How to copy and paste on a Chromebook

It's pretty straightforward.
By Alex Perry  on 
Chromebook from the front with the display on
Don't worry, we've got you. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Wondering how to copy and paste on a Chromebook? This basic function is one of the most foundational features of any computer, so you better learn how to do it as soon as you can.

Chromebooks are nifty and affordable alternatives to Windows and Mac laptops, but ChromeOS is a bit unusual for anyone accustomed to more traditional operating systems. Certain features or commands work differently than you might expect.

Thankfully, however, you don't have to do much learning at all when it comes to copying and pasting. Let's get into it.

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

How to copy and paste on a Chromebook

Chromebook keyboard with yellow ovals over the CTRL and C keys, and an arrow between the two
Easy! Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

The easiest method for copying and pasting on a Chromebook is exactly the same as it is on Windows. Here's how it works:

  1. Highlight the text you want to copy

  2. Press CTRL + C

  3. Place the mouse cursor where you want to paste the text

  4. Press CTRL + V

That is, by far, the fastest and simplest way of doing it. If, for some reason, that doesn't work for you, you can also highlight the text and right-click to open up a menu that will have "copy" and "paste" buttons in it. Right-clicking on Chromebooks without a regular mouse can be done in two ways: Holding Alt and clicking, or tapping the touchpad with two fingers instead of one.

Got it? Good. Enjoy your Chromebook!

Topics Google


Recommended For You
I played AAA games on a 'gaming Chromebook' with GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass — which one is better?
Mashable's Alex Perry using the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE

All the good Chromebook deals post-Prime Day are at Best Buy
an acer chromebook 516 ge above a blue box against a green grid background surrounded by shopping icons

How to turn off touch screen on Chromebook
A visual description of disabling touch screen on a Chromebook

Head back to school with $140 off the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 on orange and purple abstract background

Samsung and Lenovo just dropped new Chromebooks — and an updated Google Gemini, a ChatGPT rival, lives inside
Chromebook Plus promo image

Trending on Mashable
Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 11
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 11
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Astronomers just found a galaxy way too advanced for its time
Galaxy forming in the early universe

NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 10
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

'The Platform 2's twisty ending, explained
A close-up of a topless, bald man holding a lit lighter.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!