How to split screen on a Chromebook

Juggle two apps at the same time.
By Kimberly Gedeon  on 
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Split-screen mode on a Chromebook
How to use split-screen mode on a Chromebook Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Scratching your head over how to launch split screen on a Chromebook? We can help.

This mode is one of the most useful features of a Chromebook, allowing you to multitask and juggle two apps at the same time. Check out the instructions below for an easy-to-follow guide on how to activate split screen on a Chromebook.

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How to split screen on Chromebook

Total Time
  • 2 minutes
What You Need
  • Chromebook

Step 1: Open two apps.

Press and hold the top area of the app on the left.

Arrow pointing to top window of Chromebook app
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 2: Drag the app to the left side of the screen.

You'll see a transparent rectangle appear.

App dragged to left side of screen on a Chromebook
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 3: Let go and allow the app to "snap" into place.

Split-screen mode is now activated and you can juggle between two apps simultaneously.

Split-screen mode on a Chromebook
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Note: We used the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 for this how-to.

Topics How-To

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Kimberly Gedeon
East Coast Tech Editor

Kimberly Gedeon, at Mashable since 2023, is a tech explorer who enjoys doing deep dives into the most popular gadgets, from the latest iPhones to the most immersive VR headsets. She's drawn to strange, avant-garde, bizarre tech, whether it's a 3D laptop, a gaming rig that can transform into a briefcase, or smart glasses that can capture video. Her journalism career kicked off about a decade ago at MadameNoire where she covered tech and business before landing as a tech editor at Laptop Mag in 2020.


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