Chromebooks are a new type of laptop. Easy to use, clutter-free and built around working online.
They use the Chrome operating system, and everything you do is based on apps and web services – so there’s no need to download new software or programs. They’re also the only laptops with access to the Google Play store, with millions of Android apps available.
Now, let's talk about the basics. Just got your hands on a Chromebook? Wondering how to copy and paste? Here’s what you need to know.
How to copy and paste text on a Chromebook
The method for copying and pasting text on a Chromebook is easy, and very similar to how it’s done on Windows and Apple Macs. Just follow these three simple steps.
Step 1. Select what you want to copy
·If you’re using a mouse simply press the button, create a box around the text you want to copy, and release the button.
If you’re using a touchpad, tap and hold one finger, then use another finger to drag the mouse cursor over the text you want to copy. Take both fingers off the touchpad, and the text is now highlighted.
Step 2. Copy it
If you’re using a mouse, right-click and select ‘copy’ from the pop-up menu.
If you’re using the keyboard, Press the Ctrl + C keys simultaneously.
If you’re using the touchpad, tap it with both fingers. Alternatively, press the Alt key and tap the touchpad.
Step 3. Paste it
Click on the place where you want your text to go.
If you’re using a mouse, right-click and select ‘paste’ from the pop-up menu.
If you’re using the keyboard, Press the Ctrl + V keys simultaneously.
If you’re using the touchpad, tap it with both fingers. Alternatively, press the Alt key and tap the touchpad.
Note: the text you selected stays in the clipboard until you copy again, so you can paste it multiple times. Chrome OS doesn’t copy text formatting though, so you’ll need to add the styling you want.
How to copy images and video on a Chromebook
The method for copying and pasting images on a Chromebook is simple. Just follow these three steps.
Step 1. Select what you want to copy
If you’re using a mouse simply press the button, create a box around the text you want to copy, and release the button.
If you’re using a touchpad, tap and hold one finger, then use another finger to drag the mouse cursor over the text you want to copy. Take both fingers off the touchpad, and the text is now highlighted.
Step 2. Copy it
If you’re using a mouse, right-click and select ‘copy’ from the pop-up menu.
If you’re using the keyboard, Press the Ctrl + C keys simultaneously.
If you’re using the touchpad, tap it with both fingers. Alternatively, press the Alt key and tap the touchpad.
Step 3. Paste it
Click on the place where you want your text to go.
If you’re using a mouse, right-click and select ‘paste’ from the pop-up menu.
If you’re using the keyboard, Press the Ctrl + V keys simultaneously.
If you’re using the touchpad, tap it with both fingers. Alternatively, press the Alt key and tap the touchpad.
Note: the text you selected stays in the clipboard until you copy again, so you can paste it multiple times. Chrome OS doesn’t copy text formatting though, so you’ll need to add the styling you want.
How to copy images and video on a Chromebook
Here’s how to copy everything on a webpage:
Step 1. Select everything on the page
Click anywhere on the webpage (apart from the images) and press the Ctrl + A keys simultaneously.
Step 2: Copy it
Now press the Ctrl + A keys simultaneously to copy everything you’ve highlighted.
Step 3. Paste it
Click on the place where you want your copied webpage content to go.
If you’re using a mouse, right-click and select ‘paste’ from the pop-up menu.
If you’re using the keyboard, Press the Ctrl + V keys simultaneously.
If you’re using the touchpad, tap it with both fingers. Alternatively, press the Alt key and tap the touchpad.
Copy and paste extensions for Chromebook
And there’s more. The Chrome webstore has some great extensions you can download to carry out more specific and complex copy and paste tasks. Here are some of the best to look out for.
Copy As Plain Text. Here’s an option you might recognise from Windows. It lets you right-click and select ‘Copy as plain text’ from the menu, then paste without any formatting.
Copy Paste Pro. This powerful extension gives you a better chance of copying from websites that try and prevent you from doing so.
MultiCopy Clipboard. For copying lots of different things simultaneously. You can then choose to paste your copies one at a time or paste everything at once.
Office Copy and Paste. This adds the option of copying and pasting onto the menu of your Office app.
FAQs
What is the keyboard shortcut for copying and pasting on a Chromebook?
The keyboard shortcut for cutting and pasting on a Chromebook is similar to other operating systems. To copy, press ‘Ctrl + X’. To paste, press ‘Ctrl + V’.
Can I copy and paste using a touchscreen Chromebook?
Yes, you can copy and paste on a touchscreen Chromebook. Tap and hold on the text you want to copy to select it, then choose the copy option. To paste, tap and hold in the location where you want to paste, and select the paste option.
Is there a clipboard history on Chromebooks?
Yes, you can access your clipboard history on a Chromebook by pressing the ‘Search’ or ‘Launcher Key’ + V on your keyboard.
Need more help?
Want more Chromebook tips? Here’s how to take a screenshot on a Chromebook, how to factory reset a Chromebook, and how to right-click on a Chromebook.
If you’re looking for a new Chromebook, there are three types to choose from: Chromebooks, Plus Chromebooks and Premium Chromebooks. If you’re interested in making one your next laptop, here’s a handy article on which Chromebook is best for you.
If you’d like to chat to a real-life expert, pop into one of our stores and speak with one of our colleagues. They’ll happily answer all your tech questions.
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