Time-Saving Chromebook Keyboard Shortcuts [Free PDF & eBook Downloads]

Looking to speed things up on your Chromebook? We’ve pulled together a list of time-saving shortcuts, some well-known, others that may surprise you.

They’ll help you get work done faster so you can get back to your playlists, shows, games…or just more Baby Yoda memes 🛸.

🧠 Chromebook Keyboard Shortcuts to Save Time

1. Launch Apps from the Shelf

Use Alt + 1 through Alt + 8 to open apps from left to right on your Chromebook’s taskbar (also called the shelf).

2. Switch Between Browser Windows and Tabs

Use Alt + Tab to toggle between open windows. Press and hold Alt to see a tiled overview.
To switch between tabs inside a window, press Ctrl + Tab.

3. Dock Browser Windows

Working across multiple apps? Dock browser instances side-by-side using:
Alt + [ (dock left) and Alt + ] (dock right).

4. Reopen Closed Tabs

Accidentally closed a tab? Restore it with Ctrl + Shift + T.
Hit it again to bring back additional recently closed tabs.

5. Switch Between Accounts

If you’ve added personal and work profiles to your Chromebook, quickly switch between them using
Ctrl + Alt + < or Ctrl + Alt + >.

6. Enable Caps Lock

Chromebooks don’t have a dedicated Caps Lock key, but you can press
Alt + Search (or Alt + Assistant on some models) to toggle Caps Lock on/off.

Pro tip: You can also remap the Search key to act as a permanent Caps Lock button:

1. Click the clock on the bottom right → open Settings
2. Go to Device → Keyboard
3. Use the drop-down next to “Search” and choose “Caps Lock”

7. Take Screenshots on a Chromebook

There are two ways to take screenshots:

1. With a Screenshot key: Press it to capture immediately.
2. No Screenshot key: Use Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows
3. On external keyboards: Try Ctrl + Shift + F5

You can also use the Screen Capture menu:

1. Click the time (bottom right) → Screen Capture
2. Select full screen, window, or a custom region

Tips for partial screenshots:

• Use the Spacebar to toggle between full screen, window, or region modes.
• Use the Tab key to fine-tune capture areas using arrow keys.

Where screenshots are saved:

• Captured images are saved automatically in your Downloads folder.
• Need more help? Check out our full guide on how to take screenshots on a Chromebook.

Source: Chrome Enterprise Blog

🧭 Related Guides

• List of Chromebooks that support Android apps & games
• Ultimate Google Chrome Cheat Sheet
• Chrome Shortcuts for Linux Users
• Chrome Shortcuts for Windows Users
• Chrome Shortcuts for Mac Users