How to Put Two Apps Side by Side on iPad: A Simple Guide

If you want to compare notes, drag files between apps, or keep a message open while browsing, using two apps side by side on iPad can save a lot of time. The good news is that iPadOS makes this pretty easy once you know where to swipe and tap.

In this guide, you will learn how to place two apps next to each other using Split View, plus a few related multitasking options if your iPad behaves a little differently. The whole process usually takes less than a minute. If you can open an app, you can do this.

Summary

• Open one app, then use the Dock to add a second app.
• Drag the second app to the left or right edge of the screen to enter Split View.
• Adjust the divider in the middle to give each app more or less space.
• If Split View is not available, your iPad or app may only support Slide Over or Stage Manager.

Tutorial – How to Put Two Apps Side by Side on iPad Using Split View

Split View is the main iPad feature for showing two apps simultaneously. Once it is set up, you can work in both apps without constantly switching back and forth.

Step 1: Open the first app you want to use

Open the app that you want on one side of the screen.

After the app loads, you should see it filling the entire display. This first app will stay open while you add the second one.

Step 2: Bring up the Dock

Swipe up slightly from the bottom edge of the screen and pause, or move your pointer to the bottom if you are using a trackpad or mouse.

The Dock should appear at the bottom of the screen. It contains your favorite and recently used apps, making it the easiest way to start Split View.

Step 3: Choose the second app from the Dock

Tap and hold the second app in the Dock, then drag it upward.

As you drag, the app icon should lift off the Dock and follow your finger. If the app supports Split View, you can place it beside the first app instead of opening it full screen.

Step 4: Drop the second app on the left or right side of the screen

Drag the second app to the left edge or right edge until you see the screen split, then release it.

When you let go, your iPad should show both apps side by side. You will usually see a vertical divider between them, which you can move to resize each app.

Step 5: Adjust the size of each app

Drag the divider in the middle left or right to give one app more space.

This is useful when one app needs more space, such as a spreadsheet or document. On most iPads, each app continues to work normally as you change the layout.

Step 6: Use both apps together

Tap inside either app to work in it, or drag and drop text, photos, files, or links between apps if supported.

This is where Split View really shines. You can read in one app, write in another, or move content between them without leaving the screen.

Step 7: Close Split View when you are done

Drag the divider all the way to the left or right until one app disappears.

That returns you to a single full-screen app. If you want, you can also swipe up and open a different app next time.

Alternative Methods or Edge Cases

• Use Stage Manager if your iPad supports it.
  
  Some newer iPads offer Stage Manager instead of, or in addition to, traditional Split View. It lets you keep multiple app windows open and resize them more freely.

  
  

• Use Slide Over for a floating second app.
  
  If an app will not snap into Split View, you may still be able to open it in a narrow floating window. This is handy for quick checks, like Messages or Notes.

  
  

• Open the app switcher and try again.
  
  If dragging from the Dock does not work, swipe up and hold to open the app switcher, then return to the home screen and try again from a different app.

  
  

• Check whether the app supports multitasking.
  
  Not every app allows Split View. Some apps open only full screen, especially certain games and older apps.

  
  

• Older iPads may have limited multitasking.
  
  If your device is running an older iPadOS version, the steps may look slightly different. Updating iPadOS can fix missing multitasking features.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any two apps be used side by side on iPad?

No. Most apps work, but some apps do not support Split View. If the app refuses to move into position, it may only support full-screen mode or Slide Over.

Why is Split View not working on my iPad?

This usually happens because the app does not support it, the iPadOS version is too old, or multitasking settings are turned off. Try updating iPadOS and testing with Apple apps like Safari or Notes.

Can I resize both apps once they are side by side?

Yes. Drag the divider in the center left or right to make one app bigger. You cannot make the divider disappear unless you exit Split View.

How do I switch from one app to another in Split View?

Open the Dock, then drag a different app into the left or right side of the screen. The new app will replace the one you drag over.

Can I use Split View in every orientation?

Usually yes, but the layout may look better in landscape mode. On smaller iPads, portrait mode can feel cramped.

Does Split View drain battery faster?

A little, yes. Running two apps at once uses more memory and can increase power use, especially if both apps are active. It is usually not a huge drain, but it can matter during long sessions.

Tips

• Start with Apple apps if you are learning, because Safari, Notes, Files, and Mail usually support Split View well.
• Keep the Dock easy to access, since that is the fastest way to add the second app.
• Use drag-and-drop when possible, especially for text, photos, and files. It is one of the biggest productivity wins on iPad.
• Turn your iPad sideways for more space, because landscape mode usually makes side-by-side apps easier to use.
• If an app opens full screen instead of snapping, try another app, since the issue may be app support, not your iPad.
• Update iPadOS regularly, because multitasking bugs and compatibility issues often get fixed in updates.

Troubleshooting

• If the second app opens full screen, you probably dragged it too far or dropped it in the wrong place.
  
  Try again, and release it on the left or right edge only after the screen starts to split.

  
  

• If the Dock does not appear, swipe up from the very bottom edge and pause.
  
  On an iPad with Face ID, the gesture needs a quick upward swipe and hold.

  
  

• If Split View keeps disappearing, check whether Multitasking is enabled.
  
  Go to Settings > Home Screen & Multitasking or Settings > Multitasking & Gestures, depending on your iPadOS version.

  
  

• If one app will not cooperate, it may not support Split View.
  
  Try a different app to confirm whether the problem is with the app or the iPad.

  
  

• If the screen feels cramped, move the divider or rotate the iPad.
  
  Some apps are much easier to use in landscape mode, especially on smaller iPads.

  
  

• If the iPad feels laggy with two apps open, close unused apps in the app switcher.
  
  This can help older iPads stay responsive during multitasking.

  
  

Conclusion

Putting two apps side by side on an iPad is quick once you know the gesture. In most cases, all it takes is opening one app, dragging a second app from the Dock, and dropping it to the side of the screen.

Whether you are studying, working, or just trying to stay organized, Split View turns the iPad into a much more flexible device. If one method does not work, try another multitasking option, such as Slide Over or Stage Manager, and you will usually be up and running in no time.