You can access files like documents, PDFs, images, and media on your Chromebook, Google Drive, or an external hard drive with the built-in Files app. See a list of file types that work on your Chromebook.

Open a file

1. Sign in to your Chromebook.
2. Click the  apps list button.
3. Select the  Files app icon.
4. Choose the file collection you'd like to browse from the left menu.
5. Double-click the file to open it.

You can also find files on an external storage device.

Here are some tips on searching for files:

• Use the search box in the upper left corner. Your search results will show you matches from the folder you're in.
• Adjust how you see files by clicking the  Settings icon. Preview files with  the thumbnail view, or view them in a list with  list view.

Save a file

To save the page you're viewing as a file, press Ctrl+S and choose the best location for your file in the Files app.

• To save the file to your Chromebook's hard drive, choose the Downloads folder. (Downloaded files may beautomatically deleted if your Chromebook is running low on space.)
• To access the file online anytime, from any device, choose Google Drive. Your file will be downloaded to Google Drive.

To set a default location for your saved files, follow these instructions:

1. Click the status area, where your account picture appears.
2. Select the  Settings icon.
3. Click Show advanced settings at the bottom of the page.
4. In the "Downloads" section, click the Change button to pick a default download location.

Delete a file

1. Sign in to your Chromebook.
2. Click the  apps list button.
3. Select the  Files app icon.
4. Click the file or folder you want to delete.
5. Click the  trash icon or use the shortcut Alt+Backspace.

Next steps