These Chromebook tips cover the shortcuts, Linux and Android apps, offline work and file management that make a Chromebook easier to use. Each one is checked against Google’s Chromebook help. To keep your Chromebook current, select the time at the bottom right, then Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates.
Essential Keyboard Shortcuts
Mastering keyboard shortcuts can significantly boost your Chromebook productivity. Here are some must-know shortcuts from Google’s Chromebook shortcut list:
- Open a new tab: Ctrl + T
- Reopen last closed tab: Ctrl + Shift + T
- Open the Files app: Shift + Alt + M
- Take a screenshot: Ctrl + Show windows
- More screen capture tools: Ctrl + Shift + Show windows
- Lock your screen: Search + L (or Launcher + L)
Linux App Setup and Usage
Running Linux apps on your Chromebook can open up a world of new possibilities. Here’s how to set it up, following Google’s Linux help:
- Select the time at the bottom right and open Settings.
- Select About ChromeOS > Developers.
- Next to Linux development environment, select Set up and follow the on-screen prompts. Setup can take 10 minutes or more.
- When it finishes, a terminal window opens. You can open the Terminal app again later from the launcher.
- Install Linux apps using the command line. For instance, to install GIMP, type
sudo apt-get install gimp.
Android App Integration
Many Chromebooks can run Android apps. Here’s how to use them, following Google’s Android apps help:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook. If it isn’t set up, go to Settings > Apps > Manage Google Play preferences.
- Search for the desired app and click Install.
- Access installed apps from the Launcher.
- To change an app’s permissions, go to Settings > Apps > Manage Google Play preferences > Android settings, then Apps & notifications > Permission manager.
Offline Mode Tips
Working offline on a Chromebook is easy with a bit of preparation:
- Open Google Drive and click Settings > Settings at the top right.
- Turn on Offline to save your most recently opened files for offline use. Google’s offline help says this needs the Google Docs Offline extension and an internet connection while you set it up.
- Turning on offline access for Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Drive turns it on for all of them.
- Download media files you might need offline in advance.
Power User File Management
Efficient file management is crucial for Chromebook productivity. Here’s how to tackle it, following Google’s Files app help:
- Open the Files app from the launcher.
- Use the My files section to organize files into folders.
- For external storage, connect your USB drive or SD card and select it on the left. Select Eject before you remove it.
- To zip files, select the files or folders, then select Zip.