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New Member
posted Mar 26, 2021 5:42:17 PM

How can I view two forms side by side in TurboTax?

I'm trying to trace values across worksheets and forms, but it is very difficult to do because I can only seem to have one form open at a time.  Is there a way to open two or more forms and present them side by side?

0 9 1864
9 Replies
Level 15
Mar 26, 2021 5:45:31 PM

Are you using the Desktop program or the online version?  But probably the only way would be to print it out to look at them.

New Member
Mar 26, 2021 6:08:42 PM

I'm using the desktop version.  I'm reluctant to print what will amount to a dozen pages of forms/worksheets just so I can trace calculations backward to see how a particular amount ended up on one line of a form. 

Level 15
Mar 26, 2021 7:20:43 PM

if your program does not have split screen, then use Windows snipping tool to capture the first form and then open the second form in TurboTax.

Level 15
Mar 26, 2021 7:37:39 PM

'm using the desktop version.

Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but it's perfectly possible in forms mode to have multiple forms open at a time. But you can only view one form at a time, by clicking the tab you wish to actually view at a given moment. Take a look at my screenshot below, and I've got a fat red line over each open tab, with the "SCH C" tab selected for viewing.

Level 15
Mar 26, 2021 7:40:48 PM

Another thing you can do, is to print each form as a separate PDF file on your computer, by selecting the "Microsoft Print to PDF" printer in your print options screen. Then you can open them using Adobe Reader, Firefox, or Edge in their own separate windows.

 

Level 15
Mar 26, 2021 9:55:15 PM

TaxAct just implemented split screen so you can see two forms at once, or pop the form out into a new window.

New Member
Mar 27, 2021 6:29:52 AM

What Carl said!  🙂

New Member
Mar 27, 2021 3:14:25 PM

I need to trace calculations across multiple forms and worksheets.  To do this I need to be able to view selected values in multiple forms at once.  I also need to see how form values update if a change is made on one of the source forms or worksheets.  Those changes mean I'd have to reprint after each change, so the printing solution is not so useful.

I currently have 8 forms open in Forms view because they are all involved with the calculation I'm currently working on.  I find it easy to lose context as I try to trace figures from one form to another.  If I could view the live forms side-by-side, it would help enormously. 

Level 15
Mar 27, 2021 3:32:35 PM

If I could view the live forms side-by-side, it would help enormously.

I have no doubt that would be extremely useful and helpful. Unfortunately, it's just not possible. Sounds to me like a darn good "product enhancement" suggestion for future years (like next year maybe?) @GabiU you want to pass this on?