User’s Manual
Table of contents - 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Working with Microsoft Office (Word,
Excel, and Powepoint) documents ........ 24
Open and edit Microsoft Office files using
Convert Microsoft Office files to Google
Export Google Drive documents as
Opening Microsoft Office files using
Chrome Web Store ................................... 25
How to use your Chromebook when
there’s no internet.................................. 25
Installing new apps from the Chrome Web
Sync files from Downloads to Google
4 - Getting started
GETTING STARTED
Turn on your Chromebook
On the Chromebook, the power button is located at the upper-right
corner of the keyboard. A "welcome" screen will appear when the
Chromebook first boots up.
Select your language settings
Use the "Select your language" drop-down list to choose your default
language setting. If there is more than one way to type in your
language, you may be prompted to select a keyboard input method as
well.
Connect to a network
Select a wireless network from the "Select a network" list to connect to
the Internet. If network access is protected, you will need an access
password to connect to it.
Accept the Terms of Service
Once connected to a network, accept the Terms of Service. Your
Chromebook will then download any available system updates, so you
automatically get the latest Chrome OS features.
Getting started - 5
Sign in to your Google Account
If you already have a Google Account, enter your username and
password in the sign-in box that appears and select the Sign in
button.
Important
Sign in with your primary Google Account. This account will be set as
the owner and is the only account that will be able to change certain
Chrome settings.
Create a new Google Account
You can create a new Google Account if you don’t already have one.
Select More options > Create new account to set up a new account.
A Google Account gives you access to useful web services developed
by Google, such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar.
Browse as a guest
You can also use the Chromebook without a Google Account by
selecting Browse as a Guest.
6 - Your Acer Chromebook tour
YOUR ACER CHROMEBOOK TOUR
Now that you are done setting it up, let us show you around your new
Acer Chromebook.
Front view
1
2
3
#
Icon
Item
Description
Internal microphone for sound
recording.
1
Microphone
Web camera for video
communication.
A light next to the webcam indicates
that the webcam is active.
2
Webcam
Your Acer Chromebook tour - 7
#
Icon
Item
Description
Power
indicator
Indicates the computer's power
status.
Indicates the computer's battery
status.
1. Charging: The light shows amber
when the battery is charging.
2. Fully charged: The light shows
blue when in AC mode.
3
Battery
indicator
Keyboard view
3
1
2
#
1
Icon Item
Keyboard
Description
For entering data into your computer.
Touch-sensitive pointing device
which functions like a computer
mouse.
Pressing down anywhere on the pad
functions like the left button of a
mouse.
Touchpad / click
button
2
Pressing down anywhere with two
fingers functions like the right button
of a mouse.
8 - Your Acer Chromebook tour
#
Icon Item
Power key
Description
3
Turns the computer on and off.
Function keys
The computer uses function keys or key combinations to access some
hardware and software controls, such as screen brightness and
volume. The dedicated function keys each have a specific function.
Icon
Function
Description
Previous
Go to the previous page.
Next
Go to the next page.
Reload
Reload the current page.
Open the page in full-screen mode.
Switch to the next window.
Decreases the screen brightness.
Increases the screen brightness.
Turns off audio output.
Full-screen
Next window
Brightness down
Brightness up
Mute
Volume down
Volume up
Decreases the volume.
Increases the volume.
Touchpad
The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on
its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your fingers
across the surface of the touchpad.
Action
Gesture
Click
Press down on any part of the touchpad.
Tapping the touchpad with two fingers or pressing
Two-finger tap (or (and holding) Alt on the keyboard and tapping the
alt-click)
touchpad with one finger both equal a "right-click"
on a computer mouse.
Your Acer Chromebook tour - 9
Action
Gesture
Place two fingers on the touchpad and move
Two-finger swipe them up and down to scroll vertically, left and right
to scroll horizontally.
Select the item you want to move with one finger.
With a second finger, move the item. Release
both fingers to drop the item. (This gesture works
Drag and drop
for files, not windows or icons.)
Left side view
1 2 3 4
5
# Icon
Item
Description
1
DC-in jack
Connects to an AC adapter.
Supports high-definition digital video
connections.
2
3
HDMI port
USB port
Connects to USB devices.
If a port is black it is USB 2.0
compatible, if it is blue it is also USB
3.0 compatible.
™
Accepts Secure Digital (SD ) cards.
Note: Push to remove/install the
card. The card reader uses one card
at a time.
™
4
5
SD card reader
Speaker
Delivers stereo audio output.
10 - Your Acer Chromebook tour
Right side view
1
2 3
4
#
Icon
Item
Description
1
Speaker
Delivers stereo audio output.
