- Firefox's split view allows you to display two websites side-by-side within the same window using the tab context menu.
- The feature is in beta, with controls to adjust panels, visual indicators, and a focus on accessibility.
- Microsoft Edge now offers the most complete split-screen mode, with thumbnails and an advanced options menu.
- Chrome and other Chromium browsers have basic split-screen support, while Firefox and Edge continue to expand and refine this feature.
Split view in Firefox is about to become one of those features that, once you try it, you'll find hard to stop using. Mozilla has decided to incorporate a system for opening two tabs side-by-side within the same window, something we've seen primarily in Microsoft Edge and, more recently, in Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers.
This new feature, known internally as Split Tabs or split-screen mode , allows you to view and work with two web pages simultaneously, without needing multiple windows or splitting your screen in two . It's especially useful for those who frequently compare information, work with documents and forms, or simply want to improve their multitasking while browsing.
What exactly is split view in Firefox and why does it matter?
Split view in Firefox is a built-in feature that allows you to display two websites side-by-side in the same window. It's not an extension or an external solution, but a native tool designed to improve productivity without complications.
In practice, this mode offers a similar experience to having two windows open , but with the advantage of managing everything from a single split tab. It's a direct response to what Microsoft Edge has offered for some time, and what Google is testing in experimental versions of Chrome. The goal is clear: to make it easier for users to comfortably view content in parallel.
For years, Mozilla had watched other browsers add productivity features while Firefox lost market share. This new split view is part of a significant push in the browser's development, which in recent times has accelerated the addition of new features to keep pace with its rivals and, where possible, add its own unique touch.
The interesting thing is that, although the idea of splitting the screen is not new, the implementation in Firefox aims to take care of both usability and accessibility , so that it doesn't remain a simple curiosity, but a truly practical tool for everyday use.
Current status of the feature: beta versions and future release
Firefox's split view isn't yet available in all installations of the standard browser. Currently, Mozilla is testing it in the beta version of Firefox 149 , which means it's in an advanced stage of development but still subject to changes and adjustments before reaching the stable branch.
These types of features are usually first released in Firefox Nightly or on beta channels , where developers and more advanced users can find bugs, suggest improvements, and validate the user experience. The inclusion of split view in the roadmap indicates that its arrival in the stable version is just a matter of time, although Mozilla hasn't given a specific date yet.
The company has organized the development of this feature into clearly defined tasks : interface design, tab behavior, address bar integration, accessibility, and compatibility testing. This allows for a structured approach to the tool, without neglecting details such as keyboard shortcuts or screen reader support.
As this is a relatively new feature, it's expected that the first versions will have minor limitations or areas for improvement . Even so, the experience of other browsers suggests that, over time, split-screen functionality could become a key component of Firefox's productivity options.
How to use split view in Firefox step by step
The basic functionality of split view in Firefox relies on the tab's context menu , so there's no need to search through complex menus. The idea is that any user, even without knowing the feature exists, can discover it by right-clicking on a tab.
To use it, the first requirement is to have at least two tabs open in the same window, since split view needs one page for each side of the panel. Once open, simply right-click on the tab you want to pin and select the corresponding option to add it to split view.
Enabling this option splits the Firefox window into two panels. One panel displays the selected tab, while the other shows a list of currently open tabs, allowing you to choose which page will appear side-by-side.
One practical detail is that, with the titles of the available tabs visible, it's easy to locate the missing page without having to try them one by one. Furthermore, you can still navigate between tabs not included in the split view, in case you want to quickly change the content displayed in one of the panels.
At any time, if we no longer need this layout, we can close the split view or detach one of the tabs . To do this, we again use the tab's context menu: simply right-click and choose the option to detach the tab from the split view to return it to its conventional appearance.
Handling options, indicators, and accessibility in split view
One of the great advantages of Mozilla's implementation is that it has not only split the window in two, but has also worked on several control and usability elements to make the experience more comfortable and clear for the user.
First, the browser includes a visual indicator in the address bar that makes it easy to identify when split view is active. This feature prevents confusion, especially when working with many tabs and multiple windows, as you can see at a glance that you're in a split-screen mode.
Furthermore, the panels can be dynamically resized by dragging the separator that appears between the two views. This allows you to adjust the space on each side according to the priority of the task: for example, having a document occupying most of the space and, on the right, a secondary reference or a narrower form.
Another interesting feature is that the system makes it easy to move both split-screen tabs simultaneously . This is helpful if you want to rearrange windows or switch monitors while keeping the dual-view configuration intact, without having to manually rebuild it.
Mozilla has also focused on accessibility. The split view is planned to include specific keyboard shortcuts that will allow users to switch focus between panels, toggle the mode on and off, and navigate comfortably without using the mouse. In addition, work is underway to ensure compatibility with screen readers, so that visually impaired users can easily identify which panel is active and what content is being displayed.
How does Firefox's split-screen compare to Edge and Chrome?
Many modern browsers already share a very similar set of features: cloud synchronization, tracking blockers, reading mode, profile management , etc. Split-screen functionality has recently been added to this group of common tools, and the way it's integrated reveals a lot about each project's philosophy.
In Firefox's case, the current approach is a split view linked to the tab context menu , with a relatively simple design and no overly complex options panel for now. Essentially, it's a way to open two websites simultaneously in the same window, with basic but functional controls.
Microsoft Edge, for its part, made the leap earlier and has refined its split-screen functionality to offer a system considered by many to be the most complete and mature of the major browsers. Chrome, meanwhile, is incorporating its own tests in versions like Chrome Canary, moving towards a stable solution that is still in the experimental phase.
Mozilla's strategy focuses on delivering a stable version that is lightweight, clear, and usable , without overly complicating the interface. From there, it's likely that, depending on user feedback and comparisons with what competitors offer, more advanced options will be added.
