How to View Two Websites Side by Side in iPadOS Safari

This article explains how the Split View feature in the Safari web browser on iPadOS enables users to view and interact with two websites simultaneously. It covers the underlying multitasking mechanics, the exact methods to activate Split View using touch gestures or the multitasking menu, and how to manage or close the side-by-side windows once you are finished.

The Mechanics of Safari Split View

iPadOS allows users to view two websites side by side by running two separate instances of the Safari application at the same time. Instead of restricting you to a single browser window, the operating system divides the screen with a vertical black divider, placing an independent Safari window on the left and another on the right. Each window functions independently, complete with its own address bar, tab bar, and navigation buttons.

Methods to Activate Split View in Safari

There are four primary ways to open a second Safari window in Split View.

1. Using the Multitasking Button

At the top center of your iPad screen, you will see a multitasking button represented by three small dots.

  • Tap the three dots at the top of your active Safari window.
  • Select the Split View icon (the middle icon showing two side-by-side rectangles).
  • The current Safari window will slide to the side. Tap the Safari icon on your Home Screen or Dock to open a second Safari window in the empty space.

2. Dragging a Tab

If you already have multiple tabs open in a single Safari window, you can split one off into its own window.

  • Touch and hold the tab you want to move.
  • Drag the tab all the way to the left or right edge of the iPad screen.
  • Release your finger when a vertical space opens up, snapping the tab into its own side-by-side Safari window.

You can open a link directly into a new Split View window without losing your place on the current page.

  • Touch and hold any hyperlink on a webpage until it lifts up slightly.
  • Drag the link to the far left or right edge of the screen.
  • Drop the link at the edge to automatically generate a second Safari window displaying the linked page.

4. Using a Context Menu

If you prefer not to drag and drop, you can use a long-press menu.

  • Touch and hold a hyperlink on a webpage until a preview and menu appear.
  • Tap Open in Split View from the list of options. The link will immediately open on the opposite side of the screen.

Adjusting and Managing the Split Windows

Once two Safari windows are open side by side, you have full control over how they are displayed and organized.

  • Resize the Windows: Touch and drag the gray handle in the middle of the black vertical divider left or right. You can give both websites an equal 50/50 split, or adjust it to a 70/30 split to focus more on one site.
  • Move Tabs Between Windows: You can drag and drop tabs freely from the tab bar of the left Safari window into the tab bar of the right window, and vice versa.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: If you have a physical keyboard attached to your iPad, pressing Command + N while in Safari will automatically open a new, blank Safari window in Split View.

Closing Split View

When you no longer need to view two websites at once, you can close one of the windows or merge them back together.

  • Swipe the Divider: Drag the middle handle on the black vertical divider all the way to the left or right edge of the screen to close the window you are covering up.
  • Use the Multitasking Menu: Tap the three dots at the top of the window you want to keep, and tap the Full Screen icon (the single rectangle on the left).
  • Merge All Windows: If you want to combine your open tabs back into a single window rather than closing them, touch and hold the Tabs button (two overlapping squares) in the top right corner of either Safari window, then tap Merge All Windows.