Multi-Window Support For Word, PowerPoint On iPads In The Works

Microsoft is currently testing multi-window support for Word and PowerPoint on iPads, bringing productivity on the Apple devices to another level.

Apple introduced native support for opening two or more windows of the same application to be able to see them beside each other on iPadOS 13, MacRumors reported. Since then, third-party developers have been busy adding the same multi-window feature to their apps so that users can open several windows for multi-tasking.

Now, Microsoft has announced that its Word and PowerPoint apps have multi-window support on the iPad. This will allow users to create and edit documents better and faster, as well as work on their presentations easier.

Microsoft said users will be able to open two Word documents and place them side-by-side. This will help users edit their letters better, or make it easier for them to focus on writing documents while being able to check their reference notes.

Users will also be able to open two PowerPoint files and place them side-by-side as well. This will help users with their presentations, especially if they need to open reference slides.

There are three ways to access the new feature, Microsoft said:

• First, users can open files side-by-side by touching, holding and dragging a file from the Recent, Shared and Open file list to the edge of the iPad's screen. This will automatically place files beside each other.
• Second, while in Word or PowerPoint, users should access the Recent, Shared and Open views in the app start screen. They should then tap on the ellipsis icon (looks like three successive dots – “...”) beside a file to access a menu, then tap on Open in New Window.
• Third, while in Word or PowerPoint, users can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the dock. There, users should touch and hold the app's icon (Word for Word, and PowerPoint for PowerPoint), drag it to the left or right edge of the screen, then tap on the document they want to open in multi-window view.

Multi-window view will allow users to take advantage of the iPad's wider screen, and allow them to work on the go with greater ease.

While the feature isn't out for all users now, those who want to try it can access it by joining the Office Insider program for iOS, then downloading beta versions of Word and PowerPoint.