How to Create and Manage App Groups in iPad Stage Manager

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Activate Stage Manager

   Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPad screen. Tap the Stage Manager icon, represented by three dots and a rectangle, to toggle it on.

   Note: Ensure Stage Manager is enabled to allow overlapping windows.
2. 1 min

   Launch and position initial windows

   Open your first application from the Dock or App Library. Open a second application; drag it from the Dock toward the center of the screen to add it to your current workspace.

   Note: You can have up to four windows active in a single group.
3. 45 sec

   Define the window layout

   Locate the curved handle in the bottom-right corner of an active window. Drag the handle to resize the window according to your preference, creating a unique spatial relationship between your apps.

   Note: Windows automatically snap to specific size increments to keep layouts clean.
4. 30 sec

   Save the app group

   Once the apps are arranged, simply switch to a different app or return to the Home Screen. iPadOS automatically registers the current configuration as a single group in the left-hand sidebar.

   Note: The sidebar updates instantly to show a preview of the active group.
5. 45 sec

   Swap between active groups

   Tap any other group thumbnail in the left-hand sidebar to switch your entire workspace. The current group will move to the sidebar, and your chosen group will expand to the center of your display.

   Note: Use a three-finger swipe up to see all open windows if you lose track of your groups.