking enables you to use more than one app at once. The most useful iPad multitasking set-up is the one Apple calls Split View – which is effective, but far from discoverable. Once you do know how to find it and use it, Split View is useful for not just viewing two apps at once, but also interacting with them both by, for example, dragging images from one app to another.

Here’s how to use split screen on your iPad and multitask with Split View and Slide Over, or turn off these features completely.

How to activate Multitasking on iPad

Note: For this, you need to have the second app present in the dock of your iPad

  1. Split View requires you to at least have the second app in the Dock. Drag the app there if it’s not present, or open and close the app once so it appears in the Dock’s recent apps area on the right.
  2. Launch the first app that you want to use. It will open as it normally used to.
  3. Gently Drag the home bar from the bottom upwards till the dock is visible. (If you drag it too hard, you will return to the home screen).
  4. Tap and Hold on the second app.
  5. Drag it towards the right edge of the display.
  6. The two apps will appear side-by-side, and you can drag the divider bar between them to give the app more or less space.

If you drag an app out of the Dock and release it without going all the way to the screen’s edge, it’ll just float on top of the first app in a small window. This is another Multitasking feature called Slide Over.

In this case, tap and hold the gray bar at the top of the floating app and drag it downward. This will put the two apps in split screen mode.

You can also close this floating app temporarily by swiping the gray bar on the floating window to the right. This will send the window flying off-screen. Just swipe left from the right edge of the display to bring it back.

Get rid of any app from Split View

If you already have two apps on the screen and want to close one of them, drag the divider bar all the way to the right or left. If you drag it to the right, the app on the right will be closed. If you drag it all the way to the left, the app on the left will be closed.

In both cases, the app that’s still open will go into full screen mode.

How to completely turn off the Split View aka Multitasking feature

If you do not like this feature and don’t want to accidentally open apps side-by-side, you can disable it entirely.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap “General“.
  3. Then, tap on “Multitasking & Dock“.
  4. Turn off “Allow Multiple Apps“.

Tips to tap into the full potential of Split View

Here are a few tips to try while multitasking on iPad:

  1. Drag and drop text, photos and files from one Split View app to another.
  2. Open two instances of the same app side-by-side, to compare documents.
  3. Tap-hold Safari’s tab button and use Open New Windows to quickly get a two-up Safari view. (Merge All Windows reverts to one full-screen window.)
  4. Drop a third app on the app divider and it will sit above Split View in Slide Over mode — handy for apps that you want to view temporarily.
  5. Tap-hold a Split View app’s horizontal tab at the top of the screen and drag downward to switch it to Slide Over view.
  6. Add app folders to the Dock if you find yourself using many of them in Split View.

This is all that you might need to know about Split View. Let us know which apps do you use with Split View the most and which tip did you like the most.

If you have any query, drop it in the comment box. Also, share this article with your friends.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

  • You can do split screen on your iPad with the Multitasking feature Split View, and use two apps at once.
  • To do split screen on your iPad, open one app and drag another app from the Dock to the side of your screen.
  • To get rid of split screen, close one app by swiping it off the screen, or disable the feature altogether.

The iPad is so versatile that it might sometimes feel like a complete replacement for your laptop or desktop computer.

For example, you can split the screen on your iPad to view multiple apps at once. This is called Split View, and it’s one of the iPad’s many Multitasking features.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad

How to do split screen on your iPad

1. First, you’ll need to make sure that one of the apps you want to open is in your Dock – the small bar of app icons at the bottom of your screen. To do this, open the app you want and then close it so it shows up in one of your Dock’s “recently used” slots.

2. After making sure that the app is in the Dock, start the other app that you want to use and keep it open.

3. Swipe up gently from the bottom of the screen to see the Dock. Don’t swipe up too hard, or you’ll just return to the Home screen. Only swipe up enough that the Dock floats over your app.

4. Tap and hold the app in the dock, and then drag it all the way to the right of your screen and let go. If you drag it all the way to the right, the two apps will appear side-by-side, and you can drag the divider bar between them to give them more or less space.

Note: Not all apps can run in split screen mode. If you try to drag an app out of the Dock and it’ll only run in full screen mode, this is why.

How to get rid of split screen on your iPad

If you already have two apps on the screen and want to close one of them, it’s easy to get back to the standard one-app view.

When your two apps are side-by-side with a divider bar between them, drag the bar all the way to the right or left. If you drag it to the right, you’ll close the app on the right. If you drag it all the way to the left, you’ll close the app on the left.

