How to Customise Keyboard Shortcuts and Remap Keys on Chromebook

Chromebook keyboards feature a layout distinct from standard Windows or Mac laptops. Instead of a traditional Caps Lock key, ChromeOS places an Everything/Launcher key (or magnifying glass icon) in its place. The top row swaps standard F1–F12 function keys for dedicated navigation shortcuts like back, reload, fullscreen, and overview. While this layout caters to fast web navigation, power users and developers often prefer traditional key placements. ChromeOS includes native tools to remap modifier keys, convert top-row keys to standard function keys, and build custom keyboard shortcuts.

Understanding Chromebook Keyboard Differences

Before customising key behaviours, it is helpful to understand the default mappings unique to ChromeOS:

• The Launcher Key (Search / Everything Key): Located where Caps Lock resides on standard keyboards. Tapping it opens the ChromeOS application shelf and universal search bar.
• Top-Row Media Keys: By default, keys above the number row control system functions—such as Previous (F1), Next (F2), Reload (F3), Fullscreen (F4), Desk/Overview (F5), Screen Brightness Down/Up (F6/F7), and Volume Controls (F8–F10).
• Missing Keys: Chromebooks do not feature dedicated Delete, Home, End, Page Up, or Page Down keys, relying instead on key combinations like Alt + Backspace for forward delete.

How to Remap the Launcher Key to Caps Lock

If you frequently type in all capitals or miss the traditional Caps Lock key, you can remap the modifier directly through ChromeOS Settings:

1. Click the Quick Settings tray in the bottom-right corner of your screen (where the clock and Wi-Fi icons reside).
2. Click the gear icon to open Settings.
3. In the left sidebar navigation, select Device.
4. Click on Keyboard.
5. Under the section titled Modifier keys, locate the Search (or Launcher) dropdown menu.
6. Click the dropdown and select Caps Lock.
7. The key will immediately function as a standard Caps Lock toggle. Pressing it illuminates a small on-screen notification indicating whether capitalisation is active.

You can also remap other modifier keys—including Ctrl, Alt, Escape, and Backspace—to suit your personal typing ergonomics.

How to Enable Standard Function Keys (F1–F12)

If you use web development tools, Linux terminal environments, or cloud gaming services that require standard F1 through F12 function keys:

1. Open Settings > Device > Keyboard on your Chromebook.
2. Locate the toggle labelled Treat top-row keys as function keys.
3. Switch the toggle to On.
4. When enabled, pressing the top row keys sends standard F1 through F12 signals to web applications and Linux software.
5. To access the original hardware media controls (like volume or brightness) while this mode is active, simply hold the Search/Launcher key while pressing the respective top-row key.

How to Use the ChromeOS Shortcut Customisation App

Recent versions of ChromeOS include a dedicated Shortcuts application that allows users to rebind system-level keyboard shortcuts and eliminate conflicts with third-party web apps:

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + / (forward slash) or search for Shortcuts in your application launcher.
2. The Shortcut Customisation app opens, categorising all system shortcuts into groups: General, Device, Browser, Windows & Desks, and Accessibility.
3. Browse or search for the specific action you wish to modify (for instance, Take partial screenshot or Switch to next virtual desk).
4. Click the Edit (pencil) icon next to the active shortcut combination.
5. Click Add shortcut, then press your preferred key combination on the keyboard.
6. If the combination is already in use by another system action, ChromeOS will warn you of the conflict.
7. Click Done to save your custom binding.

Essential Built-In Keyboard Shortcuts for Power Users

Even without extensive remapping, these native combinations boost daily efficiency across ChromeOS:

• Forward Delete: Alt + Backspace (deletes the character to the right of the cursor).
• Lock Screen Instantly: Search + L.
• Open Task Manager: Search + Esc (view per-tab CPU, RAM, and network consumption).
• Partial Screenshot with Snip Tool: Ctrl + Shift + Overview (F5).
• Split-Screen Left / Right: Alt + [ and Alt + ].
• Switch Between Virtual Desks: Search + [ and Search + ].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset remapped keys back to default?

Yes. In Settings > Device > Keyboard, click Reset to default under the modifier keys section to instantly restore the original layout.

Do keyboard remappings apply to connected external USB keyboards?

Yes, ChromeOS lets you configure independent settings for your built-in keyboard and any external USB or Bluetooth keyboards connected to your Chromebook.

Does remapping keys in ChromeOS affect Linux (Crostini) apps?

Yes, modifier key remappings apply across the entire operating system, including native Android apps and Linux container software.