Got an ultrawide monitor? You're sitting on a productivity goldmine that most people never touch. We're talking about running your PC and a console... or your work laptop and your gaming rig... on the same screen, at the same time. This isn't science fiction; it's the magic of ultrawide monitor Picture in Picture (PiP), and mastering it is simpler than you think. Let's unlock your monitor's true potential.

What is Ultrawide Monitor Picture in Picture, Anyway?

Think of it as having two screens in one. Most modern ultrawides come with two killer features:

  • Picture in Picture (PiP): This overlays a small window from a second video source on top of your main screen. It's perfect for keeping an eye on a sports match or a YouTube tutorial while you're grinding in your favourite game.
  • Picture by Picture (PbP): This splits your screen vertically or horizontally, displaying two different sources side-by-side. Imagine coding on one half and seeing the live preview from your MacBook on the other... no more alt-tabbing.

Essentially, these features let you plug two separate devices into one of our powerful PC monitors and view them simultaneously.

Pro Tricks for Getting the Most Out of PiP & PbP

Knowing the feature exists is one thing; using it to level up your workflow is another. An ultrawide PiP setup isn't just a gimmick, it’s a genuine workflow optimiser.

The Ultimate Gaming & Streaming Setup 🎮

Ever wanted to follow a complex build guide for Elden Ring without having your phone propped up next to your screen? With PiP, you can. Run your game full-screen from your PC and overlay a small window with a YouTube guide playing from a connected laptop or even a smart device. It’s also brilliant for streamers who want to monitor their console gameplay feed via a capture card on the same screen they use for OBS. This is where a dedicated display from our range of all gaming monitors truly shines.

TIP

Cable Management Pro Tip 🔧

For a clean PiP PbP setup, use cable sleeves or clips to bundle the two input cables (e.g., HDMI and DisplayPort) together. This prevents a tangled mess behind your screen and makes your battle station look incredibly professional. A tidy desk is a tidy mind!

The Productivity Powerhouse

For professionals, using Picture by Picture on an ultrawide is a revelation. You can have your primary Windows desktop taking up two-thirds of the screen, with your work MacBook connected and displayed on the final third. You're controlling two different computers with one screen, keyboard, and mouse (with the right software or KVM switch). The sheer screen real estate on modern 5K & 4K monitors makes this setup incredibly sharp and usable, eliminating the need for a second physical display.

A Quick Setup Demo: How to Enable PiP

While the exact steps vary by brand (like Dell, LG, or Samsung), the basic process for an ultrawide monitor picture in picture setup is universal.

  1. Connect Your Sources: Plug your primary device (e.g., your PC) and your secondary device (e.g., a PS5 or laptop) into two different input ports on the monitor.
  2. Open the OSD: Use the physical buttons or joystick on your monitor to open its On-Screen Display menu.
  3. Find the PiP/PbP Setting: Look for a menu item labelled "PiP/PbP," "Multi-Window," or something similar.
  4. Configure Your Layout: Choose which input you want as your main display and which will be the secondary. You can usually adjust the PiP window's size and corner position.
  5. Get the Right Gear: Ensure you have high-quality cables for each source. If you're short, check out our range of monitor accessories to get connected.

The immersion you get, especially on widescreen curved monitors, makes managing two sources feel seamless and natural.

Is PiP Better Than a Second Monitor?

That depends on your needs. A separate secondary screen, like one of these handy portable monitors, gives you more total pixels. However, an ultrawide with PiP or PbP offers a cleaner, bezel-free experience that saves a ton of desk space. For many South Africans looking to create a sleek and powerful setup without clutter, the integrated solution is superior. It's about maximising the hardware you already own and finding amazing value in the latest PC monitor deals. ✨

Ready to Upgrade Your View? An ultrawide monitor with PiP is more than a display; it's a command centre. Stop juggling windows and start multitasking like a pro. Explore our massive range of PC monitors and find the perfect screen to conquer your work and play.