How to Insert Emojis When Texting with Chromebook Devices

Key takeaways:

• Right-click or use a keyboard shortcut to open the emoji picker
• You can add emojis, special characters, and even GIFs (sometimes)
• No need for third-party apps or copy-paste from emoji sites

Ever get tired of copying and pasting emojis from random websites just to spice up your messages on a Chromebook? I’ve been there. Good news: Chrome OS has a built-in emoji picker, and it’s super easy to use. This guide will show you how to quickly insert emojis (and more) into any text field, so your chats and docs can finally show some personality.

Chromebook has a built-in emoji picker, so you don’t have to copy and paste

You don’t need an extension or a third-party app for emojis on a Chromebook. Chrome OS has its own emoji picker ready to go. Just open any text field—think Google Docs, chat boxes, or even the search bar. Right-click and you’ll see an option for Emoji. Click it, and the picker pops up. It’s that simple.

If you’re more of a keyboard shortcut person, hit the Search key (that’s the one between Tab and Shift), then Shift + Space. That shortcut brings up the same emoji menu. The Search key is easy to miss if you’re new to Chromebooks, but once you find it, you’ll use it all the time.

Want to get even more out of your Chromebook? Check out how to use emojis on Chromebook for more tips.

How to open the emoji picker on Chromebook

Here’s the quick breakdown:

• Click into any text box where you want to type
• Right-click and select Emoji
• Or, press Search + Shift + Space to open the picker

The emoji picker will show up with categories like smileys, animals, symbols, and more. You can scroll or search for the emoji you want. Just click to insert it into your text.

You can also add special characters and text-based smileys

The emoji picker isn’t just for emojis. There’s a tab for special characters—things like currency symbols, arrows, and accented letters. There’s also a section for Smiley (text-based faces, like ¯_(ツ)_/¯), which is fun if you want to go old-school.

If you’re curious about more Chromebook features, how to right click on Chromebook might help you out.

GIFs are supported in some apps, but not everywhere

You might notice a GIF tab in the picker. Here’s the deal: not every app or website will let you insert a GIF directly. Sometimes, clicking a GIF just copies it to your clipboard. You’ll have to paste it where you want it, and it might not always work. But for emojis and special characters, it’s smooth sailing.

Why use the built-in emoji picker instead of copying from a website?

• It’s faster—no switching tabs or hunting for the right emoji
• It works in almost every app and text field
• You don’t have to worry about weird formatting or broken emojis
• It’s built into the OS, so it’s safe and private

Want to take more screenshots or highlight text on your Chromebook? Here’s a quick link for how to take screenshots on a Chromebook.

Table: Chromebook Emoji Picker Shortcuts

Troubleshooting: What if the emoji picker doesn’t show up?

If you don’t see the Emoji option when you right-click, make sure your Chromebook is up to date. Some older versions of Chrome OS might not have this feature. You can update your Chromebook easily—just follow how to update Google Chrome on Chromebook.

Tips for using emojis on Chromebook like a pro

• Type keywords in the search bar of the emoji picker to find what you need fast (like “laugh” or “heart”)
• Use emojis in Google Docs, Gmail, social media, or anywhere you can type
• Combine emojis and special characters for creative messages
• If you want to change your Chromebook’s language for more emoji options, see how to change language on Chromebook

More Chromebook tricks you might like

• How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook laptop or tablet
• How to split screen two apps on Chromebook
• How to delete apps on Chromebook

FAQs

How do I open the emoji picker on Chromebook?

Right-click any text field and select Emoji, or use the shortcut Search + Shift + Space.

Where is the Search key on a Chromebook?

It’s between the Tab and Shift keys on the left side of your keyboard.

Can I use the emoji picker in every app?

Most apps support it, but some web forms or older apps might not.

Can I insert GIFs using the emoji picker?

You can try, but not every app supports direct GIF insertion. Sometimes it just copies the GIF to your clipboard.

Do I need to install an extension for emojis on Chromebook?

Nope, the feature is built right into Chrome OS. No extra downloads needed.