The 100th update to Chrome OS was released earlier this year, and Google took advantage of the occasion to introduce brand-new capabilities for its desktop OS. Among these, a brand-new Chrome OS launcher and a Chrome OS built-in screen recording tool were unveiled. After some time has passed, Google has implemented a new Partial Split functionality that functions similarly to Windows 11’s Snap Layouts. On a Chromebook, you can easily split the screen in half and work with two windows side by side with a single click. To make it easier for you to multitask, we’ve covered 5 alternative ways to split screens on a Chromebook in this article.
Split Screen on a Chromebook (2022)
This article includes five distinct methods for splitting the screen into multiple places and snapping windows. You must enable the new Partial SplitChrome flag and the Always on top feature for one of them. Let’s start now on that note.
1. Split Screen on a Chromebook with the Maximize Button
The Maximize button also has other functions besides increasing and decreasing the window size. On your Chromebook, you can utilise it to divide the screen. Here’s how to go about it.
1. Click and hold the Maximize button on the title bar of an active window. The maximise button will then have arrow indicators on its left and right sides. The window will automatically snap to the left side when you drag it there.
2. Apply the same procedure to a second window. Drag the Maximize button to the right while holding the button down. And there you have it—a split screen on your Chromebook that works perfectly. You can now see two windows side by side.
2. Split Screen on a Chromebook Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Similar to Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts, Chromebook shortcuts make it simple to split the screen. This is how it goes:
1. To snap the window to the left side when you are on an active window, simply press Shift + [.
2. Click the window to make it active, then press [Shift +] to snap it to the right side of your Chromebook’s screen. You may easily divide the screen on your Chromebook in this manner.
3. Hover the mouse cursor over the intersection of the two windows in the middle to change the size of the split-screen window. There will be a slider there. Holding the slider while moving it to the side you want will now cause the windows to resize themselves.
3. Split Screen on a Chromebook Using Touchpad Gestures
You may split the screen on your Chromebook using touchpad motions in addition to keyboard shortcuts. Yes, a few simple touch gestures are supported by Chrome OS as well. Here’s how they operate:
1. To access the overview menu while several windows are active, swipe three fingers across the touchpad.
2. Next, hold down the mouse button over one of the windows and drag it to the left or right side, depending on your desire. Instantaneously, the window will move to that point.
3. To split the screen on your Chromebook, click the window of your choosing on the other side of the screen. That was simple, right?
4. How to Split Screen on a Touchscreen Chromebook
You can split the screen using touch gestures if you’re using a Chrome OS tablet or a touchscreen Chromebook in tent or tablet mode. There are several more functionalities, but it functions similarly to touchpad gestures. Use it as follows.
1. Use a one-finger swipe up and hold to open the overview menu, which is similar to Android phone motions. Select a window here, hold down the mouse button, and drag it to the left or right.
2. The screen will then be divided into two windows when you tap on the second window on the opposite side.
3. To open new apps on your Chromebook in split-screen mode, swipe up from the Taskbar’s Shelf.
4. In addition, you can rapidly switch between the windows on either side. Select a separate window with a simple one-finger swipe on either side.
5. Snap Windows on Chromebook Using Windows 11-Like Snap Layouts
Snap Layouts, one of Windows 11’s finest features, allows you to swiftly move windows to various locations on your screen. Google has been working on a similar window-snapping functionality called Partial Split as a result of being inspired by that. The function is already available across all Chrome OS channels (Stable, Beta, and Development) (Chrome OS 105 or above). However, it is still restricted by a few Chrome flags, so you must explicitly enable Partial Split on your Chromebook. Here’s how you approach it.
1. Verify that Chrome OS 105 or above is installed on your Chromebook. After that, launch Chrome and paste the address shown below. After that, select “Enable” from the drop-down menu.
chrome://flags/#partial-split
2. After that, put the address below to make this functionality available. The Stay on Top feature in the Partial Split menu will activate. Now, click Restart to put the changes into effect.
chrome://flags/#cros-labs-float-window
3. After logging in, simply move the mouse pointer over the Maximize button to bring up the Partial Split menu virtually immediately. On your Chromebook, you can choose between a half-screen, partial-screen, or full-screen split. Additionally, you can pin a window on top of everything using the float on top function.
4. This is how the Chromebook’s Partial Split function operates. We anticipate Google to add more split views, keyboard shortcuts, and features before a wider distribution since the capability is still hidden behind a flag.
Easily Multi-task With Multiple Windows on Chromebooks
These are the five techniques you can use on your Chromebook to manage numerous windows at once. All Chromebooks will soon have the fantastic multi-tasking split-screen capability known as partial split. We eagerly anticipate the feature’s wide user adoption. You can snap your windows in the interim using keyboard keys and touchpad motions. You can visit our comprehensive page to learn more similar Chromebook tips and techniques. We also have a guide available if you’re wondering how take screenshot on a Chromebook. Finally, let us know in the comments section below if you have any queries.