List of Google Chrome Keyboard Shortcut Keys
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2019/04/04 - Updated: 2025/02/27
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Website Accessibility - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: Comprehensive list of Google Chrome keyboard shortcuts to enhance browsing efficiency and accessibility for all users.
Why it matters: This handy resource provides a comprehensive guide to keyboard shortcuts in Google Chrome, offering valuable information for users seeking enhanced accessibility and efficiency. It details various keyboard commands for navigating the browser's interface, accessing toolbars, and switching between panes. The article is particularly useful for individuals with disabilities who rely on keyboard navigation, as well as power users looking to optimize their browsing experience. By outlining specific shortcuts for focusing on different browser elements, it enables users to navigate Chrome more effectively without relying on a mouse or other pointing devices. This resource is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to streamline their browsing experience through keyboard navigation - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
As Chrome is currently the most popular of the many different available Internet browsers we have put together a list of shortcut keys and mouse/keyboard combination shortcuts to make using the Google Chrome browser both quicker and easier - especially for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Main Item
Google Chrome, or the common shortcut word "Chrome", is a cross-platform web browser developed by Google. As of Feb. 2019, the website StatCounter.com estimated Chrome has a 62 percent worldwide browser user-base across all computer and mobile device platforms.
Google Chrome has a reputation for strong browser performance and features a minimalistic user interface including the merging of the address bar and the search box into what's known as the Chrome Omnibox.
Besides being easy to use, and one of the fastest Internet browsers, Chrome also has a handy feature that allows users to synchronize bookmarks, history, and settings etc. across all their devices that the Google Chrome browser is installed on by sending and receiving data through their Google Account.
Chrome also allows users of the browser to make local desktop shortcuts that can open web applications in the browser. The browser - when opened in this way - contains none of the regular interface except for the title bar, so as not to "interrupt anything the user is trying to do". This allows web applications to run alongside local computer software.
What the Keyboard Abbreviations Mean
- Alt = Alternate Key - (Option Key on Mac Computers)
- Ctrl = Control Key
- AltGr (Alt Graph, or Right Alt) - Modifier key primarily used to type foreign characters.
- Alt Opt = Alternate Key - Option Key
- Caps Lock = Locks keys to use CAPITAL LETTERS
- Cmd = Command Key - (Cloverleaf on Mac Computers)
- Ctrl = Control Key
- Del = Delete Key
- Ent = Enter Key
- Esc = Escape Key
- F1 to F12 = Function Keys
- Fn = Function Key
- ins = Insert Key
- hme = Home Key
- Num Lock = Numeric Lock (Locks Numeric Keypad for numbers use)
- pg up = Page Up (Scroll)
- pg dn = Page Down (Scroll)
- Prt scn = Print Screen
- Rtn = Return Key (Enter Key)
Chrome Shortcut Keys
Google Chrome shortcuts allow you to switch between browser tabs easier, place the cursor on the address bar, and use many other handy functions without using a mouse. Below is a list of the major shortcut keys that can be used when using the Google Chrome Internet browser.
| Section 1: Chrome Tabs and Browser Windows | |
|---|---|
| Alt plus F4 | Closes current window |
| Alt plus Home | Opens homepage |
| Ctrl plus 1-8 | Switches to same number tab. |
| Ctrl plus 9 | Switches to last tab |
| Ctrl plus N | Opens new window |
| Ctrl plus O then select file | Open a file from your computer in Chrome |
| Ctrl plus Shift plus N | Opens new window in incognito mode |
| Ctrl plus Shift plus T | Re-opens last tab closed - Chrome remembers last 10 closed |
| Ctrl plus Shift plus Tab or Ctrl plus PgUp | Switches to previous tab |
| Ctrl plus T | Opens new tab |
| Ctrl plus Tab or Ctrl plus PgDown | Switches to next tab |
| Ctrl plus W or Ctrl plus F4 | Closes current tab or pop-up |
| Drag link to space between tabs | Opens link in new tab. |
| Drag link to tab | Open link in that tab |
| Press Ctrl - Click a link | Opens link in new tab |
| Press Shift - Click a link | Opens link in new window |
| Section 2: Text Shortcut Combination Keys | |
| Highlight content in text field then press Ctrl plus X or Shift plus Delete | Deletes content and copies it to Windows clipboard |
| Highlight content then press Ctrl plus C | Copies content to Windows clipboard |
| Place cursor in text field, then press Ctrl plus Shift plus V | Pastes content from clipboard without adding formatting. |
| Place cursor in text field, then press Ctrl plus V or Shift plus Insert | Pastes current content from clipboard |
| Section 3: Shortcuts to Google Chrome Features | |
| Ctrl plus + | Makes text larger |
| Ctrl plus - | Makes text smaller |
| Ctrl plus 0 | Returns to normal text size |
| Ctrl plus D | Bookmarks current page |
| Ctrl plus F5 or Shift+F5 | Clears page cache and reloads the page |
| Ctrl plus F | Opens find-in-page box |
