How to Use Split Screen and Stage Manager on iPad

If you frequently find yourself switching between two apps on your iPad, Apple’s built-in multitasking features can dramatically improve your workflow. iPadOS 17 offers two distinct approaches: the traditional Split View for a clean side-by-side layout, and the more powerful Stage Manager for a desktop-like, overlapping window experience. Here is how to use both.

How to Use Split View on iPad

Split View is the classic iPad multitasking mode where two apps sit side by side, each occupying exactly half the screen. It is best for focused tasks like writing while referencing a document.

1. Open the first app you want to use.
2. Tap the Multitasking button (three dots arranged horizontally) at the very top centre of the screen.
3. A menu with three layout options will appear. Tap the Split View icon, which looks like two equal rectangles side by side.
4. Your current app will slide to one side of the screen. The Home Screen will appear, prompting you to select the second app.
5. Tap the second app from your Home Screen or Dock, and it will open alongside the first.
6. To adjust how much space each app receives, drag the vertical divider bar in the centre of the screen left or right.

How to Use Stage Manager on iPad

Stage Manager provides a much more flexible multitasking environment, similar to a traditional desktop. Apps appear as resizable, overlapping windows, and you can group them together.

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPad to open Control Center.
2. Tap the Stage Manager button (a rectangle with smaller rectangles on the side) to enable it.
3. Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Stage Manager to turn it on.
4. Once active, open apps appear in a large central window. Your recently used apps appear as a column of thumbnails on the left side of the screen.
5. To add a second app to your workspace, drag an app from the left-side column onto the main area. They will now exist together as a group.
6. To resize any window, drag the curved handle located in its bottom-right corner.
7. Tap any thumbnail on the left side to switch to a different app group.

Note: Stage Manager and Split View behave differently. If Stage Manager is active and you tap the Multitasking button and select Split View, iPadOS will disable Stage Manager automatically. You can only use one multitasking system at a time.