How to Use Chromebook Apps

Apps on your Chromebook are entirely handled by the built-in Google Chrome browser. This will guide you through using apps on your Chromebook.

Your Chromebook comes with a number of apps pre-installed, to offer you great productivity for most tasks, right out of the box.

Google Chrome This is your browser. It allows you to view web pages and actually performs most tasks for you on your Chromebook.
Files This app allows you to manage your files on your Chromebook, on your Google Drive account, and any external media you have plugged in.
Google Docs This is a very feature-rich word processing program.
Google Drawings Allows you to draw images, as well as diagrams with simple shapes.
Google Sheets Full featured spreadsheet program.
Google Slides Allows you to create presentations for business.
Google Forms Allows you to create questionnaires and get responses.
Google Sites Allows you to create rich web pages.
Google My Maps Allows you to map out virtually any trip, complete with stops, using Google Maps.
Web Store This gives you access to the Google Web Store, allowing you to browse thousands of apps, themes, and plugins; many free.
Play Store Your Chromebook can now run Android apps! This gives you access to that store, with hundreds of thousands of apps and games, both free and paid-for, covering just about every possible interest.

Every file you create using any built-in app listed here will be saved, automatically, to your Google Drive account.

This allows you to access it from another computer easily, and you don't have to worry about backing your file up.

1. Open the Web Store, or Google Play Store.
   
2. Browse the store, or search for the app you want in the search box.
   
3. When you find the app you want, select Add to Chrome, or Buy (if it is a paid-for app), on the right.
   
4. Select Add app.
   
5. Your app will download and install. You'll find it in the full App Drawer in the bottom-left corner.
   

Built-in help for your Chromebook is never more than 2 clicks away.

1. Select your profile picture in the lower-right corner.
   
2. Select the question mark ? icon.
   

1. Select the Apps menu in the bottom-left corner.
   
2. Select the up arrow ^ to show all your apps.
   
3. To delete an app, using your right mouse button, right click on the app. A menu will open. Select Remove from Chrome, or Remove from Chromium.
   
4. Select Remove.
   

Pinning an App

Pinning an app you use a lot to the task bar can make it much easier to open and use that app.

1. Select the Apps menu in the bottom-left corner.
   
2. Select the up arrow ^ to show all your apps.
   
3. Click and hold the app you want, drag it to the task bar, then release the mouse button. The app will pin, or remain on the task bar.
   

Unpinning an App

1. Using your right mouse button, right click on the app you want to unpin.
2. From the menu that opens, select Unpin.
   

There are 3 main ways to open apps on your Chromebook.

In all cases, just click or tap with the mouse cursor over the icon to open the app. If you have a touch screen, you may also touch the app icon with your finger on the screen.

1. Quick Launch Bar

   The quick launch bar is located just to the left of the Apps menu at the bottom. You'll find your main apps, your browser and the store to start with, here. You'll also find any other apps you have open here. A small white dot below an app lets you know it's running.

   This is always visible at the bottom of your screen.
   

2. App Drawer Most Used

   As you use apps, your Chromebook keeps track, and lists the top apps here.

   1. Select the Apps menu in the bottom-left corner.
      
   2. A small bar will pop up from the bottom, showing your 5 most-used apps.
      
      
      

3. App Drawer

   The App Drawer will show you all the apps you currently have installed on your Chromebook.

   1. Select the Apps menu in the bottom-left corner. 
      
   2. Select the up arrow ^ to show all your apps.
      
   3. Here, you'll see a list of all the Apps installed on your Chromebook.