Chromebooks support side-by-side window layouts using snap shortcuts or a built-in Split Screen mode. You can have two apps open simultaneously, each taking up half the screen – useful for referencing a document while writing, watching a video while taking notes, or any task where you need two windows visible at once.

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcuts (Fastest)

• Alt + [ – Snap the current window to the left half of the screen.
• Alt + ] – Snap the current window to the right half of the screen.

Click any other window or open a second app, then press the opposite shortcut to snap it to the other half. Both windows now sit side by side.

Method 2: Drag to Screen Edge

1. Click and drag a window’s title bar toward the left or right edge of the screen.
2. When you see a blue highlight indicating the snap zone, release the window.
3. It snaps to that half of the screen.
4. Repeat with a second window on the other side.

Method 3: Long Press the Maximize Button

1. Hover over the maximize button (the square icon in the top right corner of any window).
2. Long-press (click and hold) the maximize button.
3. Arrows appear: click the left or right arrow to snap the window to that half.
4. Do the same with a second window.

Adjusting the Split Ratio

After snapping two windows side by side, a divider line appears between them. Click and drag this divider left or right to give more screen space to one window. You are not limited to exactly 50/50.

Split Screen with Chrome Tabs

You can open a Chrome browser tab in split screen alongside another app:

1. In Chrome, find the tab you want to split.
2. Click and drag the tab away from the tab bar until it separates into its own window.
3. Snap this new window to one side using Alt + [ or Alt + ].
4. Snap your other app to the other side.

Using Overview Mode for Split Screen

1. Press the Show Windows key (or swipe up with three fingers on the touchpad) to open Overview mode.
2. Click and drag a window to the left or right edge of the screen in Overview mode.
3. It snaps to that half. Choose a second window from the remaining thumbnails to fill the other half.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have more than two windows in split screen on a Chromebook?

The standard snap feature supports two windows at a time. For three or more windows, you can manually resize and position windows by dragging their edges, but there is no automatic three-way split. Some Chromebooks with larger screens work better with manually tiled three-window layouts.

Can I use split screen with Android apps on Chromebook?

Yes. Android apps can be snapped to one side with a Chrome window or another Android app on the other side, using the same snap shortcuts.

How do I exit split screen?

Press the maximize button on either window to expand it to full screen. Alternatively, press Alt + = to maximize the current window.