Home » Google Chrome » How to use Google Chrome Split View

How to use Google Chrome Split View

Updated On:

By

This guide explains how to use Split View in Google Chrome. Split View places two tabs side by side in one window. It helps you compare pages, watch a video while reading, or take notes without switching tabs.

You will learn how to turn it on, open it, resize panels, and close it. You will also learn how to fix common issues when Split View does not appear.

What is Split View

Split View is a built-in Chrome feature that shows two tabs in one window. Both pages stay active. You can scroll, type, or watch content on each side. It saves time and reduces switching between tabs.

Split View is available on Chrome for Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. It works only in one window. It does not work across two separate Chrome windows.

Open Split View from a tab

  1. Right-click a tab.
  2. Select Split view.
  3. Chrome opens a second panel.
  4. Choose the tab you want on the other side.

Chrome places the active tab on the left and lets you choose a tab for the right. You can switch sides later.

You can also open links in split view, by right-clicking any link:

Resize the Split View panels

Move the divider between the two pages.

  1. Hover over the vertical divider.
  2. When the pointer changes, drag left or right.
  3. Stop when both pages fit your work.

Chrome saves the position for the current session.

Swap sides

  1. Right-click inside either panel or the split view icon.
  2. Select Swap tabs.
  3. Chrome switches left and right panels.
Chrome Split View

Use this when one page needs more room on a certain side.

Exit Split View

  1. Click the X on the divider.
  2. Or close one panel using the tab close button.
  3. Or right-click a tab and select Exit Split view.

Chrome returns to the standard single-page layout.

What will you use it for?

Here some ideas for you to get started:

  • Reading documentation while writing notes.
  • Comparing two product pages.
  • Watching a tutorial while following steps.
  • Editing Google Docs with research on the other side.
  • Monitoring a chat while browsing.

Fix Split View not showing up

If Split View does not appear, try these checks.

Update Chrome

  1. Click the three dots.
  2. Go to Help > About Google Chrome.
  3. Chrome checks for updates.
  4. Install updates and restart.

Some older builds do not have Split View.

Turn on the split flag

  1. Go to chrome://flags.
  2. Search Split view.
  3. Set to Enabled.
  4. Restart Chrome.

Restart the browser

Close all Chrome windows and reopen.
Extensions or tab groups may block the feature in rare cases.

Turn off conflicting extensions

Some tab-management extensions override Chrome’s native split mode.

  1. Visit chrome://extensions.
  2. Turn off tab-related extensions one by one.
  3. Try Split View again.

Try a new Chrome profile

  1. Click your profile icon.
  2. Select Add.
  3. Create a new profile.
  4. Test Split View there.

If it works in the new profile, the original profile may have a setting conflict.

Summary

Split View helps you use two Chrome tabs side by side in the same window. Enable the feature flag if needed. Open it from the tab menu, the tab strip. Resize, swap, or exit the layout with simple controls. If Split View does not appear, update Chrome, check flags, or test a clean profile.

Questions? Let me know in the comments form below.


Discover more from Chrome Story

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Tags:

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Chrome Story

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Discover more from Chrome Story

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading