Office Settings & Configuration

How to Display Two Word Pages Side by Side on the Web

Steve K Oct 15, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users want to know how to display multiple document pages side by side when using the web-based version of Microsoft Word.

How to View Two Word Pages Side by Side on the Web

Product: Word for the web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Comparing pages or editing long documents where seeing multiple pages simultaneously is necessary.
Observed behavior: Word for the web lacks the native multi-page layout view that is available in the desktop application, preventing users from viewing pages side by side in a single window.

Before you start

Ensure your browser allows you to detach tabs into separate windows, and save any current progress in your document before duplicating the window.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Multiple Browser Windows to Compare Pages

Since Word for the web does not support a native side-by-side view in a single window, opening the document in two separate snapped browser windows is the recommended workaround.

While this method requires managing two separate browser windows, it allows you to utilize your operating system's built-in window snapping features to achieve a side-by-side layout.

Open the document

Duplicate the browser tab

Right-click the current browser tab at the top of your screen and select 'Duplicate' to open a second instance of the exact same document.

Separate into a new window

Click and drag the newly duplicated tab downwards or away from the tab bar to detach it into its own independent browser window.

Snap windows side by side

Drag one window to the far left edge of your screen until it snaps into place, and drag the other window to the far right edge. Scroll to the different pages you wish to compare.

Use Multiple Browser Windows to Compare Pages

Auto-sync delay: Edits made in one window will automatically sync to the other window, but there may be a slight delay of a few seconds depending on your internet connection.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Native Side-by-Side Viewing with WPS Office

Tired of using browser workarounds to compare document pages? Switch to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and easy-to-use Microsoft Office alternative offering high format compatibility, a familiar UI, and a seamless migration experience.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free desktop application.
2. Open your Word document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document; your formatting will remain intact.
3. Enable Multiple Pages view: Navigate to the 'View' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Multiple Pages' to view your document side by side natively.

View and compare multiple pages natively with the built-in side-by-side layout.Seamless Microsoft Word (.docx, .doc) format compatibility.Lightweight desktop app that provides full functionality offline.Familiar user interface makes document migration completely effortless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Microsoft add a native side-by-side view to Word for the web?

Currently, Microsoft reserves advanced layout and multi-page viewing features for the desktop version of Word. There has been no official announcement regarding adding this feature to Word for the web.

Can I view two entirely different documents side by side in Word online?

Yes. You can achieve this by opening the first document in one browser window, opening the second document in a separate browser window, and snapping the two windows next to each other on your screen.

What is the quickest way to snap browser windows side by side on Windows?

Select your first browser window and press the 'Windows key + Left Arrow'. Then, click your second browser window and press the 'Windows key + Right Arrow' to split your screen evenly.

Office App Problems