Are you tired of typing on your iPad’s keyboard with just your thumbs? With the latest iOS 14 update, you now have the option to split the keyboard on your iPad. This feature allows you to enlarge the keyboard and split it into two halves, making it easier and more comfortable to type with both hands. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of splitting the keyboard on your iPad running iOS 14, so you can enjoy a more efficient typing experience.
Step 1: Accessing The IPad’s Keyboard Settings
To split the keyboard on your iPad running iOS 14, you’ll need to access the keyboard settings. Here’s how you can do it in a few simple steps:
1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPad’s home screen.
2. Scroll down and tap on “General” in the left-hand menu.
3. In the “General” settings, find and tap on “Keyboard.”
4. Now, you will see various keyboard settings options. Look for the “Split Keyboard” toggle switch.
Once you have accessed the keyboard settings, you will be able to enable and customize the split keyboard feature to suit your preferences. The split keyboard gives you the ability to type with both your thumbs comfortably, making it ideal for typing on larger iPads or when holding the device with both hands.
Now that you know how to access the keyboard settings, let’s move on to the next step and learn how to enable the split keyboard feature.
Step 2: Enabling The Split Keyboard Feature
Enabling the split keyboard feature on your iPad can greatly enhance your typing experience and make it more convenient, especially when you need to type with both hands. To enable the split keyboard feature, follow these simple steps.
First, open the Settings app on your iPad and tap on “General.” Then, scroll down and tap on “Keyboard.” In the Keyboard settings, you will find an option called “Split Keyboard.” Tap on it to access the split keyboard settings.
Next, toggle the switch next to “Split Keyboard” to enable the feature. As soon as you enable it, you will see that the keyboard splits into two halves, with each half positioned towards the edges of the screen. You can also adjust the positioning and size of the split keyboard in the following steps.
Enabling the split keyboard feature on your iPad can make typing more comfortable, especially if you have larger hands or prefer typing with both hands. Follow these steps to unleash the full potential of your iPad’s keyboard and enhance your typing experience.
Step 3: Adjusting The Split Keyboard Positioning
Adjusting the split keyboard positioning on your iPad can greatly enhance your typing experience and make it more comfortable. To do this, follow these steps:
1. After enabling the split keyboard feature as mentioned in Step 2, tap and hold the handle on the top of the keyboard. This handle looks like a horizontal bar with three lines on it.
2. Drag the handle up or down to adjust the height of the keyboard according to your preference. You can move it towards the top for a higher keyboard or towards the bottom for a lower one.
3. You can also adjust the split by dragging the handle horizontally. By moving it closer to either side, you can position the split keyboard more to the left or right, depending on your hand dominance.
4. Make sure to experiment with different heights and positions to find the most comfortable layout for you.
5. Once you are satisfied with the positioning, release your finger from the handle to set the changes.
By adjusting the split keyboard positioning, you can create a customized layout that suits your ergonomic needs, allowing for efficient and comfortable typing on your iPad.
Step 4: Customizing The Size Of The Split Keyboard
The split keyboard on your iPad can be customized to fit your typing preference and hand size. By adjusting the size of the split keyboard, you can make it more comfortable and efficient to use. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Start by opening an app that requires the keyboard, such as Notes or Messages.
2. Tap and hold the keyboard key located at the bottom right corner of the keyboard. A pop-up menu will appear.
3. From the options in the pop-up menu, select “Undock.” The keyboard will detach from the bottom of the screen.
4. With the keyboard undocked, locate the small bar in the middle of the keyboard. It separates the two halves of the split keyboard.
5. Drag the bar towards the center or the edges of the screen to adjust the size of the split keyboard according to your preference.
6. You can also pinch or expand the keyboard to make it larger or smaller respectively.
7. Once you have customized the size, tap outside the keyboard area to lock it in place.
By following these steps, you can personalize the split keyboard on your iPad and enhance your typing experience. Enjoy the flexibility and convenience it offers while typing on your device.
Step 5: Utilizing The Floating Keyboard Option
The floating keyboard option in iPad iOS 14 provides users with a convenient and versatile way to type. With this feature, you can easily move and resize the keyboard on your screen, making it more accessible and adaptable to your needs.
To access the floating keyboard, follow these simple steps:
1. Open any app that requires the use of the keyboard.
2. Tap on the keyboard icon located at the bottom-right corner of the keyboard.
3. From the menu that appears, select “Floating” to enable the floating keyboard.
Once activated, you can easily move the floating keyboard around the screen by dragging it with your finger. Pinch in or out with two fingers to resize it according to your preference. This flexibility allows you to position the keyboard wherever it is most comfortable for you and enables efficient one-handed typing.
The floating keyboard option is especially helpful when using iPad in landscape mode or when multitasking with multiple apps. Experiment with the different keyboard sizes and positions to find the setup that works best for your typing needs.
