12 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do on Your Chromebook

Chromebooks proceed to chance success as affordable , dewy-eyed , cloud - found laptops . Chrome OS is n’t as complex as Windows or macOS , but sometimes less is more ( especially when you ’re economize money ) . If you have a Chromebook of your own , these are some of the most utilitarian feature article you require to make yourself aware of .

1. Record screen activity

The screen door capture capabilities of Chrome oculus sinister have been importantly improved latterly . Press Ctrl+Shift+Show Windows ( the fifth button from the left at the top ) , or chatter Screen capture in the Quick preferences Zen , and you get a Modern pop - up control board . This lets you shift between effigy and picture seizure , choose to include the mike in video recording , trance part or the whole of the CRT screen , or becharm activity in one specific window .

2. Pin files to the shelf

Need easy admittance to a specific filing cabinet or radical of file in Chrome OS ? If you open up the Files app on your Chromebook , then right - select a finical file or folder and opt Pin to shelf , you ’ll then be capable to access it by select the icon just to the left hand of the Quick configurations button . Note that some types of file , including screenshots and downloads , automatically appear in this pinned part so you’re able to get at them more cursorily .

3. Change wallpapers automatically

verify you ’re amply aware of all the options you get for setting the wallpaper on your Chromebook . If you flop - dawn on the screen background and take Set wallpaper , you may pluck from a full range of gorgeous - wait images provide by Google ( or select an image of your own ) . Note that some categories on the left ( include Landscapes and Art ) reveal a Daily Refresh on-off switch shift when selected . Enable this to get a newfangled backcloth every day .

4. Access the clipboard history

The traditional computer clipboard has always been passably modified , what with it only being able-bodied to hold one item at a clock time . That ’s starting to change across multiple platforms now though , including Chrome OS : If you hit the Search+V keyboard shortcut rather than the more traditional Ctrl+V cutoff , you ’ll see the last five items copy or cut to the clipboard . sink in on anything in the leaning to paste it , or use the X icon to absent something .

5. Open up virtual desks

Chrome OS supports virtual desktops , similarly to Windows and macOS . Google calls them Desks , and you could find them by hitting the Show windows samara ( it ’s fifth from the left on the top words ) . get across the Desk you want to switch to , or the + push button to tot a new one . you may have up to eight Desks in aggregate , and by right - clicking on the title bars of windows you ’re able to get at a Move window to desk option which can come in handy .

6. Turn on the Night Light

Chrome OS comes with a built - in feature for making the show warm and reduce the strain on your eyes late at nighttime . To turn it on , click the meter ( bottom right ) to convey up the Quick options control panel , then choose Night Light . It ’s also available in the main Chrome OS background pane ( under machine and Displays ) . Here you may also schedule Night Light to deform on mechanically , either from sundown to sunrise , or at a fourth dimension of your choosing .

7. Right-click for quick answers

The right on - click option in Chrome OS is more sinewy than you might have realized : Select a Bible or phrase in a webpage , right - tap it , and Google Assistant swings into action to bring you definition , translations and transition right in the pop - up menu . ( The options you see will vary depending on what you ’ve choose . ) you could click the Google Assistant ikon on the left to open up the full Google Assistant interface and get more reply .

8. Scan QR codes

You might not spend much fourth dimension thinking about the camera(s ) on your Chromebook — at least not in between video call meetings — but if you open up the Camera app you ’ll notice a little QR code icon on the rightfield ( just above the shutter button ) . Click this to start the QR code scanner , and you ’ll be shown where the QR codification need to be lined up . The other icon in the app let you mirror the camera , ready up a timer , and put up a grid overlay .

9. Switch channels

There are multiple channels of Chrome OS , just as there are multiple channel of Chrome . you may switch to the Beta or Dev channel rather than the unchanging one if you do n’t beware a few hemipterous insect and want to stop out new features earlier . To vary channels , from the options pane cream About Chrome OS , then Additional details , then Change canal ( note that switching to a more unchanging line will require a full reset ) .

10. Read text aloud

Having your Chromebook read out textbook to you’re able to be helpful for those with scurvy sight or who are unreasoning , but can also be good for everyone . Click the time in the gloomy right niche , then Accessibility and Select to Speak . Any schoolbook on sieve that you ’d care to be translate out loud can then be choose by holding down the Search clitoris and clicking and dragging , or by press the Select to Speak push in the shelf and then make your extract .

11. Pin media controls to the shelf

Start bet medium in one of the Chrome OS tabs , and you get a handy mini musician in the Quick preferences panel ( click the time in the crushed right deal corner to see it ) . open up up these control , tap the peg icon up on the right hand , and this daddy - up loge gets pinned to the shelf for easy memory access . You may favor having it immobilize if you ’re often playing audio in the background knowledge . If multiple check are meet sound recording , you ’ll get a mini player for all of them .

12. Connect an Android phone

To get your Chromebook and Android sound working more closely together , open up the configurations dialogue and click Setup next to Android phone ( under machine-accessible devices ) . Once the connection has been made ( via your Google account ) , you may have presentment and Chrome tabs sync between the two gadget , enable instant tethering from your telephone , apply your telephone set to unlock your Chromebook , and more . We ’ve put together a full guidehere .

( Updated 3/3/22 with newfangled particular )

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