A Chromebook is a laptop or tablet running Linux-based ChromeOS as the operating system. Initially designed to rely heavily on web apps for tasks using the Google Chrome browser, Chromebooks have since been expanded to be able to run full Android and Linux apps, respectively. All supported applications can be installed and run side by side.
Chromebooks are cheaper, faster, and easier, but they can be a bit confusing for people using other operating systems. Even simple actions are performed differently, so today we’ll show you how to copy and paste on Chromebook computers. This is probably one of the most used features on any PC, so we’ll help you figure out how it’s done.
The simple and easy answer is ctrl + c to copy and ctrl + v to paste. But there’s so much more to “copy and paste” on a Chromebook that you’ll want to read on for more details.
What is copy and paste
Copy and paste allows you to copy sections of text, entire documents, entire web pages, images, and videos. Then paste the cutout in a different location. This can be a document file, email, or chat.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to copy and paste on a Chromebook:
How to Copy and Paste on Chromebook With Keyboard
1. Select the content you want to copy Use your touchpad or mouse to highlight the desired text or content that you want to copy.
2. Press the Ctrl key on your keyboard. While holding Ctrl, press the C key.
3. Navigate to the location where you want to paste the content. Press the Ctrl key on your keyboard. While holding Ctrl, press the V key.
Remember, the copy-and-paste function works within the same app or between different apps on your Chromebook. Also, keep in mind that some apps or websites may have specific shortcuts or options for copying and pasting.
How to Copy and Paste on Chromebook With Mouse
Chrome OS is fully compatible with regular computer mice, meaning you can copy and paste to Chromebooks the old-fashioned way.
1. Select the content you want to copy Use your touchpad or mouse to highlight the desired text or content that you want to copy.
2. Right-click with the mouse. Select Copy.
3. Move the cursor to the place where you want to paste the text and right-click the mouse. Select Paste.
If applicable, you will see another option that says Paste without formatting.
How to Copy and Paste Images and Videos on a Chromebook
You want to copy images and videos As long as the original source allows you to copy (not all do), this is a simple process.
1. Hover your mouse pointer over the image or video you want to copy and right-click. On Chromebooks, you can press the Alt key while touching the touchpad with one finger or use two fingers to touch the touchpad.
2. If you copy an image: Select Copy Image or Copy Image Address from the pop-up menu. The URL is useful for certain coding or publishing tasks, but generally, you just want to copy the image itself.
If you copy a video: Select Copy Video URL, Copy Embed Code, or Copy Video URL at the current time from the pop-up menu. You can use the URL and embed code to copy a video link. To paste a video into a chat stream or other casual use, you only need the URL.
3. To paste, click on the area where you want the copied text to reside and press the Ctrl + V keys simultaneously. Alternatively, you can select Paste from a pop-up menu when you right-click the mouse, press the Alt key while tapping a trackpad, or tap with both fingers on a trackpad.
Please note that if you click on a thumbnail or linked image, you will see an option to Copy the link address. This simply provides a link to the main website hosting the photo or video. Otherwise, you can copy a thumbnail and its URL.
How to Fix Chromebook Won’t Copy and Paste?
If your Chromebook doesn’t allow you to copy or paste things, you may not have the correct permissions settings.
To resolve this issue, go to “Settings” and find the “Permissions” section. Underneath here, there should be an option that says “Enable copy and paste.” Make sure this box is checked, and then try copying and pasting again. This should solve the problem. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to restart your Chromebook. To do this, simply hold down the power button until the screen goes black. Then turn it on and try again!
