Split screen on a Huion tablet works through your tablet's operating system, not through Huion software itself

Your Huion tablet runs either Android or iPadOS depending on the model, and both systems have built-in split-screen features. The Huion hardware—the pen, pressure sensitivity, and display—works normally in split-screen mode. You control the split screen through your tablet's settings and gestures, not through any Huion app. The process takes about 30 seconds once you know where to look.

Split screen is useful when you want to reference an image or document on one side while drawing or editing on the other. Many artists use it to keep a reference photo visible while working in Clip Studio Paint, Procreate, or Photoshop on the other half of the screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Split screen is a feature of your tablet's operating system (Android or iPadOS), not a Huion feature, so the method depends on which system your tablet runs.
  • On iPad, swipe up from the bottom to open the dock, then drag an app to the left or right edge of the screen to create a split-screen window.
  • On Android tablets, hold the recent apps button (or swipe up and hold), select an app, then tap the app icon at the top to place it in split-screen mode.
  • Your Huion pen pressure and tilt work the same way in split-screen mode as they do in full-screen mode.
  • Not all apps support split-screen mode, so check your drawing app's documentation if one side of the screen stays blank.

Split Screen on iPad (iPadOS)

On an iPad running iPadOS, the fastest way to split the screen is to open your first app, then swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the dock. Find the second app you want to use and drag it to either the left or right edge of the screen. The screen divides in half, with your first app on one side and the new app on the other.

If you want to adjust the dividing line between the two apps, place your finger on the thin vertical line in the middle of the screen and drag it left or right. This lets you give more screen space to your drawing app and less to your reference window, or vice versa. You can also swipe the divider all the way to one side to hide an app temporarily and return to full-screen mode.

To close split-screen mode, swipe the divider all the way to the edge of the screen. The hidden app closes, and the remaining app expands to fill the whole screen.

Split Screen on Android Tablets

On an Android tablet, open your first app, then press and hold the recent apps button (usually at the bottom center of the screen, or swipe up from the bottom and hold). Your tablet shows a list of recent apps. Tap the app you want to open in split-screen mode, and Android places it in the top half of the screen while your first app stays in the bottom half.

Some Android tablets let you drag the dividing line between apps to resize them. Swipe the divider up or down to give one app more space. If your tablet does not show a divider, the apps are locked at 50/50 split, and you cannot resize them.

To exit split-screen mode on Android, drag the divider all the way to the top or bottom of the screen. The hidden app closes, and the remaining app fills the screen.

Common Reasons Split Screen Does Not Work

The most common reason split screen appears to fail is that one of your apps does not support split-screen mode. Older apps or apps designed only for phones may refuse to open in a split-screen window. If you drag an app to the edge and nothing happens, or if one half of the screen stays blank, that app does not support the feature. Try a different app instead.

On iPad, make sure you are dragging from the dock, not from the app switcher. On Android, confirm you are using the recent apps button or gesture, not just tapping the app icon. If split screen still does not set up, restart your tablet and try again.

Your Huion pen will not work in an app that does not support split-screen mode, because the app itself is not running. If your pen works in full-screen mode but not in split-screen mode, the issue is with the app, not with your tablet or Huion hardware.

Using Your Huion Pen in Split-Screen Mode

Your Huion pen's pressure sensitivity, tilt, and all other features work exactly the same in split-screen mode as they do in full-screen mode. The tablet does not treat the pen any differently when the screen is divided. Tap, draw, and use pressure just as you normally would.

The only limitation is that your pen can only interact with one app at a time. If you are drawing in the left half of the screen, taps and pen strokes only register in that app. To switch to the app on the right, tap in that app's area first, then draw. This is not a Huion limitation—it is how all tablets work.

Switching Between Split-Screen Apps

To switch which app is active (and receives your pen input), tap anywhere in that app's half of the screen. A thin border or highlight appears around the active app to show which one is receiving input. Tap the other app to switch focus.

On iPad, you can also use keyboard shortcuts if your tablet is connected to a keyboard. Press Command+Tab to cycle between the two split-screen apps. On Android, there is no keyboard shortcut for split-screen apps, so you must tap to switch.

Resizing and Rearranging Split-Screen Windows

On both iPad and Android, you can adjust how much screen space each app gets by dragging the divider line. On iPad, drag the vertical line left or right. On Android, drag the horizontal line up or down. This is useful if you want a large drawing canvas on one side and a small reference window on the other.

You cannot rearrange which app appears on which side without closing split-screen mode and starting over. If you want your reference image on the left and your drawing app on the right, but they are currently reversed, close split-screen mode, open the reference app first, then add your drawing app to the right side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Huion tablet need special software to use split screen?

No. Split screen is built into your tablet's operating system. Huion does not make or control split-screen features. Your Huion pen works in split-screen mode the same way it works in any other mode.

Can I use split screen with Procreate or Clip Studio Paint?

Yes, both apps support split-screen mode on iPad and Android. Open your drawing app first, then add a reference app (like Photos or Safari) to the other side. Your pen works normally in both apps.

What if I want three apps on screen at once?

iPad supports a third window called Slide Over, which floats on top of your split-screen apps. Swipe up from the dock and drag a third app to the screen—it appears as a floating window you can move and resize. Android does not support three simultaneous apps.

Will split screen drain my battery faster?

Running two apps at once uses more processing power than running one, so battery drain is slightly higher. The difference is usually small unless both apps are graphics-intensive. If battery life is a concern, close one app when you are done with it.

Can I save a split-screen layout so it opens automatically?

iPad remembers your last split-screen setup and can reopen it, but you cannot create custom saved layouts. Android does not save split-screen configurations between sessions. You will need to set up split screen manually each time you want to use it.