It's not uncommon to see websites with a homepage split into two or more sections. Sometimes entire sites are built fully divided in half. The Split Screen method has long been known in the film industry , starting from silent films of the early 20th century. It remains a popular effect in cinema and television. A frame from the movie "Pillow Talk", 1959.
In web design, however, the split method is relatively new. Yes, you can often spot it nowadays, but just three or four years ago webmasters hardly thought about Split Screen. Its popularity peaked around 2016, and since then this effect has become far more common. There are several reasons for this contrast:
For example, the split design on the Mobilunity website is done exceptionally well. And if you think it's just about vertical navigation, just switch to another section and see the interesting effects, transitions, further divisions within parts, and much more. We recommend visiting and exploring the site, as it's nearly impossible to convey its execution through screenshots alone.
To use or not to use Split Screen
Split screen design is not suitable for every project. It's usually used on websites that promote two or more offerings, or where the site itself has two versions. This allows visitors not only to explore one product/service in detail but also to quickly switch to another and even compare them.
A clear implementation of this method can be seen on Dropbox Guides . On one hand, we see vertical division. If the browser window gets smaller, the layout shifts to a more familiar horizontal view (header with title and icon on top, content below).
A unique feature of the Split Screen method is that each half is not capable of expanding or shrinking to show more content within the browser window. So it's not recommended for content-heavy websites. It's important that each side retains its size and amount of content. For example, if you try to widen the browser window on Dropbox Guides, you'll see that the left half remains static — only an icon is shown. The right side might show slightly more content, but not significantly more.
Variations of the Split Screen method
Just as in the film industry, Split Screen in web design can be implemented in a variety of ways with different effects. Let's take a closer look at some of these variations.
Strict typography and bright colors
Thanks to Material Design and Flat styles, we're increasingly seeing combinations of bright colors that evoke emotion in visitors, along with strict fonts that emphasize the text's importance. When combined, these elements create a very engaging design option.
Take a look at Baesman , kirichik , Angel Martínez , resourcela . Each of them uses either a pair of bright colors or one highly contrasting color. Either way, the colors add importance to both screen halves and don't interfere with the user's ability to choose what to explore first.
Calls to action
Split Screen, being much more than just a graphic trend of recent years, offers a very original way to guide visitors through a website. And if you need to present many variations of calls to action (learn about a product, place an order, buy), split screen can be one of the most effective tools.
On websites like Bump , Fanny Myard , hellomonday , Boud , 404 , you can see how the two halves differ in importance due to contrast or ample negative space. Some use photos of the same object from different angles or sizes to emphasize significance.
Visual flow
To fully appreciate the split screen method, it's important to note that the overall website design remains cohesive; all content belongs to a single theme regardless of the half it's on. This unity can be achieved with bright colors used in a checkerboard pattern to visually connect the halves and their content.
Another option is to connect the halves with an overlapping element. Designers use text (especially calligraphic fonts ), buttons, images, logos, or translucent overlays. Examples of this approach can be seen on Surfers Against Sewage , madame de , Studio Meta , Ocean Resort Residences . Each uses different overlay techniques to unite the screen halves. Some have full split design, others use it only on the homepage — but in all cases the coherence is preserved.
Animation
Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine a website without animation. Not necessarily cartoon-like, but in forms like icons, parallax, appearing lines, frames, and so on — it’s everywhere. There's a reason for that: animation, whether subtle or interactive, encourages user engagement by inviting clicks and interactions. And yes, it’s possible to integrate animation with split screen design.
Take a look at the "Chekhov is Alive" character analysis project or enginethemes , where the divider itself is movable horizontally.
The project Huncwot features a four-part split screen, each with an interactive icon and brief section description. Another interesting example is 6-degrees , where text in the right half underlines dynamically as content loads. It also allows vertical scrolling and horizontal movement of the right section. Donauhof Wien is also animated, uses overlays, but doesn’t rely on bright colors.
Do I need a Split Screen?
Split-screen designs can look spectacular and impressive, but we all need to ask ourselves, “ What should I do for this specific project? They asked for a café website — should I split the screen? ” To simplify decision-making, ask yourself this:
It may seem complicated, but the goal is to convey an important message to users, and the method doesn’t matter as long as it's clear to them.
Here are a few more projects we selected. Not only do they feature split screens, but also use triangles, delight with asymmetric animation, alternate text and images like a chessboard. Some even present information centered on the split. These include: A Collective , SHS - Operational Consulting , Prymd , Luxtraum , Digital Marmalade .
Conclusion
The first impression of a website and understanding of its homepage when using split screen takes no more than three to five seconds. During this time, a visitor must make a clear and final judgment about the project. Therefore, the website layout and design must be friendly, clear, and understandable to most people on the planet, regardless of age, occupation, or interests — not to mention language.
Split-screen, in this case, represents an interesting structure that is both functional and aesthetic, and responsive as well. For example, instead of simply showing a hotel room or ocean view, why not place a photo of waves or marine life on one side and rooms, interiors, or houses on the other — or even create a collage? Both approaches are valid, but the latter is fresher in both idea and execution.
The Split Screen method is a bold, sharp solution — yet simple and powerful at once. But use it with care: placing some photos and text isn't enough to make it visually and intuitively clear why the page is split in the first place.