It is not uncommon to see folks complaining about the lack of some features in the Chromebook. Although Chromebooks are more of a notebook and not a fully blown up laptop, they do have a bunch of shortcuts and hidden features that can boost your productivity. We have curated some of the most useful Chromebook Keyboard shortcuts, and we hope that this will delight you.
1. Taking a Screenshot on a Chromebook
There exists plenty of third party apps to take screenshots, but the native screenshot grabber is the only tool that works on all the screens. All you need to do in order to take a screenshot on Chromebook is to press the Ctrl button together with this
key at the same time, and the screenshot will be captured and saved in downloads.
Additionally, if you want to capture a particular part of the screen, all you need to do is press Ctrl + Shift and the following button:
2. Launching Apps pinned to shelf
Shelf is the horizontal bar at the bottom of the Chromebook screen. Apart from housing the menu, browser and notification center, it also lets users pin their favorite apps. Here is a keyboard shortcut to access your favorite apps without actually using the mouse.
Pressing Alt + (1-8) will open any apps pinned on the shelf and the apps are referenced from number 1-8 starting from the left.
3. Locking the Screen on Chromebook
Just like Windows and every other operating system, even Chromebook has a keyboard shortcut to lock the screen when the machine is left unattended for short period of time. We would suggest you lock your Chromebook even if you are away to grab a cup of something or a quick bite, as this will ensure that no one will be able to access your machine.
Press Ctrl+Shift+L simultaneously to lock the Chromebook.
4. Toggling Caps Lock On/Off
When i first bought my Chromebook, I struggled to find the caps lock key and finally learned that Chromebook Keyboard doesn’t have one. Yes, instead of a direct Caps Lock key like in the conventional keyboards, Chromebook keyboard requires the users to press Alt+Search key to toggle the caps lock On/Off.
5. Direct Logout
In case you need to log out in a jiffy from your Google account, all you need to do is punch in Ctrl + Shift + q (twice).
6. Opening File Manager
File manager can be opened easily by pinning it to the shelf, but if you want to open the same without using the trackpad, then you need to press Alt + Shift + M simultaneously.
7. Accessing Task Manager
Ever wondered if your Chromebook has a task manager or if it keeps all the processes wrapped up? Cutting to the chase, Chromebook does come with a powerful task manager that can be accessed by Shift + Esc. For added or more detailed insights, you need to click on “Stats for nerds.”
8. Keyboard Shortcut Blueprint
Want to checkout all of the shortcuts at a single go? Press Ctrl + Alt + ?. The overlay will show you all the shortcuts associated with different buttons once you press them just like in the picture above.
9. Changing Internal Display resolution
This shortcut will come in handy if you want to change the internal display without wandering deep into the settings. Pressing Ctrl + Shift and “+” will increase the internal resolution and Ctrl + Shift + “-“ will reduce the internal display resolution.
10. Connecting to an external display
Chromebook can not only be connected to an external display, but the display can also be mirrored. Mirror display feature will show the same image on Chromebook and the external display. Display can be mirrored by Ctrl +
Wrapping it up
Chromebook has its own pros and cons, but the truth is not many of the users care to explore the additional features the little Linux machine has to offer. I have been using Chromebook as my primary machine for more than six months, and I don’t have any problem transitioning from Windows to Chrome OS. In fact, the transition process was smooth and graceful. If you find yourself in a fix, while using the Chromebook you can always head to “Settings -> About Chrome OS -> Get Help using Chrome OS.” This will open up a guide for users to get instant help.
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