Connects to audio devices
(e.g., speakers, headphones), or
a headset with microphone.
Connects to USB devices.
If a port is black it is USB 2.0
compatible, if it is blue it is also
USB 3.0 compatible.
Headset/speaker
jack
2
3
USB port
Connects to a Kensington-
compatible computer security
lock.
Note: Wrap the computer security
lock cable around an immovable
object such as a table or handle
of a locked drawer. Insert the lock
into the notch and turn the key to
secure the lock. Some keyless
models are also available.
Kensington lock
slot
4
12 - The Chrome OS Desktop
THE CHROME OS DESKTOP
Window controls
Shelf
Window controls
1
2
3
4
5 6
7
10
11
8
9
Number Description
Goes Backward
and Forward
in the current web
browsing sessions’s history (closing and reopening the
Chrome browser begins a new session). Select to Reload
1
the current webpage.
Closes a tab.
Opens a new tab.
2
3
Type a web address or perform an internet search in this
search box (also known as the "omnibox").
Minimizes the window into the desktop shelf.
4
5
The Chrome OS Desktop - 13
Number Description
Maximizes the window to take up the entire screen. Click
again to return window to previous position. Also, select
6
and hold to display a left
and right
arrow next to the
icon. These neatly align the window to take up half the left
side of the screen or the right side, respectively.
7
Closes the entire window (tabs and all).
Bookmark (save) webpage links to this quick-access area
called the "bookmarks bar".
8
9
Select to bookmark (save) a link to the currrent webpage.
Select to use any enabled extensions you have installed in
Chrome from this extension list.
Select to customize and control Google Chrome.
10
11
Shelf
Status area
Launcher
Apps pinned to shelf
Note
Specifications vary. Some icons may not be applicable to your Chromebook.
Launcher
Select the Launcher icon to display the launcher page. This is the
fastest way to search for something. Simply start typing to search the
internet, your bookmarks, any files you have stored in your Google
Drive, and items in the Chrome Web Store.
The Launcher page is also the place to access all your apps. Below
the search box are your frequently-used apps. Simply select one to
open it. To see all apps you have installed, tap All Apps.
Pinned apps
shelf on page 16 for more information.
14 - The Chrome OS Desktop
Status area
The Status area enables you to see vital computer information at a
glance, such as the time, Wi-Fi signal strength, and battery life. Tap
the Status area to display a box with more options.
Icon
Description
Icon
Description
Chrome OS help
Shut down
Lock screen
Settings
Battery status
Volume control
Wireless network
connection
Bluetooth status
Apps & extensions - 15
APPS & EXTENSIONS
You can enhance your Chromebook with extra web applications
(apps, for short) and features for the browser (also known as
extensions). Apps work like regular software programs for desktop
computers, except they run entirely on the web. Extensions provide
custom features and functionality for the Chrome browser. You can
find both apps and extensions through the Chrome Web Store, a site
dedicated to resources developed specifically for Chromebooks.
Managing apps
Note
Certain apps and browser extensions may not be available in all countries
and regions. The contents and design of the Chrome Web Store may vary by
region. Updates may add new categories or change how to navigate the
Chrome Web Store at any time.
Installing new apps from the Chrome Web Store
1.Select the Launcher icon.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Web Store").
3.Select Web Store.
4.You can then browse through the app categories in the left column
or search for a specific type of app using the search box.
5.When you find an app that you would like to add, select it and then
select ADD TO CHROME.
6.A verification window will pop up, select Add to download and install
the app, or select Cancel.
To open your new app, select the Launcher, then All Apps (or type
the name of your new app), and then select the app.
Removing apps from Chrome OS
1.Select the Launcher icon.
2.Select All Apps (or type the name of the desired app).
16 - Apps & extensions
remove.
4.Select Remove from Chrome... or Uninstall.
Note
Some apps such as the Chrome web browser cannot be uninstalled.
Pin an app to the shelf
1.Select the Launcher icon.
2.Select All Apps (or type the name of the desired app).
3.Locate and two-finger tap the desired app icon.
4.Select Pin to shelf.
To reorder the apps on the shelf, just drag them around.
Unpin an app from the shelf
1.Locate and two-finger tap the desired app icon from the shelf.
2.Select Unpin.
Google Drive
All files saved to your Google Drive are saved online and are
accessible to other devices, such as your smartphone or tablet. Files
saved to the Downloads folder are saved to your local drive and are
only accessible to your Chromebook.
Note
You must be connected to the Internet to do the following Google Drive
operations.
