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Computers running Windows and Mac operating systems are well-known for their vast availability of keyboard shortcuts, and computers running Chrome OS are not an exception to this rule. Chromebooks also come with a variety of keyboard shortcuts, which enable users to complete routine operations much more rapidly. This helps Chromebook users considerably increase their productivity.
Learning the shortcut keys for your Chromebook can make a significant difference in the efficiency of your work, regardless of whether you’re editing and formatting text, surfing webpages, or modifying system settings.
In spite of the fact that they may look uncomplicated and uncomplicated, the majority of the time these keyboard shortcuts include hidden functionalities and gimmicks that might make your experience better. In order to assist you in being more productive with your Chromebook, the list of keyboard shortcuts that follows is a compilation of useful and common shortcuts that will allow you to do activities more quickly.
Importance of Chromebook Keyboard Shortcuts
Chromebook keyboard shortcuts help you be more efficient, get more done, and have a better total experience. Here’s why it’s important to know these shortcuts:
- Less strain: Using keyboard tools means you don’t have to move your mouse or touchpad as often, which can help you avoid repetitive strain injuries and the pain that comes with clicking and pointing too much.
- Focus: If you don’t have to reach for the mouse or touchpad as often, you can pay more attention to the job at hand. This makes you more focused and productive.
- Task Automation: Some computer shortcuts can do things automatically that would normally take more than one step. For example, a single key combination can be used to quickly take a picture or open a certain app.
Best Chromebook Keyboard Shortcuts
You may execute a variety of tasks fast and without any interruptions using keyboard shortcuts, which reduces down on the amount of time spent browsing through menus and clicking on alternatives. When working on time-sensitive projects or trying to fulfill stringent deadlines, this is an especially crucial consideration.
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open windows |
| Alt + [ | Go back one page in the browser |
| Alt + ] | Go forward one page in the browser |
| Ctrl + Alt + / | Display keyboard shortcut overlay |
| Ctrl + Switch Window | Switch between open windows and apps |
| Search + [ | Move to the previous open window |
| Search + ] | Move to the next open window |
| Search + L | Lock the screen |
| Search + E | Open the file manager |
| Search + M | Open the notification center |
| Search + N | Open a new virtual desktop |
| Search + S | Activate the Assistant |
Browser Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + T | Open a new browser tab |
| Ctrl + W | Close the current browser tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + T | Reopen the most recently closed tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Open a new Incognito window |
| Ctrl + [1-8] | Switch to a specific tab |
| Ctrl + 9 | Switch to the last tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + B | Show or hide the bookmarks bar |
| Ctrl + H | View browsing history |
| Ctrl + J | View downloads |
| Ctrl + D | Add current page to bookmarks |
| Ctrl + F | Find text on the current page |
| Ctrl + + | Zoom in |
| Ctrl + – | Zoom out |
| Ctrl + 0 | Reset zoom level |
| Spacebar or Page Down | Scroll down the page |
| Shift + Spacebar or Page Up | Scroll up the page |
Screenshot Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Shift + 4 | Take a partial screenshot |
| Ctrl + Shift + 5 | Take a full-screen screenshot |
| Ctrl + Shift + 6 | Take a screenshot of the current window |
| Ctrl + Shift + ] | Increase screen brightness |
| Ctrl + Shift + [ | Decrease screen brightness |
System Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Alt + / | Display keyboard shortcut overlay |
| Ctrl + Shift + L | Lock the screen |
| Ctrl + Shift + Q (twice) | Log out of the current user |
| Ctrl + Shift + R | Toggle Chromebook’s Developer mode |
| Ctrl + Shift + S | Enable or disable Sticky Keys |
| Ctrl + Shift + U | Enable or disable Caps Lock |
| Ctrl + Shift + V | Paste content without formatting |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open the Task Manager |
Best Chromebook keyboard Shortcuts for Windows and Mac Platforms
Keyboard shortcuts make the workflow more streamlined and understandable by doing away with the need to select different options from different menus. This results in improved concentrate on creative components and a reduction in the number of interruptions that occur.
Windows
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Alt + / | Display keyboard shortcut overlay |
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open windows |
| Alt + [ | Go back one page in the browser |
| Alt + ] | Go forward one page in the browser |
| Ctrl + Shift + T | Reopen the most recently closed tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + Q (twice) | Log out of the current user |
| Ctrl + Shift + S | Enable or disable Sticky Keys |
| Ctrl + Shift + U | Enable or disable Caps Lock |
| Ctrl + Shift + V | Paste content without formatting |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open the Task Manager |
| Ctrl + Shift + ] | Increase screen brightness |
| Ctrl + Shift + [ | Decrease screen brightness |
| Ctrl + + | Zoom in |
| Ctrl + – | Zoom out |
| Ctrl + 0 | Reset zoom level |
| Spacebar or Page Down | Scroll down the page |
| Shift + Spacebar or Page Up | Scroll up the page |
Mac
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Command + Option + / | Display keyboard shortcut overlay |
| Command + Tab | Switch between open applications |
| Command + [ | Go back one page in the browser |
| Command + ] | Go forward one page in the browser |
| Command + Shift + T | Reopen the most recently closed tab |
| Command + Shift + Q (twice) | Log out of the current user |
| Command + Shift + S | Enable or disable Sticky Keys |
| Command + Shift + U | Enable or disable Caps Lock |
| Command + Shift + V | Paste content without formatting |
| Command + Shift + Esc | Open the Task Manager |
| Command + Shift + ] | Increase screen brightness |
| Command + Shift + [ | Decrease screen brightness |
| Command + + | Zoom in |
| Command + – | Zoom out |
| Command + 0 | Reset zoom level |
| Spacebar or Page Down | Scroll down the page |
| Shift + Spacebar or Page Up | Scroll up the page |
How to Use Chromebook Keyboard Shortcuts Effectively?
Using keyboard tools well on a Chromebook can make you much more productive and speed up how you do things. Here’s how to use Chromebook keyboard tools to their fullest:
- Use Keyboard keys for Extensions: If you add extensions to your Chrome browser, some of them may have their own keys. Check the settings or documentation for the extension to find these fast cuts.
- It might take some time to get used to using computer shortcuts all the time. Practicing them often will help you remember them and use them in your daily life.
- Check out the Official Chromebook Shortcut Keyboard List:
There is an approved list of keyboard shortcuts for Chromebooks online. Learn how to use these shortcuts to access a wide range of tasks. - Keep an open mind: Shortcuts on your keyboard can make your Chromebook experience better, but new shortcuts may be added with changes. Keep an open mind about learning new tools and keep looking into what they can do for you.
Questions and Answers
A: The keyboard buttons for Chromebooks are made for the Chrome OS. Some keyboard options may work on other operating systems or web browsers, but not all of them will do the same thing.
A: Yes, there are some useful keyboard shortcuts on a Chromebook that are secret or not as well known. You can find these hidden shortcuts and learn more about what your Chromebook can do by reading the Chrome OS instructions or using online resources.
A: Pressing the “Ctrl” and “Alt” keys together and then the “/” key will open a search bar where you can type terms to find specific keyboard shortcuts for your Chromebook. This can help if you want to find options for a certain function or action.