How to Watch Picture-in-Picture Video on Your Mac
Picture-in-picture (PiP) is a fantastic feature that lets you watch videos in a small window on your screen, even while using other apps. On your Mac, you can use PiP to keep an eye on your favorite shows, tutorials, or live streams while you work, browse the web, or even play games.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using PiP on your Mac, covering everything from enabling the feature to customizing your PiP experience. Let's dive in!
Enabling Picture-in-Picture on Your Mac
The great news is that PiP is built into macOS, so you don't need to download any third-party apps. However, you might need to enable it first. Here's how:
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Open System Preferences: Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."
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Navigate to "Players": In the System Preferences window, click on "Players."
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Enable "Picture in Picture": Look for the "Picture in Picture" checkbox and make sure it's ticked.
That's it! Now you're ready to start using PiP.
Using Picture-in-Picture
Once you've enabled PiP, you can start using it with supported video apps. Here's how to launch a video in PiP:
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Play a Video: Open your favorite video app (like Safari, YouTube, or QuickTime) and start playing a video.
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Enter Picture-in-Picture: Click the "Picture in Picture" button in the video player's controls. This button usually looks like a small rectangle with an arrow pointing out.
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Move and Resize the PiP Window: Now you should see a small PiP window containing your video. You can drag this window anywhere on your screen and resize it by clicking and dragging the corners.
Customizing Picture-in-Picture
Now that you've got the basics down, let's explore how to customize your PiP experience:
1. Controlling Playback
- Play, Pause, and Skip: Use the PiP window's controls to play, pause, rewind, or fast-forward the video.
- Volume Control: Use the volume slider in the PiP window to adjust the audio.
2. PiP Position
- Always on Top: If you want the PiP window to stay visible even when other apps are active, click on the PiP window and select "Always on Top" from the "Window" menu.
- Corner Placement: For quick access, you can also use the "Show in Top Left Corner," "Show in Top Right Corner," "Show in Bottom Left Corner," or "Show in Bottom Right Corner" options from the "Window" menu.
3. Full Screen Picture-in-Picture
While PiP typically displays a small window, you can actually enlarge it to take up more space on your screen. This is great for situations where you want to focus on the video more prominently.
- Enter Full Screen PiP: Click the "Fullscreen" button in the PiP window's controls.
4. Using Picture-in-Picture with Safari
Safari offers some unique PiP features that enhance the user experience:
- Safari PiP Controls: In Safari, the PiP controls are located at the top of the PiP window. This makes them easily accessible, even when you're working in other windows.
- PiP with Multiple Tabs: Safari lets you use PiP with multiple tabs simultaneously. This means you can watch a video in a PiP window while browsing other websites in other tabs.
5. Using Picture-in-Picture with YouTube
YouTube's PiP functionality is particularly useful because it allows you to:
- Control PiP with Keyboard Shortcuts: You can use keyboard shortcuts to control PiP on YouTube, even when the video is in the PiP window.
- Pause PiP When Inactivity Detected: YouTube's PiP feature automatically pauses the video when it detects inactivity. This helps to conserve battery life and avoid unnecessary audio playback.
6. Picture-in-Picture with Other Apps
While PiP is supported by most popular video apps, you may encounter compatibility issues with some older or less common programs. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Check App Updates: Make sure your video app is updated to the latest version.
- Look for App Settings: Some video apps have their own PiP settings that you might need to adjust.
Troubleshooting Picture-in-Picture
Although PiP is generally reliable, you might encounter some occasional problems. Here's a quick guide to resolving common PiP issues:
1. Video Playback Issues:
- Check Internet Connection: A weak internet connection can cause buffering or lag in your PiP video.
- Restart Video App: Try restarting the video app you're using.
- Force Quit: If the app is frozen, force quit it and relaunch it.
2. PiP Window Not Appearing:
- Enable PiP: Make sure that PiP is enabled in System Preferences.
- Restart Mac: Try restarting your Mac to refresh its settings.
3. PiP Controls Not Working:
- Update App: Make sure the app is updated to the latest version.
- Restart Mac: Restarting your Mac can sometimes fix control issues.
4. PiP Window Is Stuck:
- Force Quit: Force quit the video app and relaunch it.
- Restart Mac: Restarting your Mac might help to resolve stuck windows.
Picture-in-Picture: A Powerful Productivity Tool
Picture-in-picture is an incredibly powerful tool that can revolutionize how you work on your Mac. Whether you're following a recipe while cooking, catching up on your favorite shows during your commute, or learning a new skill while you exercise, PiP allows you to multitask seamlessly without missing a beat.
By taking advantage of PiP's customization options, you can tailor your experience to fit your workflow and preferences. Whether you're looking to create a distraction-free workspace or simply enjoy your videos in a more flexible and engaging way, PiP has something to offer every Mac user.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Picture-in-Picture work with all video apps?
While most popular video apps support PiP, some older or less common programs may not be compatible.
2. Can I use Picture-in-Picture on multiple monitors?
You can use PiP on multiple monitors by dragging the PiP window to the desired monitor.
3. How do I exit Picture-in-Picture mode?
To exit PiP, simply click the "Picture in Picture" button again in the video player's controls.
4. What happens to the PiP window if I close the video app?
The PiP window will disappear if you close the video app.
5. Can I customize the appearance of the Picture-in-Picture window?
You can resize and move the PiP window, but you cannot currently customize its appearance beyond that.
Conclusion
Picture-in-picture is a game-changer for Mac users, enabling multitasking and making your workflow more efficient and enjoyable. By understanding the basics, customizing your PiP experience, and troubleshooting any potential issues, you can fully unlock the power of this incredible feature. From watching your favorite shows while you work to learning new skills while on the go, PiP opens up a world of possibilities. So, give it a try and see how it can transform your Mac experience.