The basic keyboard shortcuts for copy and paste

On a Dell Chromebook, copy and paste work the same way as on Windows or Mac: Ctrl+C copies text or files, and Ctrl+V pastes them. Highlight what you want to copy by clicking and dragging your mouse or trackpad, then press Ctrl+C. Move to where you want to paste it and press Ctrl+V.

These shortcuts work in almost every app on your Chromebook — in Google Docs, Gmail, web forms, text editors, and file managers. The process is identical whether you're copying a sentence from a website, a file name in your Downloads folder, or an image from one tab to paste into another.

Key Takeaways

  • Ctrl+C copies and Ctrl+V pastes on a Dell Chromebook, the same as on any computer.
  • You can also right-click on selected text or files and choose Copy or Paste from the menu that appears.
  • On a Dell Chromebook trackpad, you can tap with two fingers to right-click if you don't have a mouse.
  • Copying and pasting works across different apps — you can copy from a website and paste into a Google Doc or email without any extra steps.

Using the right-click menu instead of keyboard shortcuts

If you prefer not to use keyboard shortcuts, you can right-click on any selected text or file to open a menu with Copy and Paste options. Highlight the text or select the file you want to copy, then right-click on it. A small menu will appear with Copy at the top. Click Copy, then navigate to where you want to paste, right-click again, and select Paste.

This method works the same way in every app and browser on your Chromebook. Some people find it easier than remembering keyboard shortcuts, especially if you're switching from a tablet or phone where tapping and holding is more natural than using keys.

How to right-click on a Dell Chromebook trackpad

Dell Chromebooks have a trackpad below the keyboard. To right-click, place two fingers on the trackpad and tap, or press the bottom-right corner of the trackpad. This opens the same right-click menu you would see on a desktop computer.

If you're using an external mouse connected to your Chromebook, right-clicking works as it does on any computer — press the right mouse button. If you have a trackpad that supports it, you can also enable tap-to-click in your Chromebook settings so that tapping with two fingers registers as a right-click without pressing down.

Copying and pasting files in the Files app

You can copy and paste files just as easily as text. Open the Files app (the folder icon in your taskbar), navigate to the file you want to copy, and right-click on it. Select Copy from the menu. Then open the folder where you want to paste it, right-click in the empty space, and select Paste. You can also use Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V with files — select the file, press Ctrl+C, navigate to the destination folder, and press Ctrl+V.

This works for moving files between your Downloads folder, Google Drive, and any other storage location your Chromebook can access. You can copy multiple files at once by holding Ctrl and clicking each one, then copying and pasting them all together.

Copying images and links from websites

When you find an image on a website you want to copy, right-click on the image itself and select Copy Image. Then paste it into Google Docs, Gmail, or any other app that accepts images. If you want to copy a link to a webpage, right-click on the link and select Copy Link Address, then paste it wherever you need it — in an email, a document, or a chat message.

You can also copy text directly from a webpage by highlighting it and pressing Ctrl+C, just as you would in any document. This works in Google Chrome, which is the default browser on all Chromebooks, and in any other browser you install.

What to do if copy and paste stops working

If Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V suddenly stop working, try refreshing the page or app you're in by pressing Ctrl+R. If that doesn't fix it, close the app completely and reopen it. On rare occasions, restarting your Chromebook solves the problem — press the power button, select Power Off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.

If copy and paste still doesn't work after these steps, the issue may be specific to one app or website rather than your Chromebook itself. Try copying and pasting in a different app to confirm whether the problem is widespread or limited to one place. If it works elsewhere, the issue is with that particular app or website, not with your Chromebook's copy and paste function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy and paste between my Chromebook and my phone?

Not directly through the clipboard. However, you can copy text on your phone and paste it into your Chromebook by typing it, or use cloud storage like Google Drive to share files between devices. Some apps like Google Keep let you access the same notes on both your phone and Chromebook.

What's the difference between cut and copy on a Chromebook?

Copy (Ctrl+C) leaves the original text or file where it is and creates a duplicate when you paste. Cut (Ctrl+X) removes the original and moves it to the new location when you paste. Cut is useful when you want to move a file from one folder to another without keeping a copy in the old location.

Can I copy and paste into Google Docs on a Chromebook?

Yes, Google Docs works exactly like any other app on a Chromebook. You can paste text, images, and links into a Google Doc using Ctrl+V or the right-click menu. Formatting from the original source may or may not carry over depending on what you're pasting and where it came from.

Why does my pasted text look different from the original?

Some apps strip formatting when you paste, so bold text or colored fonts may not carry over. If you want to keep the original formatting, look for a Paste Special option in the Edit menu, which often lets you choose whether to paste with or without formatting.