Essential Chromebook Shortcuts

Introduction

Chromebooks offer a variety of keyboard shortcuts designed to streamline your workflow and improve efficiency. Familiarizing yourself with these shortcuts can significantly enhance your user experience.

1. Take a Screenshot

• Full Screen: Press Ctrl + Show windows (the key with a rectangle and two lines) to capture the entire screen.

• Partial Screen: Press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows, then click and drag to select the area you want to capture.

2. Open File Manager

• Press Alt + Shift + M to quickly access the Files app, allowing you to manage your documents and downloads efficiently.

3. Open Task Manager

• If your Chromebook becomes unresponsive or slow, press Search + Esc to open the Task Manager. Here, you can view and manage active processes.

4. Launch Apps Quickly

• Press Alt + 1 through 8 to open the apps pinned to your shelf. The numbers correspond to the app positions from left to right.

5. Lock the Screen

• To secure your Chromebook when stepping away, press Search + L to lock the screen instantly.

6. Open the Chrome Browser Menu

• Press Alt + E to open the browser's menu, providing quick access to settings, bookmarks, and more.

7. Toggle Caps Lock

• Chromebooks lack a dedicated Caps Lock key. To enable or disable Caps Lock, press Alt + Search.

8. Sign Out Immediately

• To log out quickly, press Ctrl + Shift + Q twice. This is useful when you need to switch accounts or secure your session promptly.

9. Mirror Monitor

• When connected to an external display, press Ctrl + Display to mirror your screen, displaying the same content on both screens.

10. View All Keyboard Shortcuts

• Press Ctrl + Alt + / to open an overlay displaying all available keyboard shortcuts, helping you discover new ways to navigate your Chromebook efficiently.