You do not know cHow to use multiple apps simultaneously on your iPad? If you own an iPad, you probably already know that this device does much more than just watch videos or browse the web. Thanks to the multitasking features built into iPadOS, you can use multiple applications at the same time and maximize your productivity. But of course, to do so, you need to be fully aware of all the available options and how to take advantage of them.
Want to answer emails while taking notes or watch a TV show while browsing Safari? Your iPad can handle that and much more! From features like Slide Over, Split View, or even Picture-in-Picture mode, to more advanced combinations like working with three apps simultaneously. We'll tell you all about it. All the ways to use multiple apps at once on your iPad, and the best part: explained clearly and with all the necessary steps.
What multitasking modes does the iPad offer?
Your iPad has various multitasking modes that allow you to interact seamlessly with two or even three apps. Let's look at the main ones:
- Split View: Splits the screen into two halves, displaying two apps at once.
- Slide Over: Displays one app floating on top of another, ideal for quick tasks.
- Center window: allows you to open a new window from specific content within an app.
- Picture in Picture (PIP): Allows you to play videos in a floating window while using other apps.
How to enable Split View on your iPad
Split View is arguably the most useful feature when you need to work with two apps at the same time, especially for tasks like copying content, reading and writing, or comparing information.
To activate it, follow these steps:
- open an app like Safari or Notes.
- Press the button Multitasking at the top of the screen (the three dots).
- Choose the option Split View.
- The iPad will display the Home screen or Dock for you to select the second app you want to open.
Once you've done this, both apps will appear side by side.
Slide Over: the floating window that streamlines your tasks
Slide Over It's the perfect way to open secondary apps without interrupting your main activity. It's a small window that you can move to any side of the screen.
To use it, follow these steps:
- Open the main app.
- Swipe up from the bottom with one finger until the Dock appears.
- Press and hold the second app in the Dock and drag it to the center of the screen.
Your iPad will open that app in a floating window which you can move from side to side and even hide by swiping toward the edge. To get it back, simply swipe back in from that edge.
Can you use three apps at the same time on the iPad?
Thanks to iPadOS, you can now combine Split View and Slide Over to work simultaneously with three applications.
The procedure is very simple:
- Active Split View between two applications.
- From the Dock, drag a third app and drop it over the central area between the two previous apps.
This way you'll have Split View in the background and Slide Over floating above them. Ideal for multi-function tasks how to write while browsing content and using a chat or messaging app.
Multitasking with Spotlight and keyboard
If you have a external keyboard connected to iPad, like the Magic Keyboard, you can take advantage of Spotlight to quickly open a second app while multitasking.
- Press Command (⌘) + Spacebar to open Spotlight.
- Enter the name of the app you are interested in.
- When it appears, click on it and drag it out of Spotlight.
- Place it on the side (Split View) or in the center (Slide Over).
This trick is especially useful for users who work with a keyboard, since speeds up multitasking flows.
Open content in a new window with Center Window
Some apps like Mail or Notes allow you to open specific content in a new window, without closing the main view. This is possible thanks to the function Center windowTo better understand how to get the most out of it, we recommend you consult our guide on How to close and reopen an app on your iPad.
To use it:
- Open a compatible app.
- Press and hold an item (mail, note, etc.).
- Choose “Open in a new window”.
Then that window can be placed in Full screen mode, Split View or Slide Over from the multitasking button.
Just a moment, before we finish, if you would like to continue getting the most out of your iPad, we have this other article for you about How to allow calls and messages on your iPad: step-by-step guide and tips.
Adjust and organize apps in multitasking
Once you have several apps open, you can adjust its size and position to adapt it to your work style. To learn more about these features, visit our guide on multitasking on iPadOS and how to optimize your workflow on the device.
- To resize in Split View, drag the divider between the two apps.
- To switch an app from Slide Over to Split View, press and hold the Multitasking button and drag it to the left or right side.
- To close Split View, drag the divider to the edge or press the full screen button.
Also, you can replace an app in Split View by swiping down from the top of that app and selecting another from the Home screen or Dock.
Using the app switcher and multitasking gestures
The app switcher allows you to view all open apps and quickly return between recent combinations.
To open it, swipe from the bottom of the screen to the center and hold for a second. You'll see thumbnails of all your open windows, including Split View combinations.
You can also switch between apps by swiping. four or five fingers on the sides or, on models with Face ID, swiping from the bottom edge.
Picture in Picture (PiP): Floating video while you do other things
One of the most useful features of the iPad for those who like it view visual content while doing other things It's PiP.
When you're on FaceTime or watching a video, tap the picture within picture and playback will move to a corner. So you can continue watching while you browse, chat, or work.
This video can be move between corners, expand back to full screen or even hide it temporarily by sliding it to the side.
Drag and drop content between apps
One of the great advantages of multitasking on the iPad is the ability to drag and drop text, images or files between applications.
- Open both apps using Slide Over or Split View.
- Press and hold the item you want to move (image, text, file).
- Without releasing, drag it to the other app and drop it where you want.
Additionally, if you hold down an item and select more with another finger, a selected item counter, allowing you to move several at the same time.
El iPad It offers a truly powerful multitasking ecosystem that, when properly utilized, can completely change the way you work, study, or enjoy content. From basic functions to advanced combinations with keyboard shortcuts, Spotlight, or gestures, the possibilities are endless. You just need practice and familiarity with all these tools to get the most out of them.
