On a Chromebook, the area often referred to as the "home screen" where apps are quickly accessible is called the "shelf". You can easily add your favorite apps to the shelf by "pinning" them.
Pinning an app to the shelf keeps its icon visible for quick launching, similar to adding a shortcut to a desktop or taskbar on other operating systems.
Steps to Pin an App to the Shelf
Here's how to add (pin) apps to your Chromebook's shelf for easy access:
- Open the Launcher: Click the circle icon (usually in the bottom-left corner) to open the app launcher, which shows all your installed apps.
- Find the App: Scroll or search to locate the app you want to pin to the shelf.
- Access Options: Once you've found the app icon, you have two ways to open its options:
- Touchscreen: If your Chromebook has a touchscreen, hold your finger down on the app icon.
- Trackpad: Tap the trackpad with two fingers simultaneously on the app icon.
- Select "Pin to shelf": A menu will appear with options for the app. Select the option that says "Pin to shelf".
- App is Pinned: The app's icon will immediately appear on your shelf and will remain there until you unpin it.
Unpinning an App
To remove an app from the shelf (unpin it), simply right-click (or two-finger tap/hold) on the app icon on the shelf and select the "Unpin" option.
Quick Reference: Pinning Methods
Here's a quick summary of the methods based on your input device:
| Method | Action on App Icon | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen | Hold your finger down | Opens Options |
| Trackpad | Tap with two fingers | Opens Options |
After opening options using either method, select "Pin to shelf".
Adding apps to the shelf is a great way to customize your Chromebook and keep your most-used applications just a click away, making your workflow more efficient.
