Split Screen Chromebook: How to Use It
Split screen on a Chromebook lets you view two apps side by side at once, and you can set it up in seconds with either a keyboard shortcut or a drag-and-drop action. This guide covers every built-in method, how to resize and manage the windows, and what to do when the feature misbehaves.
Why Use Split Screen on a Chromebook
Split screen turns a single display into two working panes, so you can compare documents, take notes while watching a lecture, or keep a chat window open while you type. ChromeOS has supported this for years, and the feature works on both touchscreen and non-touchscreen models. It is especially useful on larger screens (13 inches and up), where a full-width window often wastes space. The system remembers your split layout even after you close and reopen the apps, which saves time on repetitive tasks.
Method 1: The Keyboard Shortcut
The fastest way is the dedicated shortcut. With an app window focused, press Alt + [ to snap it to the left half of the screen, or Alt + ] to snap it to the right half. The first press snaps the window to that side; pressing the same shortcut again will snap it to the opposite side. The other open windows appear as thumbnails on the empty half—click one to fill that side. This works in tablet mode too, but the on-screen keyboard may cover part of the lower window.
Method 2: Drag and Drop
If you prefer using the trackpad or mouse, click and hold the title bar of a window (the top strip with the minimize and maximize buttons) and drag it to the left or right edge of the screen. A translucent outline appears showing where the window will snap. Release the mouse button, and the window fills that half. The other half shows a grid of your open apps; click one to place it there. To exit split screen, drag the divider line all the way to one edge, or press the maximize button on either window.
Resizing and Adjusting the Split
After you have two windows side by side, you can change the proportion. Hover your cursor over the vertical line between the windows—it becomes a double-headed arrow. Click and drag left or right to make one window wider and the other narrower. ChromeOS allows any ratio from about 10% to 90%, so you are not stuck with a 50/50 split. On a touchscreen, you can also drag the divider with your finger. To swap the sides of the two windows, drag the title bar of one window to the opposite edge; the other window automatically moves to the other side.
Using Split Screen with Chrome Tabs and Apps
You can split any combination of Chrome windows, Android apps, Linux apps, and even the ChromeOS file manager. For two Chrome tabs, you need two separate Chrome windows: open the first tab, then drag the tab out of the window to create a second window, then snap each window to a side. Android apps (from the Play Store) support split screen, but a few may not resize well—they might show a letterboxed area or restart when you snap them. Linux apps generally work, but some older ones may not handle the resize gracefully. If an app does not support split screen, ChromeOS will still snap it, but the app may display a warning or simply show a blank area.
Common Problems and Fixes
If the shortcut does nothing, check that you are not in tablet mode (if your Chromebook has a detachable keyboard, make sure it is attached). Also, some external keyboards may not pass through the Alt key correctly—try the drag method instead. If windows do not snap, make sure you are dragging the title bar, not the middle of the window. If the split screen keeps resetting after you close a window, update ChromeOS: go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates. A bug in an older version may cause the layout to forget. If an Android app crashes when snapped, try using the app in a regular window—it may not be optimized for split view.
Alternatives and Advanced Tips
For more than two windows, you can use the built-in overview mode (press the Show Windows key, which looks like a rectangle with lines, or swipe up with three fingers on the touchpad) and drag windows to different corners—ChromeOS supports a 2×2 grid on larger displays. You can also use keyboard shortcuts to move a window to a corner: press Alt + [ then Shift + [ to move it to the top-left, or Alt + ] then Shift + ] for the top-right. If you want the split to persist across reboots, just leave the windows open—ChromeOS restores your layout when you sign back in, as long as you have not closed the apps. For a quick full-screen toggle, press F4 (or the full-screen key) on either window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I split screen on a Chromebook with a touchscreen?
Yes. In tablet mode, drag a window to the left or right edge of the screen, or use the Alt + [ and Alt + ] shortcuts with a connected keyboard. The on-screen keyboard may cover the bottom portion of the lower window, so you might need to resize the split to give more space to the app you are typing in.
Why won’t my Chromebook split screen?
Most often it is because you are in tablet mode with no keyboard, or you are dragging the wrong part of the window. Make sure you drag the title bar (the top strip). If that fails, restart your Chromebook—a temporary graphics glitch can disable snapping. Also check that your ChromeOS is up to date, as older versions had bugs with split screen on certain hardware.
Can I split screen with two Chrome tabs?
Yes, but you need two separate Chrome windows. Open the first tab, then drag the tab out of the window to create a new window. Then snap each window to a side. You cannot split two tabs within the same window—ChromeOS treats each window as a separate app.
How do I make one window bigger than the other?
Drag the divider line between the two windows. Move it left or right to adjust the proportion. You can make one window as narrow as about 10% of the screen width, though some apps have a minimum width that stops you from going smaller.
Does split screen work with Android apps?
Most Android apps support it, but not all. If an app does not resize properly, it may show a black bar or restart when snapped. You can still use split screen, but the app may not be usable in that state. Try the app in a full window instead.
Can I use split screen on an external monitor?
Yes. Connect the monitor, and each display can have its own split-screen layout. Use the same drag or shortcut methods on the external display. Note that the shortcut applies to the window that is currently focused, so click on a window on the external monitor first.
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