Difference between Drive and Files apps
Google Drive is a web-based storage service offered by Google, and
the Files app is the onboard storage system for your Chromebook.
Because your Chromebook makes heavy use of the web, you can
easily access files both from Google Drive and those that are stored
Apps & extensions - 17
locally by using the Files app on your Chromebook. To use the Files
app, select the Files icon in the apps list, or use the keyboard shortcut
<Alt> + <Shift> + <M>.
This user manual uses Google Drive and Files interchangeably when
giving instructions regarding accessing files.
Creating a new document
1.From the Apps list, select the Google Drive icon ( ).
2.Select NEW and select the type of document you want to create.
Note
For an alternative method of creating documents, see How to create
Sync files from Downloads to Google Drive
1.Select the Launcher icon.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Files").
3.Select the Files icon.
18 - Apps & extensions
4.Select the files that you want to upload.
5.Drag-and-drop the files to My Drive.
Enable offline access to Google Drive files
You can access files stored on your Google Drive while offline, but
first you must enable offline access:
1.Select the Launcher icon.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Files").
3.Select the Files icon and then select My Drive.
4.Select the file(s) you want to access offline.
sensitive menu and select Available offline. A check mark will
appear to indicate the file is available offline.
Apps & extensions - 19
Gmail
Composing an email
1.Select the Launcher icon.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Gmail").
3.Select the Gmail icon and then COMPOSE.
4.Enter the recipient’s email address, the subject, and the message.
5.When you are finished composing your message, select Send.
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website on which users can upload, share
and view videos. You can access it by doing the following:
1.Select the Launcher icon.
2.Select All Apps (or type "YouTube").
3.Select the YouTube icon.
Playing video or audio files
Your Chromebook has a built-in media player to play audio and video
files. To play a file, double-click on an audio or video file in your Files
app.
Media type
Supported formats
.3gp,.avi, .mov, .mp4, .m4v, .m4a, .mp3, .mkv, .ogv,
.ogm, .ogg, .oga, .webm, .wav
Audio / Video
Other Supported File Types
Your Chromebook supports a number of other file formats.
File type
Supported formats
Microsoft
Office files
.doc, .docx, .ppt, .pptx, .xls, .xlsx – (all read-only)
Images
.bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .webp
Compressed .zip, .rar, .tar, .tar.gz (.tgz), .tar.bz2 (.tbz2)
Other .txt, .pdf
20 - Chrome OS tips and tricks
CHROME OS TIPS AND TRICKS
Your Chromebook is a new type of computer that works somewhat
differently than what you may be used to, so you might like to know
how easy and useful things are when using it. Here are some tips and
tricks.
Documents
How to create documents
1.Press the Search key
on your keyboard.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Google Docs", "Google Sheets", or
"Google Slides" depending on the type of document you want to
create) Create word processing files with Google Docs,
spreadsheets with Google Sheets, and presentations with Google
Slides.
3.Select Google Docs
, Google Sheets
, or Google
Slides
.
That’s it. You’ve just created a new document in a few seconds.
With your new document, you can add text, insert images, change
the font, make it bold, underline it, italicize it – you get the gist. Most
of the formatting and other stuff you might be familiar with from other
productivity suites like Microsoft Office you can do with Google
Docs.
Note
For an alternative method of creating documents, see Creating a new
Chrome OS tips and tricks - 21
Finding your documents
All documents you create are saved to your Google Drive where they
are online and accessible to other devices, such as your smartphone
or tablet. To find your documents, do the following:
1.Select the Launcher icon.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Google Drive").
3.Select the Google Drive icon.
4.Select My Drive (or whatever sub-folder you’ve created to put your
files in).
Since your files are saved in Google Drive, they are saved online and
available anywhere you have internet access. To access your files
from any internet-connected computer do the following:
1.Open the computer’s web browser.
2.In the browser’s address bar, type "drive.google.com" (this is the
Google Drive web address).
3.Login using your Google account username and password.
4.Select My Drive (or whatever folder you’ve created to put your files
in).
How to share documents with other users
1.Select the Share button
in the upper right corner of your
document.
2.Add people by typing in their email address. The sharing option
works with your Gmail contacts, so as you type your email contacts
appear for you to quickly select.
3.After you select Done
, they’ll receive an email letting them
know a document has been shared with them.
22 - Chrome OS tips and tricks
How to start a video chat
For all you Skype users out there, Google+ Hangouts are free video
chats for up to ten people. To make a Hangouts video call, do the
following:
1.Press the Search key
on your keyboard.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Hangouts").
3.Select the Hangouts call icon
.
4.Type in the name or email address of a person.
