Split View
Work with multiple documents and content types side by side
Split View lets you work with multiple documents, flowcharts, idea boards, or any other content types side by side within the same project workspace. Instead of switching back and forth between tabs, you can see your outline next to your manuscript, your research alongside your draft, or a character flowchart beside the scene you are writing.
Layout Options
Plotiar offers six layout configurations to match different workflows and screen sizes. Switch between them at any time using the layout selector in the toolbar.
Single
The default layout. One content item fills the entire workspace. This is ideal for focused writing sessions where you want maximum screen space for your document.
2 Horizontal
Two panes side by side, split vertically down the middle. This is the most popular layout for writers who want to reference one document while editing another.
2 Vertical
Two panes stacked on top of each other, split horizontally. Useful when you want to see a wider view of each pane, or when working on a narrower screen.
3 Horizontal
Three panes arranged side by side. Use this when you need to cross-reference multiple sources or work across three related documents at once.
3 Vertical
Three panes stacked vertically. Each pane gets the full width of the workspace, which works well for comparing lengthy passages across multiple documents.
2x2 Grid
Four panes arranged in a two-by-two grid. This is the most spacious layout, suitable for complex workflows where you need four content items visible simultaneously -- for example, an outline, a manuscript draft, a character flowchart, and a research note.
TIP
Start with the 2 Horizontal layout if you are new to split views. It gives you two generously-sized panes without feeling cramped. You can always switch to more panes later as your workflow requires.
Working with Panes
Each pane in a split layout behaves as an independent workspace. You can open any content type in any pane, and each pane maintains its own state, scroll position, and sidebar panels.
- •Open content in a pane by clicking an item in the content tree -- it opens in the currently active (focused) pane
- •Each pane can display any of 16 content types: document, flowchart, idea board, task board, plot grid, calendar, corkboard, family tree, map, lore, plus the six smart-content types (table of contents, cover page, bibliography, character index, glossary, index)
- •Panes have their own sidebar panels (comments, notes, tasks, bookmarks) that are scoped to the content in that pane
- •Click on a pane to make it active before opening new content from the sidebar
Resizable Dividers
The dividers between panes are draggable. Click and drag any divider to resize adjacent panes. This lets you give more space to whichever pane needs it -- for example, making your manuscript pane wider while keeping a narrow reference pane on the side. Dividers snap back to an even split if you double-click them.
URL Bookmarking
Your current split layout and the content open in each pane are reflected in the URL. This means you can bookmark a specific split view configuration and return to it later with everything exactly as you left it. Share the URL with a collaborator to give them the same multi-pane view.
Suggested Workflows
Split View is flexible enough to support many writing workflows. Here are a few common setups to get you started.
Outline + Manuscript
Open your outline or scene list in the left pane and your manuscript chapter in the right pane. As you write, you can glance at the outline to stay on track without switching tabs. This is one of the most popular setups for novel writers and screenwriters.
Research + Writing
Place your research notes, reference material, or source documents in one pane and your active writing document in the other. Copy key details or check facts without losing your place in the manuscript. This works especially well with the 2 Horizontal layout.
Flowchart + Scene Writing
Open a character relationship flowchart or plot structure diagram alongside the scene you are writing. This is invaluable for complex narratives where you need to keep track of connections, timelines, or character arcs while composing new scenes.
TIP
You do not have to use the same content type in every pane. Mix documents, flowcharts, and idea boards freely. A flowchart in one pane and a document in another is a powerful combination for planning and writing at the same time.