Customize the Chromebook Shelf: Pins, Order, and Settings

To customize the Chromebook shelf, pin apps you use often, rearrange or remove pins, and adjust the shelf’s position and behavior in ChromeOS settings. You can also add websites as app-like shortcuts, so the shelf keeps the tools you need close without becoming cluttered.

What the Chromebook shelf does

The shelf is the strip of app icons along the bottom or side of the Chromebook screen. It can show pinned apps, apps that are currently open, and the Launcher button, which opens the app list and search. The shelf is similar to a taskbar on other computers, but its available controls and appearance depend on ChromeOS and the device’s display setup.

A useful distinction: pinning an app keeps its icon on the shelf after you close it. Opening an app without pinning it may show its icon only while it is running. This lets you keep a small set of regular tools visible and still use other apps when needed.

Pin, unpin, and rearrange apps

To pin an installed app, open the Launcher, find the app, then right-click its icon and choose Pin to shelf. On a touchscreen, touch and hold the app icon to open its context menu. Wording can vary slightly across ChromeOS versions and devices.

You can also pin an app that is already open: right-click its shelf icon and select Pin or Pin to shelf, if that option appears. To remove a pinned app, right-click its icon and choose Unpin or Unpin from shelf. Removing a pin does not uninstall the app or delete its data.

Reorder pinned icons by dragging them left or right along the shelf. If the shelf is vertical, drag icons up or down. Put the apps you reach for most near the Launcher or in another easy-to-remember order. The exact spot where new pins appear can depend on the current arrangement, so check the shelf after pinning.

Good candidates to pin: a browser, files, calendar, messaging, or a work or school app you open daily.
Usually better left unpinned: occasional utilities and apps you can quickly find by searching the Launcher.
To reduce clutter: unpin apps rather than uninstalling them if you may need them again.

Change the shelf’s position and behavior

Right-click an empty part of the shelf to open its context menu. Depending on the ChromeOS version, this menu may let you change the shelf position to the left, right, or bottom of the screen, or open shelf settings. You can also open Settings and look under Personalization for shelf-related options; labels and organization may differ between releases.

Some devices offer an option to keep the shelf visible or have it hide automatically when a window is using the screen. A hidden shelf generally reappears when you move the pointer to the screen edge where it is placed. If you use a touchscreen, try swiping from that edge if moving the pointer is not practical.

Moving the shelf to the left or right can be helpful on a wide display because it leaves more vertical room for documents and web pages. The bottom position is familiar and may work better on a compact screen. Try the alternatives and choose the one that suits your screen and how you use windows; changing the position does not move or remove your pinned apps.

Add a website shortcut to the shelf

Some websites can be installed as web apps or saved as shortcuts, giving you a shelf icon that opens the site directly. Open the website in Chrome and check the browser’s menu for an option such as Install or Create shortcut. The wording and availability depend on the site and Chrome version. If asked whether to open the shortcut in a window, choose the option that suits you; a separate window can make a site feel more like an app.

After creating the web app or shortcut, look for it in the Launcher. If it is not already on the shelf, right-click its icon and choose the pin option. A bookmark is different: it saves a link in the browser, but does not necessarily add a standalone app icon to the shelf.

Only install or create shortcuts for sites you recognize and intend to use. A shelf icon is a convenient way to open a site, not proof that the site is safe or that it is an official app.

Make the shelf useful without overfilling it

The shelf is most effective as a short list of frequently used apps. Too many pins make icons harder to scan and may leave less room for open-app indicators, especially on a small display. Review the list occasionally: unpin apps you rarely use, and use Launcher search for everything else.

ChromeOS can synchronize some settings and app information when you sign in, but what appears on a particular device can depend on the account, installed apps, and management settings. On a school- or work-managed Chromebook, an administrator may restrict certain changes. If an option is missing or a pin keeps returning, it may be controlled by device policy rather than a shelf malfunction.

Fix common shelf problems

A pin disappeared: Open the Launcher and search for the app. If it is still installed, right-click it and pin it again. An app update or device change may alter what is available.
The shelf is hidden: Move the pointer to its screen edge, or check shelf behavior in the context menu or Settings. A full-screen window may also make the shelf temporarily unavailable.
Dragging does not work: Drag from the app icon itself, not an empty section. With a touchscreen, touch and hold before moving the icon.
A setting is unavailable: Check whether the Chromebook is managed by a school or workplace. Some customization choices may be restricted.

If the shelf appears frozen, first close or minimize the active window and try again. If the issue continues, save your work and restart the Chromebook. A restart can clear a temporary interface problem, but it will not override administrator restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add an app to the Chromebook shelf?
Open the Launcher, find the app, right-click its icon, and choose Pin to shelf. On a touchscreen, touch and hold the icon to open its menu.

How do I remove an app from the shelf without uninstalling it?
Right-click the pinned icon and select Unpin or Unpin from shelf. The app remains installed and can still be opened from the Launcher.

Can I move the Chromebook shelf to the side?
On supported ChromeOS setups, right-click an empty area of the shelf and choose a left or right position. If you do not see that choice, check Settings or whether the device is managed.

Why does my Chromebook shelf disappear?
It may be set to hide automatically, or a full-screen window may cover it. Move the pointer to the shelf’s screen edge and check the shelf visibility setting.

Can I put a website on the Chromebook shelf?
Some sites can be installed as web apps or saved as shortcuts through Chrome’s menu. Find the resulting app or shortcut in the Launcher, then pin it to the shelf.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →