8 Essential Keyboard Shortcuts for Chromebooks

Whether you're transitioning from a different device or just looking to become a keyboard ninja, these shortcuts are essential on a Chromebook. 

Here are 5 Shortcuts You Need... followed by 3 you wish your students didn't know!

1. Top Row
2. Screenshots
3. Zoom
4. Caps Lock
5. Dock Window
6. Rotate Screen
7. Log Out
8. Restart

1. Top Row

The top row of keys have unique functions on a Chromebook and should be your starting point for learning the device:

2. Screenshots

Snap a quick pic of the whole screen with Ctrl + Switch key:


Select just a portion of your screen by adding the Shift key.  You'll then need to click and drag the area you want to select:


You'll see this popup, where you can click the picture to go open the file, or "Copy to Clipboard" for immediate copy/paste action.

3. Zoom

Use these keys to change the zoom level on your screen:

Ctrl and + = Zoom in
Ctrl and -  = Zoom out
Ctrl and 0  = Reset Zoom to default (100%)

4. Caps Lock

You went looking for Caps Lock, and found only a search button in its place. Never fear, Alt + Search is here!

(Press the Shift key when you're ready to turn Caps Lock off!)

5. Dock Windows Side-By-Side

If you need to use multiple apps or browser windows, using the Ctrl + Bracket Keys will cut your current app's screen space in half, and attach it to the side of your screen, allowing you to open another app side-by-side:

And now, 3 shortcuts your students know (but you wish they didn't.... Because they do them to each others' keyboards.... Constantly. #MiddleSchoolLife)

6. Rotate Screen

Ctrl + Shift + Refresh rotates the screen 90 degrees.   

This has only occasional usefulness... but good to know for when a kid rotates someone else's screen. 

7. Log Out

Ctrl + Shift + QQ: Press the Q twice while holding the other two keys, and you immediately log out of the Chromebook. 

8. Restart

When in doubt, a Restart solves many common problems or glitches. This requires the refresh key on the keyboard AND the power button on the side of the device.

Now go forth, keyboard ninja, and conquer your Chromebook!