How to Split and Move the Keyboard on an Apple iPad

The standard software keyboard on an iPad is massive. If you are holding the iPad with two hands (especially a larger model like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro), reaching into the absolute center of the screen to type the letters ‘G’ or ‘H’ with your thumbs is physically uncomfortable and strains your hands. Apple recognized this ergonomic issue and implemented a brilliant, hidden feature: the ability to “split” the keyboard straight down the middle and pull the two halves over to the left and right edges of the screen, placing every key perfectly under your resting thumbs.

How to Activate the Split Keyboard

There are two methods to split the keyboard: a quick multi-touch gesture and a button menu.

Method 1: The Gesture (Fastest)

1. Open an app where you can type (like Notes or Messages) and tap the screen so the standard keyboard appears.
2. Place two fingers (usually your thumbs) right in the middle of the keyboard, near the ‘G’ and ‘H’ keys.
3. Swipe your fingers aggressively apart toward the left and right edges of the screen.
4. The keyboard will instantly tear in half.

Method 2: The Button Menu

1. Open the keyboard.
2. Look in the absolute bottom-right corner of the keyboard for the Keyboard button (an icon that looks like a miniature keyboard with a downward-pointing arrow).
3. Long-press (press and hold) that button. A small menu will pop up.
4. Slide your finger up to select Split, then let go.

How to Move the Keyboard Up and Down

By default, the split keyboard anchors itself to the bottom of the screen. However, depending on the app you are using, this might block your view of the text you are trying to read. You can freely move the floating keyboard up or down the screen.

1. Ensure the keyboard is currently split.
2. Long-press the Keyboard button in the bottom-right corner again.
3. Select Undock. (Alternatively, you can just grab the Keyboard button and physically drag it up the screen).
4. The two halves of the keyboard will float upwards. You can slide them to the middle of the screen or all the way to the top, depending on where your hands are resting.

How to Merge the Keyboard Back Together

When you place the iPad on a desk and want to type normally with all ten fingers, the split keyboard is useless. You must merge it back together.

• The Gesture: Place one finger on each half of the split keyboard and pinch them together toward the center of the screen. The halves will snap back into a single unit.
• The Menu: Long-press the Keyboard button in the bottom-right corner and select Merge (or Dock and Merge if it is currently floating).