5.Select the Invite button to start your Hangout.
How to listen to music
1.Press the Search key
on your keyboard.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Play Music").
3.Select Play Music
.
Note
Play Music may not be available in all countries and regions. Google Play’s
current list of country availability for apps and digital content, visit https://
support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2843119?hl=en
For other streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, Rdio, Deezer and
more (availability varies by country):
1.Press the Search key
on your keyboard.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Web Store").
Chrome OS tips and tricks - 23
3.Select Web Store
to go to the Chrome Web Store.
4.Search for Pandora or other music apps.
5.When you find what you want, select the ADD TO CHROME button.
How to watch videos, TV, or movies
1.Press the Search key
2.Select All Apps and select one of the following options:
a.Select YouTube to view a vast amount of user-uploaded
videos covering nearly everything imaginable.
on your keyboard.
b.Select Play Movies
to watch the movies and TV shows you
love.
Note
Play Movies may not be available in all countries and regions. Google Play’s
current list of country availability for apps and digital content, visit https://
support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2843119?hl=en
c. To find more entertainment apps like Netflix, Flixster, and more
(availability varies by country), select Web Store
to go to
the Chrome Web Store. Then, search for "Netflix" or other
entertainment apps.
24 - Chrome OS tips and tricks
Working with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and
Powepoint) documents
Open and edit Microsoft Office files using Google’s
office compatibility mode
1.Press the Search key
on your keyboard.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Files").
3.Select the Files
icon.
4.Double-click on any Microsoft Office file stored in Google Drive or
on an external hard drive or USB flash drive connected to your
Chromebook.
Google Chrome automatically opens and enables limited editing of the
document.
Convert Microsoft Office files to Google Drive formats
1.Press the Search key
on your keyboard.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Files").
3.Select the Files
icon.
4.Double-click on any Microsoft Office file stored in Google Drive or
on an external hard drive or USB flash drive connected to your
Chromebook.
5.Select File > Save as Google Docs, Slides, or Sheets (format
depends on the type of document).
Chrome OS tips and tricks - 25
Export Google Drive documents as Microsoft Office
files
1.Press the Search key
on your keyboard.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Docs").
3.Select Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides (depending on the
document you want to create).
4.After creating the content of your document, select File > Download
as and select the type of format you want to save as.
5.The file is saved to the download section of the Files app.
Opening Microsoft Office files using Microsoft’s Office
Online apps from the Chrome Web Store
Another option for working with Microsoft Office files is to use
Microsoft’s own free web-based Office Online tools. You can
download the Word Online, Excel Online, and PowerPoint Online
apps from the Chrome Web Store (you’ll need to create a Microsoft
account if you don’t already have one). Then, you can login and
create files or upload files you have already created and edit them.
Note
Office Online programs save files you create exclusively to Micrsoft’s own
OneDrive cloud storage. Though you can download a file you create and then
move it to Google Drive or a removable storage device, you cannot save it
directly to those locations. Also, to work on a file you’ve already created, you
must first upload it to OneDrive by selecting Open from OneDrive from
within whichever Office Online product you are using (you can install the
OneDrive app from the Chrome Web Store as well).
How to use your Chromebook when there’s no
internet
The Chrome Web Store contains useful offline apps (see Installing
new apps from the Chrome Web Store on page 15). You’re able to
filter your app search by selecting the Runs Offline checkbox. For
26 - Chrome OS tips and tricks
those times you don’t have an internet connection, these apps help
you stay productive and entertained. A few of the pre-installed options
are described below.
Gmail Offline
Note
The first time you use Gmail Offline you MUST be connected to the internet
to enable offline viewing.
1.Press the Search key
on your keyboard.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Gmail Offline").
3.Select the Gmail Offline
icon.
4.Use the app like you normally would. It’ll update and send your
emails the next time you log on to the internet.
Google Drive
Important
Any changes you make to a current document or any document you
create while offline are saved locally on your computer and will not be
seen if you open the document from Google Drive on another computer
or device. The changes will only be reflected in the Google Drive online
version of the document the next time you connect to the internet and
access Google Drive.
1.Press the Search key
on your keyboard.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Google Drive").
3.Select the Google Drive
icon.
Chrome OS tips and tricks - 27
4.Open a Google document you have already created or create one
as you normally would (see Creating a new document on
page 17). Notice the offline
icon displays next to the file name
reminding you that you are working on this document while not
connected to the internet.
5.Make your desired changes. The next time you are online and have
Google Drive open, your local changes will upload to Google Drive.
