Why Chrome Split View Is a Game Changer
If you use Google Chrome every day, you probably spend a lot of time jumping between tabs. I know I did. One moment I’m reading an article. The next moment I’m checking notes, opening files, or comparing information on another webpage. Before long, I have too many tabs open and I start wasting time searching for the right one.
Thankfully, Google Chrome introduced a new Split View feature that completely changes how I work online. Instead of constantly switching between tabs or windows, I can now place two webpages side-by-side inside the same Chrome browser window.
This simple feature has made my workflow faster, cleaner, and much less stressful.
In this article, I’ll show you how Chrome Split View works, why it matters, and the best ways to use it to organize your daily work.
What Is Chrome Split View?
Chrome Split View lets you place two browser tabs beside each other in the same window. Instead of opening a second browser window or resizing apps manually, Chrome handles everything for you.
It feels like having two monitors inside one browser.
You can:
- Compare webpages
- Read and take notes
- Drag files between apps
- Open links beside your current page
- Stay focused without losing your place
For anyone trying to simplify their business workflow, this feature is incredibly useful.
How To Create A Split View In Chrome
Getting started is very easy.
Here’s how I create a split view:
- Open Google Chrome
- Right-click any browser tab
- Select “Add tab to new split view”
- Choose the second tab you want beside it
That’s it.
Chrome instantly places both tabs side-by-side.
One of my favorite things is that this is not a separate browser window. Everything stays together in one organized space.
Resize Your Split Screen
Once split view is active, you can resize both sections.
Just hover your mouse over the middle divider and drag it left or right.
This is helpful because not every webpage needs the same amount of space.
For example:
- A document may need a larger reading area
- Notes may only need a smaller section
- Videos might work better on one side
- Email can stay narrow while you work elsewhere
The flexibility makes multitasking much easier.
The Split View Controls
When split view is enabled, Chrome adds a special icon near the address bar.
This icon gives you quick controls for managing the layout.
You can:
- Separate the split view
- Close the left side
- Close the right side
- Reverse the two views
The reverse feature is especially useful. Sometimes I accidentally open pages in the wrong order. Instead of starting over, I simply swap them.
Small details like this save time throughout the day.
Be Careful With The Close Button
There’s an important detail many people may miss.
Each side of the split view includes an “X” button. Clicking that button closes the tab completely.
It does not simply remove the split layout.
So if you still need the webpage later, be careful before clicking close.
If you only want to separate the tabs, use the split view icon instead.
Pin Your Favorite Split Views
This may be the best feature of all.
Chrome allows you to pin an entire split view setup.
That means if you regularly use two apps together, you can save them as a reusable layout.
For example, you could pin:
- Gmail beside Google Calendar
- Notion beside Google Drive
- A CRM beside your email
- Research beside note-taking apps
Instead of rebuilding your setup every day, one click brings everything back instantly.
This creates a much better system for repetitive work.
As I often say on Simpletivity, “Work smarter, not harder.”
Pinned split views help you do exactly that.
Add The Split View Button Permanently
If you don’t want to right-click tabs every time, Chrome lets you add the Split View button directly to the toolbar.
Here’s how:
- Open a new Chrome tab
- Select “Customize Chrome”
- Choose “Toolbar”
- Enable “Open in Split View”
Once enabled, the button stays visible near the address bar.
This makes opening split views much faster.
I personally use this feature all the time because it removes extra clicks from my workflow.
Open Links In Split View
This next feature completely changed how I browse websites.
Normally, when reading an article, I right-click links and open them in a new tab. Then I jump back and forth between pages.
But now Chrome includes an option called:
“Open link in split view”
This means the new webpage opens beside the current page instead of replacing it.
The experience feels much smoother.
I can:
- Keep reading the original article
- Review linked sources
- Compare pages instantly
- Stay focused on my research
This works especially well when:
- Shopping online
- Researching tools
- Comparing products
- Reviewing documents
- Reading tutorials
Replace The Right Side Automatically
One hidden advantage is how Chrome handles multiple links.
