How to Right-Click on Chromebook

This article explains how to right-click on Chromebook to copy and paste text or access hidden menus. Instructions in this article apply to laptops with Chrome OS.

How to Right-Click on the Chromebook Touchpad

Most Chromebooks have a rectangular touchpad with no extra buttons. Tapping or pressing anywhere on the touchpad with one finger results in a left-click. To perform a right-click, hover the cursor over the item that you wish to select and tap the touchpad using two fingers.

How to Right-Click With the Chromebook Keyboard

You can right-click using the touchpad in combination with the keyboard. Hover the cursor over the item you want to right-click, press and hold the Alt key, and tap the touchpad with one finger.

Why Use Right-Click on Chromebook

Right-clicking serves many purposes that vary depending on the application. Often, right-clicking an object displays a context menu that presents options that aren't offered in other areas of the program. For example, right-clicking in a web browser displays options to print the current page or view its source code, among others.

To paste an item from the clipboard, right-click the destination and select Paste or use the Ctrl+V keyboard shortcut.

How to Disable Tap-to-Click Functionality

If you prefer an external mouse, you may want to disable tap-to-click functionality to avoid accidental clicking while typing. To turn off tap-to-click:

1. Select the Chrome OS taskbar in the lower-right corner of the screen and select the Settings gear from the menu.

2. Select Device in the left menu pane and then select Touchpad.

3. Locate Enable tap-to-click and use the toggle switch next to it to turn the tap-to-click feature on and off.

   Changes take effect immediately, so you must press down on the touchpad to turn tap-to-click back on.