Chrome Split View allows you to display two websites inside a single browser window. Instead of toggling between tabs or juggling multiple windows, you can place two pages side by side (or stacked) to compare data, take notes, or follow instructions in real-time.
Quick Start Guide
- Open your first page: Navigate to the tab you want as one half of your split.
- Create the split: Right-click the active tab and select Add tab to new split view. (Alternatively, right-click an inactive tab and choose New split view with current tab).
- Choose the second tab: Select an existing open tab, or right-click any link and choose Open link in split view.
- Adjust the layout: Drag the center divider to resize the views. Click a page to make it "active"—toolbar actions (like Refresh or Print) only apply to the active view.
- Manage your views: Click the split-view icon next to the address bar to swap positions, switch between side-by-side and stacked layouts, or separate the tabs.
Three Ways to Open Split View
Depending on your workflow, you can trigger Split View in three different ways:
- The Context Menu: Right-click a tab for the most intuitive setup.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: The fastest method once you've memorized them:
- Windows/Linux: Shift + Alt + N
- Mac: Command + Option + N
- Chromebook: Ctrl + Alt + N
- Drag-and-Drop: Drag a tab toward the left, right, or bottom edge of your Chrome window until you see the "Create split view" target.
Tip: If drag-and-drop interferes with your browsing, disable it in Settings → Appearance → Allow split view drag-and-drop.
Split View vs. Separate Windows
When should you use Split View instead of just opening two separate windows?
| Situation | Best Choice | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Comparing two products or documents | Split View | Keeps both pages aligned in one taskbar item. |
| Working across two monitors | Separate Windows | Allows each page to utilize a full screen. |
| Following a guide while filling a form | Split View | The reference stays visible without switching windows. |
| Managing two unrelated projects | Separate Windows | Keeps contexts distinct and organized. |
| Using sites that require full width | Separate Windows | Prevents sites from switching to "mobile" layouts. |
Pro Tips for a Better Workflow
Understanding Active vs. Inactive Views
Chrome treats only one side of the split as "active" at a time. The active view has a stronger border. All toolbar controls—such as the address bar, Back/Forward buttons, and Translate—apply only to the active side.
However, you can still scroll through an inactive view without switching focus. This is perfect for reading a long reference document while typing in the active window.
Choosing Your Orientation
- Side-by-Side: Best for wide monitors, comparing spreadsheets, or writing a draft based on a source.
- Stacked (Top/Bottom): Ideal for laptop screens with limited horizontal space, or when viewing a video above your notes.
Optimizing Width
Don't feel forced to use a perfect 50/50 split. If you are primarily typing in one window and only glancing at the other, try a 70/30 layout. If a website looks strange or switches to a mobile version, simply widen that pane using the divider.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The Split View option is missing:
- Ensure Chrome is updated to the latest version and relaunch the browser.
- Confirm you are using desktop Chrome (not a different Chromium-based browser).
- If you are on a work or school computer, check chrome://management to see if your administrator has restricted this feature.
Drag-and-drop isn't working: Check Settings → Appearance to ensure the drag-and-drop option is enabled.
The page layout looks broken: This is usually due to the website's "responsive design" reacting to a narrow window. If the site requires a full-width viewport to function, separate the tabs into two windows.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Reading Mode in Split View?
Yes, but only on the active view. The Reading mode side panel will collapse when you switch focus to the other half of the split.
Does Split View work on mobile?
While Android supports various split-screen multitasking features, the specific tab context menus and shortcuts mentioned here are designed for desktop computers.
How do I exit Split View?
Click the split-view icon next to the address bar and select the option to separate the tabs or close one of the views.
Turn Tab Clutter Into Order
Group related tabs, search across open windows, and manage native Chrome groups from one side panel.
Add Unmessy Tabs to Chrome