In this context, split view becomes a field of direct competition between browsers, similar to what happened at the time with tab collections, integrated readers, or screenshot tools.
Split screen in Microsoft Edge: the most complete rival
Microsoft Edge has long offered a well-developed split-screen feature , available in the stable version without any workarounds. Unlike Firefox, here it's activated not primarily from the tab context menu, but from the browser's main menu.
To access this option in Edge, you need to open the program's main menu and look for the entry called "Split screen." This makes it slightly less accessible at first than right-clicking on a tab in Firefox or Chrome, but once you get used to it, it's not a major obstacle.
When you enable this feature, Edge displays a split window and shows a list of open tabs with a thumbnail of each website. This visual preview makes choosing the right tab much easier, especially when you have many open and can't remember which is which just by the title.
Another advantage of Edge's system is that it allows you to add both currently active tabs and frequently visited tabs . This speeds up mode setup if you regularly work with the same sites (for example, email, task manager, and cloud-based office tools).
The most noteworthy feature, however, is the dedicated menu that appears at the top of the split screen, represented by a button with three horizontal dots . From there, you can access several useful additional options, such as swapping panel positions, sending a tab to a new window, changing the orientation (portrait or landscape), or having links open in the secondary panel.
In the world of Chromium-based browsers (with Google Chrome leading the way ), split-screen has been arriving somewhat more discreetly, initially in beta channels like Chrome Canary. The idea, however, is similar to Firefox's: managing the mode from the tab's context menu.
In Chrome, when this feature is enabled, simply right-click on the tab and select the option to add it to a new split view. The window will automatically split in two, and a list of open tabs will appear in the secondary panel, allowing you to choose which one you want to use for the split view.
If no other tabs are open besides the active one, Chrome uses the user's homepage or default website to fill the second panel. This way, something is always visible while you decide what content to place in that extra space.
Unlike Edge, Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers don't include, at least for now, a thumbnail preview of websites . Users only see the titles, which means they need to be a bit more mindful of how they've named or labeled each tab if they tend to have many open.
As for extra options, the context menu associated with the split-screen tab offers basic settings , such as changing the order of the panels or closing one of the views independently. However, it lacks more advanced tools like those found in Edge, such as fine-tuning where links open or the orientation of the split.
What is the best split-screen mode today?
If we compare the three major offerings currently available—Firefox, Edge, and Chrome/Chromium—it's clear that Edge's split-screen functionality is slightly more mature. Microsoft has spent more time refining its split-screen feature, and this is evident both in the number of options and in the finer details of the interface.
The combination of thumbnail preview, a dedicated menu with additional tools, and the ability to easily change the orientation and behavior of links puts Edge in a favorable position for those who make intensive use of multitasking within the browser.
Firefox, meanwhile, is in a slightly earlier stage, especially since the feature is still associated with beta versions. Even so, its approach of a simple context menu, address bar indicator, and accessibility options shows that the project has the potential to grow and become very useful in everyday use.
Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers occupy a middle ground: they already have a functional split-tab mode, although it's less comprehensive than Edge's and offers less customization . It's likely that, over time, Google and other developers will expand its capabilities based on the feature's popularity.
In any case, it's important to keep in mind that this is a relatively new feature across all three major browsers. It's reasonable to expect continuous improvements, interface tweaks, and new options in the coming months , especially in Firefox and Chrome, which have plenty to learn from the design choices made by Microsoft Edge.
Other news and context: sidebar, AI, and improvements in Firefox
The arrival of split view isn't an isolated innovation within the Firefox ecosystem. It's part of a broader effort to modernize the browser and regain its appeal against alternatives like Chrome and Edge, which have gained ground in recent years with productivity features and integration with cloud services.
In particular, Mozilla has strengthened the use of the Firefox sidebar as a quick access point to additional tools. Currently, this area allows for the integration of AI chat applications such as Copilot Chat, Gemini, and ChatGPT, enabling interaction with AI assistants without leaving the page you are visiting.
These types of integrations transform the sidebar into a parallel workspace , perfect for generating summaries, resolving technical questions, or requesting help while consulting documentation or complex websites, or for organizing your digital desktop . The split view fits well with this philosophy of multiplying multitasking possibilities within a single window.
Along with these features, Firefox has also been addressing compatibility and stability issues on Windows , improving overall performance, and refining interface details. Although for a while it seemed that development was progressing more slowly than its competitors, recent versions show a clear acceleration.
All of this reflects Mozilla's commitment to maintaining Firefox as a solid alternative to Chrome, not only for privacy and open philosophy, but also for technical capabilities and advanced options for users who spend many hours a day browsing.
Frequently asked questions about split-screen mode
A common question is what exactly split-screen means in a browser. Simply put, it's a feature that allows you to work with two different web pages simultaneously within the same window, without having to open multiple browser instances or relying on the operating system to position the windows side-by-side.
In Firefox, you activate split view from the tab's context menu . Right-click on the tab you want to pin and select the option to add it to split view. The browser will then display your other open tabs, allowing you to choose which one to use for split view.
Regarding which browser offers the best implementation today, most analyses agree that Microsoft Edge is a step ahead thanks to features such as thumbnail previews, the top menu with additional options, the ability to change orientation, and the option to open links directly in the secondary panel.
Firefox and Chrome, while lagging somewhat behind in advanced split-screen features, are in a phase of active development. This means that it's quite likely that future versions will incorporate progressive improvements in usability, performance, and customization options , gradually narrowing the gap with Edge.
With all of the above, split-screen browsers are becoming a key tool for those who want to make the most of their time in front of the computer, and Firefox, with its commitment to Split Tabs, is fully embracing this trend while continuing to refine accessibility details, sidebars, and integration with new technologies.
