Google Docs does not have a native feature that allows you to view multiple pages side by side.
However, you can achieve this functionality by using one of two workarounds.
Option 1: Utilize the ‘Side|Side’ Google Chrome extension. This nifty extension allows you to open two instances of your Google Docs document side by side within a single browser tab.
Option 2: Open two separate instances of your Google Docs document in two different browser windows. Position one window on the left side of your screen and the other on the right side.
Detailed instructions for both of these workarounds are provided below.
Method 1: Using Split View to View Pages Side by Side in Google Docs
For macOS Users:
1 – Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the Google Docs website.
2 – Access the Google Docs document you wish to view multiple pages of.
3 – Right-click on the browser tab, and from the contextual menu, select “Duplicate” or “Duplicate Tab.”
4 – Once duplicated, right-click on the new tab and choose “Move Tab to New Window” from the menu.
5 – In the new window, hover your mouse pointer over the green fullscreen icon.
6 – A dropdown menu will appear; here, click on the “Tile Window to Left of Screen” option.
7 – Finally, click on the next instance of the Google Docs document, now positioned on the right side of your screen.
For Windows 10 & 11 Users:
1 – Launch your preferred web browser and visit the Google Docs website.
2 – Open the specific document you intend to view multiple pages of.
3 – Right-click on the browser tab, and in the contextual menu, select “Duplicate” or “Duplicate Tab.”
4 – Right-click on the duplicated tab and opt for “Move Tab to New Window” in the menu.
5 – With the duplicated window active, press the Windows key along with the left directional key (Windows key + left arrow key). This action will shift the window to the left side of your screen.
6 – Finally, click on the next instance of the Google Docs document, now displayed on the right side of your screen.
Method 2: Using the Side|Side Google Chrome Extension to View Pages Side by Side
1 – Begin by launching the Google Chrome web browser on your computer.
2 – Head over to the Side|Side extension download page, which you can easily find by clicking on the link in this step.
3 – On the extension’s download page, locate and click on the “Add to Chrome” button.
4 – Confirm that you want to install the extension by clicking the “Add extension” button.
5 – Once you’ve successfully installed the Side|Side extension, return to your Google Docs document.
6 – Position your mouse pointer to the right of the “cloud saving” icon and right-click on the blank space immediately to the right of it.
7 – In the contextual menu that appears, hover your mouse pointer over the “Side|Side” option. Then, select “Open with Left Right Split” from the slide-out menu.
8 – After the first instance of the document has opened, go back to your original document and copy its URL.
9 – Return to the tab with the split document and position your mouse pointer at the top of the blank side of the page. This will reveal a URL bar.
10 – Use Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac) to paste in the URL you copied.
11 – After pasting, press the “Enter” key to open a second instance of the Google Docs document.
My Views on these Solutions
While these two workarounds do provide the means to view multiple pages side by side in Google Docs, they may not be the most optimal solution for those working on smaller screens.
If you find yourself in this group, I recommend you invest in a 4K 27-inch monitor. Such a monitor offers a generous expanse of screen space and exceptional clarity, allowing you to comfortably view and edit your Google Docs documents side by side.
