Split-screen on the S36CG requires Picture by Picture mode, accessed through the monitor's menu button

The Samsung S36CG does not have built-in split-screen software. Instead, it uses Picture by Picture (PbP) mode, which lets you display input from two different sources side by side on the same screen. This means you connect two devices — a laptop and a desktop, or two laptops — to the monitor at the same time, and the monitor divides its display between them.

This is different from splitting windows on a single computer. If you want to run two programs from the same device side by side, you use your operating system's window management (Windows Snap on a PC, or Mission Control on a Mac). Picture by Picture is for when you want to view two completely separate devices at once.

Key Takeaways

  • Picture by Picture mode splits the S36CG display between two input sources, such as two laptops or a laptop and a desktop connected at the same time.
  • You set up PbP through the monitor's physical menu button, then choose which two inputs to display and how to divide the screen.
  • The monitor supports HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C inputs, so you can mix connection types between your two devices.
  • Once PbP is on, each half of the screen responds only to its own input device — you cannot move windows between the two halves.

How to turn on Picture by Picture mode

Press the physical menu button on the back of the monitor, near the bottom right corner. A menu will appear on screen showing options like Brightness, Contrast, and Input. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to Picture by Picture or PbP.

Once you select Picture by Picture, the monitor will ask you to choose the layout: Side by Side (left and right halves) or Picture in Picture (one small window inside the main display). For most work, Side by Side is more useful. Select it and press the menu button again to confirm.

The monitor will then prompt you to choose the input for each section. Use the arrow buttons to select the first input — this might be HDMI 1, HDMI 2, DisplayPort, or USB-C, depending on which ports your devices are plugged into. Press the menu button to confirm, then repeat for the second input.

Which cables and ports to use

The S36CG has two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and one USB-C port. You can connect two devices using any combination of these. For example, you might plug a laptop into HDMI 1 and a desktop into DisplayPort, or use both HDMI ports for two separate computers.

USB-C is useful if your laptop supports video output over USB-C — many newer models do. This saves you from needing a separate video cable. Check your device's manual or specifications to see which ports support video output.

Both devices must be powered on and set to output video before Picture by Picture will work. If one half of the screen shows "No Signal," check that the device is turned on and that the cable is fully seated in the port.

Switching between Picture by Picture and full-screen mode

To return to using the full screen for a single input, press the menu button again and navigate back to Picture by Picture. Select Off or Disabled. The monitor will then display only the input you choose, using the entire curved screen.

You can also swap which input appears on which side without turning off PbP entirely. Go back to the Picture by Picture menu and select Swap or Exchange (the exact wording depends on your monitor's firmware version). This swaps the left and right halves when ready.

Adjusting the split and sizing each half

Once Picture by Picture is on, you can usually adjust how much screen space each input gets. In the menu, look for Size or Ratio options. You might be able to set it to 50/50 (equal halves), 60/40, or other proportions depending on your needs.

Some firmware versions also let you adjust the position of the dividing line between the two inputs. This is useful if one device needs more horizontal space than the other. Navigate to Position or Boundary in the Picture by Picture menu and use the arrow buttons to move the divider left or right.

Troubleshooting Picture by Picture problems

If Picture by Picture mode will not turn on, check that both devices are actually connected and powered on. The monitor will not set up PbP if it detects only one input signal. Unplug and reseat both cables firmly into their ports, then try again.

If one half of the screen shows "No Signal" after you turn on PbP, the monitor may have selected an input that is not connected. Go back to the Picture by Picture menu and manually select the correct input for that half. Make sure the device on that input is turned on and set to output video.

If the image on one side looks stretched or distorted, check the resolution settings on that device. The S36CG is an ultrawide curved monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio. Some older devices may not support this resolution natively. Try setting the device to 3440 × 1440 (the monitor's native resolution) or a standard 16:9 resolution like 1920 × 1080.

Using split windows on a single device instead

If you only have one device and want to see two programs at once, you do not need Picture by Picture. Instead, use your operating system's built-in window management. On Windows 10 and 11, press Windows key + Left arrow to snap a window to the left half of the screen, then open another program and press Windows key + Right arrow to snap it to the right half.

On macOS, use Mission Control (swipe up with four fingers on the trackpad, or press F3) to see all open windows, then drag a window to the top of the screen to enter full-screen split view. Open a second program and it will appear in the other half.

This method is usually easier than Picture by Picture if you are working with a single computer, because you can move windows between the two halves and resize them freely. Picture by Picture is best when you genuinely need to view two separate devices at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Picture by Picture with a single laptop?

No. Picture by Picture requires two separate input sources — two different devices connected to the monitor at the same time. If you have only one laptop, use your operating system's window snap feature instead. On Windows, press Windows key + Left arrow to snap a window to the left half, then open another program and press Windows key + Right arrow.

What resolution does each half of the screen get in Picture by Picture mode?

Each half gets half the monitor's horizontal resolution. The S36CG's native resolution is 3440 × 1440, so each input in side-by-side mode sees roughly 1720 × 1440. This is close to a standard 16:9 resolution, so most devices handle it without issue. If you see stretched or distorted images, check the resolution settings on that device.

Can I use a keyboard and mouse with both devices at the same time in Picture by Picture?

No. You can only control one device at a time. You will need to switch focus between the two — usually by clicking on the half you want to use, or by using a keyboard shortcut if your devices support it. Some users keep two keyboards and mice connected to switch between devices more easily.

Does the monitor have a firmware update that adds more Picture by Picture features?

Samsung occasionally releases firmware updates for the S36CG that may add or change Picture by Picture options. Check Samsung's support website for your specific model number and region to see if an update is available. Updates are usually installed through a USB drive or a connected computer, following the instructions in the monitor's manual.

What happens to the curved screen in Picture by Picture mode?

The curve remains the same. The monitor's physical curve does not change — it is built into the panel. In Picture by Picture mode, the curve applies to both halves equally, so both input sources benefit from the ultrawide viewing angle and immersive feel of the curved display.