How-To Guides: Master Laptop Screen Extenders & Multi-Monitor Setups

Chromebooks are known for their speed, simplicity, and portability, making them perfect for multitasking. One of the most useful features for productivity is the split screen option, allowing users to view and work in two windows side by side. In this guide, you'll learn how to split screen on a Chromebook using different methods, keyboard shortcuts, and even how to enhance multitasking with a portable laptop screen extender.

Part 1: What Is Split Screen on Chromebook?

Split screen is a built-in ChromeOS feature that lets you divide your screen between two windows. Whether you’re writing an essay while watching a video lecture, or comparing data across spreadsheets and browser tabs, split screen simplifies your workflow.

Benefits include:

• Improved multitasking
• Easier cross-reference between documents
• Increased productivity for students and professionals alike

Part 2: How to Split Screen Using the Maximize Button

1. Open two apps or Chrome windows.
2. Click the Maximize/Restore button (square icon) on one window.
3. Hold and drag the button left or right.
4. Your window will snap to that half of the screen.
5. Do the same for your second window.

Pro Tip: This method is great for beginners who are not comfortable with keyboard shortcuts.

Part 3: Split Screen with Drag and Drop

1. Open your desired two windows.
2. Drag the first window to the far left until it snaps.
3. Drag the second window to the right.
4. ChromeOS will automatically fit both windows side by side.

This intuitive method mimics the drag-to-edge behavior on Windows and macOS.

Part 4: Split Screen with Keyboard Shortcuts

Use these ChromeOS shortcuts:

• Press Alt + [ to snap the window to the left.
• Press Alt + ] to snap the window to the right.

This is the fastest way to split screen for power users.

Part 5: Using Overview Mode to Set Up Split Screen

1. Tap the Show Windows key (rectangle with two lines) or swipe up with three fingers.
2. You’ll see all open windows in a bird’s-eye view.
3. Drag one window to the left, and the other to the right.

Overview mode is useful when you have multiple apps open and need to select exactly which two to use side by side.

Part 6: Using Split Screen in Chromebook Tablet Mode

1. Open two apps.
2. Swipe up from the bottom and hold to enter Overview mode.
3. Drag one app to each side of the screen.

Tablet mode is often used in 2-in-1 devices. This makes multitasking in educational apps or note-taking much easier for students.

Part 7: Fixing Split Screen Issues on Chromebook

If your Chromebook won’t let you split screen:

• Restart your device: Temporary bugs may prevent snapping.
• Check ChromeOS updates: Some features depend on the latest software.
• Check if apps support split screen: Some Android apps don’t support resizing.

Also, ensure that Chrome extensions are not interfering with your screen settings.

Part 8: Bonus – Maximize a ChromeOS Window

• Click the Maximize button once to go full screen.
• Use the shortcut Alt + = to do it instantly.
• Drag the window to the top of the screen until it snaps and fills the entire space.

This is helpful after using split screen and returning to a focused single-task view.

Part 9: Level Up Your Multitasking with Cevaton’s Laptop Screen Extenders

If split screen isn’t enough for your workflow, Cevaton has the perfect tools to supercharge your Chromebook multitasking experience:

🔹 T2 PRO Laptop Monitor Extender

• Triple Screen Power: Add two extra screens.
• Bright HD Displays: Perfect visibility from classrooms to co-working spaces.
• One Cable Simplicity: No messy adapters.
• Durable for Travel: Built for students and digital nomads alike.

🔹 P5 Portable Dual Monitor

• Dual 15.6" Screens: Ideal for working from anywhere.
• Universal Setup: Compatible with Chromebooks, phones, and consoles.
• Super Lightweight: Take it anywhere.

🔹 S6 Modular Screen Extender

• Magnetic Build: Customize your setup.
• Full HD Brightness: Great for editing, studying, or content creation.
• Plug and Play: Just one cable needed.

These screen extenders make multitasking on Chromebooks feel like using a full desktop workstation.

Conclusion

Whether you're a student attending virtual classes, a writer organizing research, or a developer juggling code and documentation, knowing how to split screen on a Chromebook can boost your efficiency instantly. With built-in features, simple shortcuts, and accessories like Cevaton’s laptop screen extenders, the possibilities for productivity are endless.

Start with simple split screen techniques, and scale up with external monitors when you’re ready.