When you start up a Chromebook, or other Chrome OS device, you’ll notice an area that spans the bottom of the screen containing various icons on the lower-left side. This area is known as the shelf, and it allows users to quickly open their programs. The shelf can be customized by adding or removing shortcuts. To proceed, follow the instructions in the sections below.

Adding or removing app shortcuts on the shelf

Adding a shortcut icon

  • Press the Search key (magnifying glass) on your keyboard.

  • A menu should appear similar to the one below.

  • Add and remove apps.

  • Add and remove websites.

  • Click All apps in the lower-right corner.

  • In the expanded menu, move your cursor over the app you’d like to add to the shelf and tap the touchpad with two fingers simultaneously.

  • From the drop-down menu that appears, select Pin to shelf.

Removing and shortcut icon

  • Locate the app you’d like to unpin from the shelf.
  • Move your cursor over the app and tap the touchpad with two fingers.
  • From the menu that appears, select Unpin.

Adding or removing website shortcuts on the shelf

  • Browse to the website or web page you’d like to add to the shelf.

  • In the upper-right corner, click the icon.

  • In the drop-down menu that appears, move your mouse cursor over More tools, then clock Add to shelf… which is in the red rectangle below.

  • In the window that pops up, type a name for the website or webpage and click Add.

Removing a shortcut icon

  • How to set the desktop background on Chrome OS.
  • How to restore a Chrome OS computer back to factory settings.
  • Google Chrome OS keyboard shortcuts.
  • See our Chromebook definition for further information and related links.
  • Chrome OS help and support.