How to Enable Split Screen on a Mac

Last Updated: April 1, 2019 Tested

If you want to turn your Mac view into a split screen, it's doable with the El Capitan operating system (v 10.11). Start with step one to adjust your settings and enable split screen.

Steps

1
Go to System Preferences on your latest OS on your computer.
- You have to have your laptop re-imaged to OS X 10.11.
- Check About This Mac to make sure you at least have 10.11 ( >> About This Mac).
2
Go to Mission Control on your Show All Settings to proceed.

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3
Check the box that says Displays Have Separate Spaces.
- You have to log out, then log back in to continue.
4
Open two applications, then click/hold the green button. It will show a window like this. Click the second available window and you've got it!
- Programs like PaperCut, iMovie, etc, will not be available.
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Community Q&A

Question

What is "the green button"?

Community Answer

At the top left corner of any Mac window, you'll see three buttons: a red button that closes the window, a yellow button that minimizes the window, and a green button that expands the window. The green button refers to the expansion button.