Quick Answer
To right-click, tap the trackpad with two fingers at once, or press Alt and click with one finger. To copy and paste, use Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V just like on Windows.
Right-Clicking on a Chromebook
Method 1: Two-finger tap
Place two fingers on the trackpad and tap once. This opens the right-click context menu wherever your cursor is positioned — no separate button needed.
Method 2: Alt + Click
Hold Alt and click the trackpad with one finger. This is useful if two-finger tapping feels inconsistent or if you’re using a mouse without a dedicated right button.
Method 3: With an external mouse
Any standard USB or Bluetooth mouse works normally — the right mouse button performs a right-click exactly as it would on any other computer.
Copy and Paste on a Chromebook
Keyboard shortcuts
Select text or a file, then press Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste. Use Ctrl + X to cut. To paste without carrying over formatting from the source, press Ctrl + Shift + V instead.
Using the right-click menu
Two-finger tap on selected text and choose Copy, Cut, or Paste from the menu — the same commands as the keyboard shortcuts, useful if you prefer not to memorize combinations.
Still Not Working?
If two-finger tap does nothing, check that it’s enabled under Settings > Device > Touchpad. If the trackpad isn’t responding to any input, work through our trackpad not working guide before assuming right-click is broken specifically. If copy-paste shortcuts don’t register at all, your keyboard may not be working properly.
FAQ
Is there a physical right-click button?
No, Chromebook trackpads use gestures instead of a separate button. The whole trackpad surface clicks down for a left-click; right-click is a two-finger tap.
Can I copy and paste between an Android app and Chrome?
Yes, ChromeOS shares a single clipboard across Chrome, Android apps, and the Linux terminal, so copied text works across all three.
How do I see my clipboard history?
Press Search + V or check Settings > Advanced > Clipboard for recent copied items, depending on your ChromeOS version.