Step 6: Switching Between The Split And Standard Keyboard
Switching between the split and standard keyboard on your iPad running iOS 14 is a breeze. Whether you prefer a single, cohesive keyboard or need the flexibility of a split keyboard, here’s how you can easily switch between the two:
To switch to the split keyboard, follow these steps:
1. Begin by opening any app that requires the keyboard input.
2. Tap on any text field to bring up the keyboard.
3. On the keyboard, place two fingers close together and swipe them outwards towards both edges of the screen.
4. The keyboard will split into two halves, with each half positioned on one side of the screen.
To switch back to the standard keyboard, follow these steps:
1. Repeat steps 1 and 2 from the above instructions.
2. On the split keyboard, place two fingers close together and swipe them inwards towards the center of the screen.
3. The two halves of the keyboard will merge back into a single, standard keyboard.
By effortlessly switching between the split and standard keyboard, you can seamlessly adapt to different situations and enhance your typing experience on your iPad.
Step 7: Optimizing Typing Experience With The Split Keyboard
With the split keyboard feature enabled on your iPad running iOS 14, you can optimize your typing experience and increase your productivity. Here are some tips to make the most out of the split keyboard:
1. Thumb Typing: The split keyboard is perfect for thumb typing. Hold your iPad with both hands and position your thumbs at the center of the screen, which will allow comfortable access to all keys.
2. Gesture Typing: Take advantage of iPad’s QuickPath swipe-to-type feature. To use it with the split keyboard, simply swipe your finger from one key to another without lifting it. The keyboard will automatically detect the word you intended to type.
3. Keyboard Shortcuts: iOS 14 allows you to create custom keyboard shortcuts. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement to set up shortcuts for frequently used phrases or words. This will save you time and effort while typing.
4. Multitasking while Typing: The split keyboard grants you the freedom to multitask while typing. You can open another app side by side and conveniently access both apps while typing, enhancing your efficiency.
5. Practice and Familiarize: Like any new keyboard layout, it takes some practice to get used to the split keyboard. Spend some time typing on it and you’ll soon find yourself typing efficiently, even faster than before.
By following these optimization tips, you’ll be able to type seamlessly and with ease using the split keyboard feature on your iPad running iOS 14.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With The Split Keyboard Feature
One of the most frustrating things that can happen when using the split keyboard feature on your iPad is encountering issues that disrupt your typing experience. Luckily, there are several common problems that you may encounter and simple solutions to troubleshoot these issues.
One common issue is when the split keyboard does not appear when you try to use it. This can happen if the split keyboard feature is not enabled in your settings. To fix this, you can follow the steps outlined in the previous subheadings to enable the split keyboard feature.
Another issue that you might encounter is the split keyboard not staying in position. Sometimes, the keyboard may randomly merge back into a standard keyboard or move to a different location on the screen. If this happens, you can try adjusting the keyboard positioning by following the steps in subheading 3.
Sometimes, the size of the split keyboard may not be suitable for your preferences. If the keyboard is too small or too large, you can customize its size by following the steps in subheading 4.
In conclusion, troubleshooting common issues with the split keyboard feature on your iPad is crucial to ensure a seamless typing experience. By following the steps provided and adjusting the necessary settings, you can overcome any problems that may arise and fully enjoy the benefits of the split keyboard feature.
FAQs
Q1: How do I split the keyboard on my iPad running iOS 14?
A1: To split the keyboard on your iPad running iOS 14, follow these steps:
- Open any app that brings up the keyboard, such as Notes or Messages.
- Tap and hold on the keyboard icon at the bottom-right corner of the keyboard.
- From the pop-up menu, select “Split.”
The keyboard will then split into two halves, making it easier for you to type with your thumbs.
Q2: Can I move the split keyboard to a different position on the screen?
A2: Yes, you can move the split keyboard to a different position on the screen. After splitting the keyboard, place your finger on the bar at the bottom-center of the keyboard, and then drag it up or down to adjust the keyboard’s position. This allows you to find the most comfortable and convenient placement on the screen.
Q3: How do I merge the split keyboard back into a single keyboard?
A3: If you want to merge the split keyboard back into a single keyboard, follow these steps:
- Open any app that brings up the keyboard in split mode.
- Tap and hold on the keyboard icon at the bottom-right corner of the split keyboard.
- From the pop-up menu, select “Merge.”
The split keyboard will then merge back into a single keyboard, allowing you to type using both hands.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, splitting the keyboard on iPad iOS 14 is a useful and easy feature to enhance typing comfort and productivity. With just a few simple steps, users can effortlessly access a split keyboard layout, making it more convenient and efficient to type on the iPad. Whether for on-the-go typing or multitasking, this guide provides a step-by-step approach to enable the split keyboard feature and optimize typing experience on an iPad running iOS 14.