How to Perform Copy and Paste on Chromebook

Key takeaways:

• Use Ctrl+C to copy and Ctrl+V to paste on a Chromebook
• Double-tap the touchpad with two fingers for right-click options
• Ctrl+Shift+V pastes plain text without formatting

Trying to figure out how to copy and paste on a Chromebook? I get it, the shortcuts and touchpad moves can be confusing if you’re used to Windows or Mac. But once you know the basics, it’s actually pretty quick. I’ll walk you through the steps, show you a few tricks, and help you avoid the most common mistakes. Ready to make your Chromebook life easier? Let’s get into it.

Copy and Paste Basics on Chromebook: What You Need to Know

Copy and paste is a must for anyone who works with text, links, or files. On a Chromebook, it’s almost the same as on Windows, but the touchpad moves are a little different. The keyboard shortcuts are your best friend here.

• Ctrl+C: Copy the selected item
• Ctrl+V: Paste the copied item
• Ctrl+Shift+V: Paste as plain text (no formatting)

If you want to copy something, just highlight it with your mouse or touchpad, then hit Ctrl+C. To paste, move to where you want it and hit Ctrl+V. Easy, right?

How to Select Text or Content on a Chromebook

Before you can copy, you need to select what you want. Here’s how I do it:

• Click at the start of the text
• Hold down the left touchpad button (or just tap and drag)
• Drag to highlight everything you want
• Let go

If you’re using a mouse, it’s the same move. With the touchpad, you might need to get used to the feel, but it’s quick once you get the hang of it.

Right-Click on Chromebook: The Two-Finger Tap Trick

Here’s where it’s different from a regular laptop. Chromebook doesn’t have a physical right-click button. Instead, you:

• Tap the touchpad with two fingers at the same time

This opens the context menu, just like right-clicking. From here, you can hit “Copy” or “Paste.” If you want more tips on touchpad tricks, check out how to right click on Chromebook.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts for Fast Copy and Paste

I’m all about speed, so I usually just use the keyboard:

• Ctrl+C to copy
• Ctrl+V to paste

If you want to paste without any formatting (no bold, links, or weird fonts), use Ctrl+Shift+V. This is super handy when you’re moving stuff between websites or into Google Docs and want it to match your current style.

Copy and Paste in Google Docs and Other Apps

Copy and paste works the same in Google Docs, Sheets, or even web pages. Select your text, use the shortcut, and you’re good. If you want to keep your doc clean, use Ctrl+Shift+V to paste as plain text.

For more on working with Google Docs on Chromebook, see how to change margins in Google Docs or how to save Google Docs as PDF.

Copy and Paste Files in the Files App

Want to copy files or folders? Open the Files app, right-click (two-finger tap) on the file, and choose “Copy.” Go to the new location, right-click again, and choose “Paste.” You can also use Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V for files.

If you need to rename files after copying, check out how to rename a file on Chromebook using the Files app.

How to Paste Plain Text Only

Sometimes you don’t want the original formatting. That’s where Ctrl+Shift+V comes in. It pastes just the text, no links, no bold, nothing fancy. This is perfect for email, docs, or anywhere you want to keep things simple.

Undo a Copy or Paste Mistake

If you mess up, just hit Ctrl+Z to undo. This works in most apps and even in the Files app.

Common Copy and Paste Problems on Chromebook

• Touchpad not working? Make sure you’re using two fingers for right-click.
• Keyboard shortcuts not working? Check if your Chromebook is in a different language mode. Here’s a guide on how to change language on Chromebook.
• Can’t paste into a website? Some sites block pasting for security, try pasting into a text editor first.

If your clipboard is acting up, you might want to learn how to access Chromebook clipboard for more control.

Using Copy and Paste with Images and Links

You can copy images and links the same way. Right-click the image or link (two-finger tap), choose “Copy image” or “Copy link address,” then paste where you want.

For saving images directly, see how to save images on Chromebook.

Advanced Tips: Clipboard History and Extensions

If you want to keep track of more than one thing on your clipboard, you’ll need a clipboard manager extension. The built-in clipboard history is limited, but you can access it by pressing Search + V (the key with a magnifying glass or circle).

Table: Chromebook Copy & Paste Shortcuts

Action	Shortcut	Touchpad Option
Copy	Ctrl+C	Two-finger tap + Copy
Paste	Ctrl+V	Two-finger tap + Paste
Paste as plain text	Ctrl+Shift+V	Not available
Undo	Ctrl+Z	Not available
Clipboard history	Search+V	Not available

More Chromebook Tips

If you’re new to Chromebook, you might want to check out these guides:

• How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook laptop tablet
• Tips for speeding up Chromebook
• How to clear cache Chromebook
• How to delete apps on Chromebook

FAQs

How do I right-click on a Chromebook?

Tap the touchpad with two fingers at the same time. This brings up the context menu, just like right-clicking.

What’s the shortcut for paste as plain text?

Use Ctrl+Shift+V to paste without formatting.

Can I copy and paste files on a Chromebook?

Yes, open the Files app, use Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V, or two-finger tap for the menu.

Why isn’t copy and paste working?

Check your keyboard shortcuts, make sure you’re using the right touchpad gesture, or see if the site is blocking it.

How do I access clipboard history?

Press Search+V to see your recent clipboard items on Chromebook.

Hope this helps you get the hang of copy and paste on your Chromebook! If you want more Chromebook tips, check out how to copy paste on Chromebook for a step-by-step breakdown. 🚀