How to Pin Apps and Websites to the Chromebook Shelf

Key takeaways:

• Pinning apps to the Shelf makes them easy to access.
• You can also pin website shortcuts, not just apps.
• Drag-and-drop or right-click for quick pinning.

Tired of hunting for your favorite apps or sites on your Chromebook? The Shelf at the bottom of the screen is your shortcut to speed. Pinning apps or websites here means you can open them with just one click—no more digging through menus.

This guide will walk you through pinning apps and websites to your Chromebook Shelf. I’ll show you two methods, plus a trick for adding your go-to sites. Ready to make your Chromebook feel more like home? Here’s how I do it.

What the Chromebook Shelf Actually Is and Why It Matters

The Shelf is that bar at the bottom of your Chromebook screen. It’s like the taskbar on Windows or the dock on Mac. You get instant access to your most-used apps, the launcher, clock, notifications, and more. If you’re always opening the same stuff, pinning them to the Shelf is a game-changer. It saves time and keeps your workspace tidy.

How to Pin Apps to the Chromebook Shelf: Two Simple Ways

Right-Click to Pin—Classic and Fast

Open the launcher (the circle icon on the left of the Shelf). Find the app you want to pin. Right-click on it (two-finger tap on the trackpad works too), then hit “Pin to shelf.” Boom, it’s there. Now, just click the icon any time you want to launch the app.

If you ever want to remove it, right-click the icon on the Shelf and select “Unpin.”

Drag and Drop—A Bit More Visual

If you’re like me and want to control exactly where your icons go, try this. Open the launcher, click and hold the app icon, then drag it down to the Shelf. You can even move it left or right to pick the perfect spot. Release, and it’s pinned.

Want to rearrange? Just click, hold, and drag any icon on the Shelf to move it around. This works for all apps you’ve pinned.

Pinning Website Shortcuts to the Shelf—Yes, You Can!

Some people don’t realize you can pin websites, not just apps. On a Chromebook, you can’t put shortcuts on the desktop wallpaper, but you can pin them to the Shelf.

Here’s how I do it:

1. Open Chrome and go to the website you want to pin.
2. Click the three-dot menu (top right), go to “Save and share,” then select “Create shortcut.”
3. Name your shortcut and hit “Create.”
4. Open the launcher, find your new shortcut, right-click it, and choose “Pin to shelf.”

Now, your favorite site is just one click away, right from your Shelf. This works for any site, even if it’s not a Google product.

You can also check out how to pin apps to Chromebook taskbar for a quick refresher.

Moving and Organizing Shelf Icons—Keep It Clean

Don’t like the order of your icons? No problem. Click and drag any icon on the Shelf to rearrange. You can group your most-used apps together or separate work and play. It’s all about making your Chromebook work for you.

Unpinning Apps and Websites—Declutter Fast

If you pinned something and changed your mind, just right-click and select “Unpin.” The icon disappears from the Shelf but stays in your launcher, so you can always bring it back.

Why Pinning Is a Must for Chromebook Users

Pinning apps and websites to the Shelf is about speed and convenience. Instead of searching or scrolling, you get instant access. If you’re using your Chromebook for work, school, or just browsing, this little trick can save you a ton of time.

Want more Chromebook tips? Check out how to delete apps on Chromebook and how to install Android apps on Chromebook.

Extra Tips for Chromebook Power Users

• You can pin Android apps, Linux apps, and Chrome extensions too.
• Use drag-and-drop to keep your Shelf organized.
• If your Shelf gets crowded, right-click and unpin what you don’t use.
• Want to change your Chromebook’s look? Try changing your wallpaper for a fresh vibe.

FAQs

How do I right-click on a Chromebook?

Two-finger tap on the trackpad, or press “Alt” and click at the same time. More on that at how to right-click on Chromebook.

Can I pin files or folders to the Shelf?

No, only apps and website shortcuts can be pinned. For files, use the Files app.

What if my Shelf is full?

You can keep pinning, but the icons will shrink. Unpin stuff you don’t use to keep it neat.

Can I pin Android apps from the Play Store?

Absolutely. Just install the app, find it in your launcher, then right-click and pin it to the Shelf.

How do I reset the Shelf to default?

There’s no “reset” button, but you can unpin everything and start fresh. Your launcher keeps all your apps safe.

Ready to make your Chromebook work faster for you? Pin those apps and sites, and the Shelf will feel like your own custom control center. 🚀