Some monitors can show two video sources at once, letting you watch a console feed while working on your PC, or keep an eye on a laptop’s screen beside your desktop. The two features that make this possible are Picture-by-Picture (PBP) and Picture-in-Picture (PIP). They sound similar and are often listed together, but they behave very differently. This guide explains how each works and when to use them.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Our Top Picks
Dell UltraSharp U4025QW 40" Class 5K2K WUHD Curved16.5" x 37.3" x 4.3"4.3 x 37.3 x 16.5 Inches41.93 poundsCheck on Amazon
SAMSUNG 34" ViewFinity S50GC Series Ultra-WQHD Monitor34- in Flat8.7 x 32.1 x 18 inches10.8 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Dell UltraSharp U4924DW 49" Dual Quad HD14.4" x 47.8" x 4.4"4.4 x 47.8 x 14.4 inches60.2 poundsCheck on Amazon
Samsung 49” Business Curved Ultrawide Dual QHD Computer49 inch22.38 x 45.18 x 16.56 Inches32.19 poundsCheck on Amazon
Top 3 picks at a glance
Picture-by-Picture: two sources side by side
PBP splits the screen into two (sometimes more) equal or adjustable regions, each showing a separate input. On a wide or ultrawide monitor, this effectively turns one physical panel into two logical displays, so you can run your work PC on the left half and a second computer or console on the right. The key point is that each source only gets part of the screen’s resolution. On a 3840×2160 panel in a 50/50 split, each source is displayed in roughly a 1920×2160 region.
| Feature | Picture-by-Picture (PBP) | Picture-in-Picture (PIP) |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Two areas side by side | Small inset over a main image |
| Resolution per source | Split, each gets part of the panel | Main full, inset scaled small |
| Best for | Working on two systems at once | Monitoring a second feed |
| Best panel | Ultrawide / large 4K | Any size |
Where PBP shines
PBP is ideal on a 34-inch ultrawide or a large 4K panel where each half is still big enough to be genuinely usable. A common setup is a work laptop over USB-C on one side and a desktop over DisplayPort on the other, with a KVM feature letting a single keyboard and mouse jump between them. Because the panel is physically one screen, there is no bezel down the middle the way a dual-monitor setup has.
Picture-in-Picture: a small inset window
PIP keeps one source filling the whole screen and drops the second source into a small movable box in a corner, like the thumbnail overlay on a TV. The main image stays at full resolution while the inset is scaled down. This is perfect for monitoring rather than working: keeping a security feed, a sports game, a chat client, or a console in the corner while you do your main task on the full screen.
Positioning and sizing the inset
Most PIP implementations let you choose the corner and sometimes the size of the inset window. Because it is small, it is not meant for detailed work; think of it as glanceable. If you find yourself constantly wanting the second source bigger, PBP or a genuine second monitor is the better answer.
Practical considerations before you rely on it
Not every monitor supports these modes, and among those that do, the flexibility varies: some only allow specific input combinations, and some disable high refresh rates or HDR while in PBP or PIP. Check the manual for which inputs can be paired and whether the split maintains the refresh rate you need. Also remember that each source is a separate device with its own cable, so you need two live inputs plugged in. A monitor with a built-in KVM makes multi-source setups far more pleasant because one set of peripherals controls both systems.
Frequently asked questions
Does PBP reduce image quality?
Each source only uses part of the panel, so it is displayed at a lower effective resolution than the full screen. On a large 4K or ultrawide monitor each half is still sharp and usable, but on a small 1080p panel the split leaves little room, so PBP is best reserved for bigger, higher-resolution displays.
Can I use one keyboard and mouse across both PBP sources?
Only if the monitor includes a KVM switch feature, which routes a single keyboard and mouse to whichever source you select. Without a KVM, each source needs its own peripherals, or you switch them manually. If you plan to work across two systems in PBP, buy a monitor with a built-in KVM.
Bottom line
Picture-by-Picture splits the screen into side-by-side regions for working across two systems at once, while Picture-in-Picture drops a small inset over a full-screen main source for glanceable monitoring. Both need two live inputs; PBP wants a large or ultrawide panel and pairs beautifully with a built-in KVM, while PIP works on any size for keeping a second feed in the corner.