If I continue opening links in split view, Chrome automatically replaces the right-side page instead of creating endless tabs.
This keeps my browser clean and organized.
Instead of opening:
- 10 extra tabs
- 15 unread pages
- Multiple browser windows
I simply reuse the same split view area.
This dramatically reduces tab clutter.
And fewer tabs usually means less overwhelm.
Drag And Drop Links Into Split View
Another impressive feature is drag-and-drop support.
You can click and drag a link toward either side of the browser window. Chrome will automatically create a split view layout.
It feels very natural once you get used to it.
Here’s how:
- Click and hold a webpage link
- Drag it toward the left or right edge
- Wait briefly for Chrome to recognize the action
- Release your cursor
The link opens inside a split screen instantly.
This is one of those small workflow improvements that adds up over time.
Enable Drag And Drop Settings
If drag-and-drop doesn’t work for you, there’s a setting you may need to enable.
Follow these steps:
- Open Chrome Settings
- Select “Appearance”
- Scroll to the bottom
- Enable “Allow Split View Drag and Drop”
This option should usually be turned on by default.
But it’s worth checking if the feature seems unavailable.
Why Split View Helps Reduce Overwhelm
One of the biggest problems business owners face today is digital clutter.
Too many:
- Tabs
- Apps
- Notifications
- Browser windows
- Tools competing for attention
Chrome Split View helps simplify part of that chaos.
Instead of constantly switching contexts, you can keep related tasks together.
This improves:
- Focus
- Efficiency
- Organization
- Workflow management
- Time management
And when your digital environment feels cleaner, your mind often feels calmer too.
As I often remind viewers:
“You deserve to work without feeling overwhelmed.”
My Favorite Ways To Use Split View
After testing this feature, here are some of my favorite use cases.
Research And Note Taking
I place research on one side and my notes on the other.
Email And Calendar
Perfect for scheduling meetings quickly.
Comparing Products
Very helpful during software research.
Watching Tutorials
I can follow instructions while working in another tab.
File Management
Dragging files between apps becomes much easier.
Writing Content
I often keep outlines beside my writing tools.
These setups save me time every single day.
Chrome Split View vs Multiple Monitors
Some people may wonder:
“Do I still need multiple monitors?”
The answer depends on your workflow.
Multiple monitors are still useful for larger setups. But Chrome Split View offers many of the same advantages without needing extra hardware.
For laptop users especially, this feature is excellent.
It creates a cleaner workspace without requiring:
- More desk space
- Additional screens
- Complicated setups
Small Changes Create Big Results
One reason I love productivity tools is because small changes often create huge improvements over time.
Chrome Split View may seem simple at first. But after using it consistently, the time savings become obvious.
You:
- Switch tabs less often
- Stay focused longer
- Keep work organized
- Reduce distractions
- Find information faster
Those small improvements add up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chrome Split View Free?
Yes. The feature is included inside Google Chrome.
Does Split View Work On Windows And Mac?
Yes. Chrome Split View works across supported desktop platforms.
Can I Use More Than Two Tabs?
Currently, split view is designed for two side-by-side tabs.
Can I Save Multiple Split Views?
Yes. You can pin different split layouts for quick access later.
Does Split View Replace Multiple Windows?
For many workflows, yes. It reduces the need for separate browser windows.
Final Thoughts
Google Chrome Split View is one of the most useful browser updates I’ve used in years.
It helps organize information, reduce clutter, and improve focus without requiring extra software or complicated settings.
The best part is that it works naturally with the way many of us already browse the web.
If you spend your day jumping between tabs, comparing information, or multitasking online, this feature can save you a surprising amount of time.
Sometimes the simplest workflow improvements make the biggest difference.
And when your browser feels more organized, your workday often feels more manageable too.