In both cases, the app that’s still open will go into full screen mode.

If the second app is floating on top of the main app in a small window, tap and hold the gray bar at the top of the floating app and drag it downward. This will put the two apps in split screen mode, letting you close one with the divider.

How to turn off split screen on your iPad permanently

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap “General,” then “Multitasking & Dock.”

3. Turn off “Allow Multiple Apps” by sliding the switch to the left.

Q. I have an iPad Pro and I heard that I can open two apps at once on it, but I don’t know how to do that. Can you write an article at The Wonder of Tech showing how to open two apps side-by-side on my iPad screen? Thank you.

A. You heard right, you can open two apps at once on your iPad. By having two apps open at one time, you can multi-task, move files and photos from one app to another, and easily switch between apps.

There are two ways of having two apps open at once on your iPad screen:

  • Side-by-side, called Split View by Apple
  • Slide Over, where one app is open in a smaller window over an app which is full screen.

Split View works on iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation and later), iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 4. Slide Over works on iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation and later), iPad Air and later, iPad mini 2 and later.

Both Split View and Slide Over work on iPads in either portrait or landscape views, but they look best in landscape view.

You must have Multitasking turned on in Settings on your iPad. To turn on Multitasking, go to Settings => General => Multitasking & Dock => Allow Multiple Apps => On.

Having Show Suggested and Recent Apps turned on will also make it easier for you to open two apps at once on your iPad. Go to Settings => General => Multitasking & Dock and turn on Show Suggested and Recent Apps.

But First, About the Dock

To open two apps in Split View or Slide Over on your iPad, at least one of the apps must be in your Dock. The Dock is the row of apps at the bottom of your screen. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to show the Dock on your iPad.

Apps will appear in the iPad Dock if you put them there, or if you recently used the app (if you have Show Suggested and Recent Apps turned on in Settings). If you use an app frequently, you should put the app in your Dock so you can open it from any screen.

To put an app in your Dock, press and hold the app icon until it jiggles, then drag it onto the Dock.

How to Open Two Apps Side-by-Side (Split View) on Your iPad

To open two apps side-by-side on your iPad, be sure that the second app you want to open is in your Dock. Open the first app so it appears full-screen on your iPad.

Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to show the Dock. Press and hold the app icon of the second app you want to open.

Drag the app icon from your Dock to the left or right edge of your screen. The second app will open next to the first app, with a black line separating the two apps.

Slide the line between the apps to adjust the size of the open apps.

To close an app in Split View, and have only one app open on the screen, slide the line all the way to the edge of the screen so one app disappears.

Note that not all apps are compatible with Split View.

How to Open Two Apps in Slide Over

You can also open two apps simultaneously with Slide Over, where one app appears over the first one.

To open an app in Slide Over, open the first app, then swipe up from the bottom of the screen to show the Dock. Press and hold the app icon of the app you want to open in Slide Over. Drag the icon on to the screen of the first app, anywhere on the screen except towards the edge of the screen.

The second app will appear in a small window to the side of the screen, over the first app.

How to use side-by-side apps (split view) on an ipad Credit: Apple

To close the Slide Over app, swipe it to the edge of the screen.

How to Switch an App Between Split View and Slide Over

Switching between Split View and Slide Over is easy. At the top of the app on one side of your screen is a small bar. Swipe down on that bar to switch between Split View and Slide Over.

You can also swipe the bar to the side to move that app to the other side of the screen.

How to Open Three Apps at Once on the iPad

If you’re the type of person who keeps copious quantities of tabs open in your computer browser, you may want to have three apps open at once on your iPad.

You can open two apps in Split View, then add a third app in Slide Over. To open a third app in Slide Over, follow the instructions above to open two apps in Split View, then drag an app icon from the Dock onto the line that divides the two Split View apps.

Having three open apps on your iPad is true multitasking!

How to Drag Photos and Files Between Two Open Apps

Having two apps open at once is especially handy when you want to move files or photos between apps. You may want to add a photo to a text message, or share a file in an email.

Note that not all apps support dragging and dropping between apps.

With two apps open, press and hold the file or photo you want to move. The file or photo will be copied to the second app, and will not be removed from the first app.

Drag the file or photo from one app to the other and lift your finger. The file or photo should appear in the second app.

Your Thoughts

Have you ever used two apps at once on your iPad? Do you prefer Split View or Slide Over? Have you ever moved files or photos between apps?

Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!