Google Docs is a popular word processing software that makes it easy to create, edit, and collaborate on documents. However, one limitation of Google Docs is that there is no built-in feature to view two pages side-by-side.
Viewing two pages side-by-side can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as:
- Comparing formatting between two documents
- Copying content from one document to another
- Referencing information from two different sources
- Viewing facing pages, like in a book or magazine
Fortunately, there are a few workarounds that allow you to simulate a two-page view in Google Docs, even though the feature doesn’t exist natively. Here are three easy methods you can use:
Method 1: Open Two Browser Windows
The simplest way to view two pages side-by-side is to open two separate browser windows, with each one displaying a different page:
- Step 1: Open the Google Docs document you want to view two pages of.
- Step 2: Resize your browser window so that it takes up half of your screen.
- Step 3: Right click and select “New Window” to open a second window.
- Step 4: In the new window, navigate back to the same Google Docs document.
- Step 5: Tile the two windows side-by-side, adjusting their sizes as needed.
You can now see two pages of the document at the same time. Scroll through each one independently or reference information between them.
Pros
- Simple to set up
- Works with any document
Cons
- Need to resize windows manually
- Loses dual page view if windows change
Method 2: Use the Print Preview
Another way to compare two pages is by using the print preview mode:
- Step 1: Open the Google Docs document and go to File > Print or use the keyboard shortcut CTRL/CMD + P.
- Step 2: In the print settings box, change “Pages per sheet” to 2 pages.
- Step 3: Toggle on the checkbox for “Print preview & page selection”.
- Step 4: Click “Print preview” in the upper right corner.
This will open a preview pane showing two pages side-by-side. You can scroll through the preview to see the entire document in this format.
Pros
- Retains dual page view when scrolling
- Shows full document in order
Cons
- Small preview size
- Formatting differences from document
Method 3: Use an Add-On Tool
For the most robust dual page view, install the Tab Resize extension for Chrome or Firefox:
- Step 1: Install Tab Resize from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons site.
- Step 2: Open the document in two separate browser tabs.
- Step 3: Click the Tab Resize icon and select a split view layout, like “1×2”.
- Step 4: Drag tabs to position the two document pages side-by-side.
Tab Resize gives you more controls over the view, like resizing panes and saving layouts.
Pros
- Fully customizable sizing/layouts
- Syncs dual view across tabs
Cons
- Needs extension installed
- Only works with browser tabs
Tips for an Ideal Two Page View
- Set browser or app to full screen mode to maximize the viewing size.
- Adjust zoom levels so text appears large enough to read.
- Show formatting marks like spaces, paragraphs, etc to match layouts.
- Try different combinations of portrait and landscape page orientations.
- Color code elements in each document for easier visual comparisons.
Common Uses for Viewing Two Pages Side-by-Side
Here are some of the most common ways people use the two page view in Google Docs:
Copy Content Between Documents
Toggle between tabs to reference information to rewrite or manually copy/paste content.
Compare Document Formatting
View formatting differences in margins, fonts, headings, etc between drafts.
View Facing Pages
See how pages will appear side-by-side in a printed book, magazine, or PDF export.
View References Simultaneously
Keep research documents or sources open for easy access while writing.
Proofread Content
Efficiently spot typos, duplicate text, and other issues by comparing versions.
Limitations of Google Docs Two Page View
While the workarounds listed above work, there are some limitations to keep in mind:
- No mobile support for side-by-side pages
- No built-in Google Docs dual view mode
- Manual setup required each time
- Pages can’t be edited simultaneously
- Formatting differences in preview mode
Hopefully Google Docs will add better native support for side-by-side pages in the future. But until then, the tips in this article should help you get the dual page view you need!
