How to Open Files on Chromebook

Your Chromebook comes with a Files app to manage files and folders. In this article, we will show you how to open files on your Chrome OS device.

Supported File Types on Chromebook

Before you try to open a file, here is a list of file types Chromebook can run.

According to the official help article from Google, you can open the following files on a Chromebook:

• Microsoft Office files: .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt (read-only), .pptx (read-only). Learn more about how to view and edit Office documents.
• Media: .3gp, .avi, .mov, .mp4, .m4v, .m4a, .mp3, .mkv, .ogv, .ogm, .ogg, .oga, .webm, .wav.
• Images: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .webp.
• Compressed files: .zip, .rar.
• Other: .txt, .pdf.

Yes, you can open most of the file types you can open on a Windows computer on a Chromebook too.

What is the shortcut to open files on Chromebook?

Now that you know the type of files you can open, here is a handy list of keyboard shortcuts.

ALT + SHIFT + M opens the Files app.

From the Files app, you can open, rename, or delete files. See our article on using the Files app for more information.

• From the Files app, double-click any file to open it.
• Right-click any folder to open it.
• Right-click or use CTRL + ENTER to rename files.
• Use ALT + BACKSPACE to delete files or folders.
• Use CTRL + E to create new folders inside the Files app.

How do I open a PDF on my Chromebook?

Yes, you can open files using your Chrome browser on a Chromebook. Open a new tab and press CTRL + O.

How do I access files on a USB on Chromebook?

You can access your USB drives and external hard drives connected to a Chromebook from the Files app. Connect the external media and open the Files app.

You should now see the external storage device listed on the left pane.

Open, copy and paste, and delete files or folders as required. When you are done, click the eject icon next to the HDD or USB drive to safely eject the media.

You can use the keyboard shortcut CTRL +SHIFT + E to eject devices.