Open multiple documents (simultaneously)
I'd like the ability to open multiple documents at the same time, so I can switch easily between them. When switching from one document to another it closes the current one and it takes loading time to open the other doc (which isn't workable in a meeting).
With something like tabs you can easily switch...

We’re pleased to share with you that we’ve addressed this long-standing feature request: the ability to open Multiple Word Documents on your iPadOS. This capability is available to M365 subscribers starting from build 2.37.504.0.
127 comments
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Fjordstrøm commented
This feature is possible in iPadOS 13, they even featured MS Word on the stage at WWDC. So guys, this feature is coming, probably after the release of iPadOS 13/13.1.
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Jake commented
This weakness in Word for iOS (and also Android) is a huge issue. I would not have bought my tablet if I had known. Very annoyed
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Lucy commented
Split screen ability!!!!!!!!!. Like what you can do with safari tabs
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Anonymous commented
Add the native iOS 13/iPadOS feature of using multiple windows next to each other in split view. (iOS 13 does now support this. There will then be multiple instances of Word/Excel be opened)
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Anonymous commented
Dear MS Word team, so now that Apple has fixed the problem for you with iPadOS 13 (with multiple windows of the same app side-by-side; for those missed it: https://www.apple.com/ipados/ipados-preview/), please make it sure it is really good.
1) edit same document in two windows side-by-side in different places
2) implement compare and combine two documents function -
Andrew Elias commented
Oh and can we get the edit feature in this forum lol?
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Andrew Elias commented
Scroll down to “windowed apps” this might make you happy.
https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ipados-news/
They demoed two Word docs open at the same time.
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Andrew Elias commented
I do want to mention that this is likely going to happen when iOS 13 comes out. They announced it at WWDC 2019.
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Tal commented
I would like this option as well so I could STUDY WITH MY IPAD!
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Anonymous commented
Would like to be able to to have more than one document open at one time. It is a pain to have it close and then open only one document at a time.
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M T commented
Same situation here. One doc manuscript, one doc reviewer comments. Please do so asap!
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Vincent C commented
I believe this is a marketing strategy. Imagine, this is the one thing that differentiates an iPad from any laptop, be it Mac or a Windows PC. If this capability is enabled in an iPad for any apps on iPad (say iPad Pro), it’s almost 95% a laptop. Who would buy a laptop anymore unless you need to use power software on very specific tasks? I believe 90% of ppl wouldn’t need that. It’d kill off a lot of laptop sales.
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Marcus Horry commented
This is very easily done and is a must for an app you make us pay at least £5.99 a month for. Really making life hard work! It’s been in review for over 1.5 years now.... we need an answer!
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Marcus Horry commented
When is this going to happen !!!!
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Marcus Horry commented
This is just a must!
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Dale Strauss commented
I know it is against your interests (Surface brand) but you need to add multi-window support for Word in iOS. Even dare to be creative and bring a multi-tab interface to the iOS versions of Word and Excel - AND CHARGE FOR IT.
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ilanman commented
Hi,
We really need this. It has been under review for a year and a half now? I hope that doesn’t mean it is still undecided, but that is has been worked on for a while now and a future update soon will include this feature.
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ilanman commented
Yes, this seems like a pretty basic feature that should be included. Working with multiple documents at once is pretty standard when writing texts.
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Anonymous commented
Yup! And it’s Apple not Microsoft. Is this for kids or creatives? Not a serious work device if you can’t side-by-side to docs in the same app to compare workm, whether writing or graphics. Unfortunate and a lost sale.
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Anonymous commented
Same issue!!!! Please fix!!!! This is the worst thing ever, makes the app completely useless!