How to copy and paste on Chromebook
On a Chromebook, copy with Ctrl C and paste with Ctrl V. These shortcuts work across ChromeOS, web pages, Google Docs, Gmail, text fields, and many Android or Linux apps installed on the device.
Copy
Highlight the content first, then press Ctrl C to place it on the clipboard.
Paste
Click where the content should go, then press Ctrl V to paste it.
Step-by-step instructions
Select the content
Click and drag over text, select a file in Files, or highlight content inside a web page or app.
Press Ctrl C
Hold Ctrl and press C. Chromebook copies the selected content to the clipboard.
Open the destination
Click inside the document, message, form field, folder, or app where the content should appear.
Press Ctrl V
Hold Ctrl and press V. The copied content is inserted at the cursor or destination.
Chromebook shortcut table
Copy selected text, image, file, or content
Paste copied content
Cut selected content
Select all content in the active field or page area
Paste without formatting in supported apps
Touchpad method
- 1. Select the content you want to copy.
- 2. Tap the touchpad with two fingers.
- 3. Choose Copy from the menu.
- 4. Two-finger tap where you want to paste.
- 5. Choose Paste.
If two-finger tap is disabled, hold Alt and click to open the context menu.
Common fixes when copy and paste does not work
Confirm that the content is selected before pressing Ctrl C.
Try right-click Copy and Paste if the keyboard shortcut fails.
Reload the browser tab if a web app stops accepting pasted content.
Check that the destination field allows text or files to be pasted.
Use Ctrl Shift V when formatting causes layout problems.
Restart the Chromebook if clipboard behavior fails across apps.
FAQ
What keys copy and paste on Chromebook?
Use Ctrl C to copy and Ctrl V to paste on Chromebook. These shortcuts work in Chrome, Google Docs, Gmail, and most ChromeOS apps.
How do I right-click on a Chromebook?
Tap the touchpad with two fingers, or hold Alt and click. Then choose Copy or Paste from the context menu.
How do I paste without formatting on Chromebook?
Use Ctrl Shift V in many web apps and text fields to paste plain text without the original formatting.
Why is copy and paste not working on my Chromebook?
Check that the content is selected, the destination field allows pasted content, and the browser tab or app has not become unresponsive. Reloading the page often fixes it.