| Ctrl plus G or F3 | Finds next match in find box |
| Ctrl plus P | Print current page |
| Ctrl plus Shift plus G or Shift plus F3 | Finds previous match in the find box |
| Ctrl plus U | View page source code |
| Drag link to bookmarks bar | Bookmarks the link |
| Esc | Stop page loading |
| F5 | Reload current page |
| Press Alt then click link | Downloads link |
| Section 4: Google Chrome Address Bar Shortcuts | |
| Ctrl plus B | Toggles bookmarks bar on/off |
| Ctrl plus H | Shows History |
| Ctrl plus J | Shows Downloads |
| F6 or Ctrl plus L or Alt plus D | Highlights content in web address area |
| Shift plus Escape | View Task manager |
| Type search term | Performs a search. |
| Type the part of web address that's between www. and.com then press Ctrl+Enter | Adds www. and.com to your input opens the web site. |
| Type web address - Press Alt plus Enter | Opens your web address in a new tab |
| Section 5: F1 to F12 Keys Using Google Chrome | |
| F1 | Opens Chrome's Help Center in a new tab. |
| F2 | Only used in Chrome's Developer Tools section. |
| F3 | Opens "Find on Page" Search box. |
| F5 | Reloads current page. |
| F6 | Toggles focus between page, bookmarks, address bar |
| F8 | Only used in Chrome's Developer Tools section. |
| F11 | Turns full-screen mode on/off. |
| F12 | Opens Chrome's Developer Tools. |
| Section 6: Mouse Shortcuts When Using Google Chrome | |
| Drag a link to a tab | Opens link in current tab |
| Ctrl plus Click a link | Opens link in new background tab |
| Ctrl plus Shift plus Click a link | Opens link and jumps to it |
| Drag link to blank area of tab strip | Opens a link and jumps to it. |
| Shift plus Click link | Opens a link in a new window |
| Drag tab out of tab strip | Opens a tab in a new window (mouse only) |
| Drag tab into an existing window | Moves a tab to a current window (mouse only) |
| Press Esc while dragging | Returns a tab to its original position |
| Drag web address to the Bookmarks Bar | Saves the current web-page as a bookmark |
| Alt plus Click link | Downloads the target of a link |
| Right-click Back or Click & hold Back Right-click Next or click & hold Next |
Displays browsing history |
| Double-click blank area of tab strip | Switches between maximized and windowed mode |
| Ctrl plus Scroll mouse-wheel up | Makes everything on page bigger |
| Ctrl plus Scroll mouse-wheel down | Makes everything on page smaller |
| Section 7: Miscellaneous Chrome Shortcuts | |
| Ctrl plus K or Ctrl plus E | Adds ? in address bar - Type term after ? to search |
| End | Goes to bottom of the web page |
| Home | Goes to top of the web page |
| Place cursor in address bar - Press Ctrl plus Backspace | Deletes previous word in address bar |
| Place cursor in address bar - press Ctrl and left arrow together | Jumps to previous word in address bar |
| Place cursor in address bar - press Ctrl and right arrow together | Jumps to next word in address bar |
| Press Backspace or Press Alt and left arrow together | Goes to previous page in history for that tab |
| Shift plus Backspace, or press Alt and the right arrow together | Go to the next page in browsing history for the tab |
| Space bar | Scrolls down the page |
| Section 8: Shortcut Keys for Chromebook | |
| Alt plus 1-8 | Launches applications located on Chromebook OS's "shelf" or taskbar. |
| Alt plus E | Opens Chrome browser menu if Chrome browser window is open and focused. |
| Alt plus Search | Toggles Chromebook Caps Lock. |
| Alt plus [ | Docks window to left side of screen. |
| Alt plus ] | Docks window to right side of screen. |
| Ctrl plus Alt plus ? (or Ctrl + Alt + / ) | Opens Chromebook keyboard shortcut "cheat sheet". |
| Ctrl plus Immersive Mode/F4 | Configures Chromebook display settings when external monitor is connected. |
| Ctrl plus Shift plus L | Locks Chromebook's screen. |
| Ctrl plus Shift plus Q | Logs you out of Chromebook. Press same combination twice to quit. |
| Ctrl plus Shift plus Refresh/F3 | Rotates Chromebook screen 90 degrees. |
| Ctrl plus Shift plus Switcher/F5 | Takes screenshot of part of screen. Use cursor to select the part you wish to save. |
| Ctrl plus Shift and ) | Resets Chromebook screen scale to default setting. |
| Ctrl plus Shift and + | Increases Chromebook screen scale. |
| Ctrl plus Shift and - | Decreases Chromebook screen scale. |
| Ctrl plus Switcher/F5 | Takes screenshot and saves it to Downloads folder. |
| Shift plus Esc | Launches Chromebook Task Manager. |
If you are not using Google Chrome as yet you can download it completely free from Google.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note:Incorporating keyboard shortcuts into daily browsing not only speeds up tasks but also reduces dependence on mouse navigation, which can be challenging for users with mobility impairments. Familiarity with these shortcuts fosters a more inclusive and efficient internet experience for all users. The information presented in this article is crucial for promoting digital inclusivity and improving web accessibility. By familiarizing users with these keyboard shortcuts, it helps bridge the gap between different user abilities and preferences, making the Chrome browser more accessible to a wider audience. This knowledge can significantly enhance the browsing experience for people with motor impairments, visual disabilities, or those who simply prefer keyboard-based navigation
- Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.