Note
If you make changes to a Google document while offline and someone else
makes changes to the document as well (for example, if the document is
shared with someone else), the next time you are online and have Google
Drive open, your changes will merge with the other person’s changes.
You can’t open and access every type of file you have saved in
Google Drive when there is no internet connection. To enable offline
access to file types other than Google documents when offline, see
28 - Settings
SETTINGS
Use the settings menu to adjust the various options for your
Chromebook. To access the settings menu do the following:
1.Select the Status area of the shelf in the lower-right corner of the
screen (where your account picture appears).
2.Select Settings.
3.To show the advanced settings, scroll to the bottom and select
Show advanced settings...
Changing the language settings
1.Select the Status area of the shelf in the lower-right corner of the
screen (where your account picture appears).
2.Select Settings.
3.Select Show advanced settings...
4.Scroll down and select Language and input settings...
5.Select Add to add additional languages.
Settings - 29
6.To enable a language for keyboard input, under Input Method select
the checkbox next to your desired input method.
7.Select Done when finished.
Changing the clock settings
You can change the time format and time zone on your Chromebook.
If the date or time is incorrect on your Chromebook, try adjusting the
time zone.
To change the time zone:
1.Select the Status area of the shelf in the lower-right corner of the
screen (where your account picture appears).
2.Select Settings.
3.Select Show advanced settings...
4.Scroll down and select the drop down box next to Time zone.
Customizing appearance
Customizing the wallpaper
1.Select the Status area of the shelf in the lower-right corner of the
screen (where your account picture appears).
2.Select Settings.
3.Select Set wallpaper.
4.Select a preloaded wallpaper or select Custom, plus sign, and then
Choose File to select your own image.
5.Once selected, select OPEN.
You can also choose Surprise Me to have the wallpaper change
randomly.
Customizing the theme
1.Select the Status area of the shelf in the lower-right corner of the
screen (where your account picture appears).
2.Select Settings.
3.Select Get themes.
30 - Settings
4.You’ll be taken to the Chrome Web Store, where you can find extra
resources for the Chrome browser.
5.Once you find a theme that you’d like to try out, select it and then
select ADD TO CHROME.
Setting up a printer
You can use the Google Cloud Print service to send print requests to
many types of traditional cabled printer and wireless "cloud ready"
printers; however, not all printers are supported.
To learn more about Google Cloud Print and how to set up your
printer, reference Google’s own Chromebook Help to find
comprehensive information on this topic. To access Chromebook
Help, do the following:
1.Press the Search key
on your keyboard.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Get Help").
3.Select the Get Help
icon.
4.Select Printing.
Updating Chrome OS
Automatic update
Each time you turn on your Chromebook, it automatically checks for
updates. When an update is available, this update icon
in the status area. To apply the update:
will appear
1.Select the Status area of the shelf in the lower-right corner of the
screen (where your account picture appears).
2.Select Restart to update.
3.Your Chromebook will shutdown and automatically restart, with the
update applied.
Settings - 31
Manual update
To manually check for an update or check what version of Chrome OS
you are using:
1.Select the Status area of the shelf in the lower-right corner of the
screen (where your account picture appears).
2.Select Settings.
3.At the top select About Chrome OS.
4.In the dialog that opens, select Check for and apply updates. If
any updates are available, they will be displayed on the page.
Important
Do not modify your Chromebook’s hardware yourself. Doing so will
cause the update function to no longer work. Please get in touch with
an authorized service site.
Reseting your Chromebook
There may be times when you want to reset your Chromebook (for
example, removing your personal information and settings).
Completely reseting your Chromebook is known as "Powerwashing",
which is basically factory resetting your computer. After
powerwashing, your Chromebook will look like it did out of the box
(including all apps that came pre-installed). To powerwash your
Chromebook, do the following:
Important
Powerwashing your Chromebook will remove all local settings, data,
and programs from your hard drive. Backup any data on your hard drive
that is not saved online by moving it to Google Drive and waiting for it
to sync.
1.Select the Status area of the shelf in the lower-right corner of the
screen (where your account picture appears).
2.Select Settings.
3.In the Powerwash section, select Powerwash.
4.Select Restart.
32 - Help
HELP
Online and offline help
Additional help is available both online and offline. Chromebook Help
is installed on your Chromebook and doesn’t require internet access.
It covers basic troubleshooting as well as more detailed information
about Chrome OS and using your Chomebook.
Note
Some sections in Chromebook Help have web links, which require you have
internet access to view the additional information.
To access Chromebook Help, do the following:
1.Press the Search key
on your keyboard.
2.Select All Apps (or type "Get Help").
3.Select the Get Help
icon.
Help - 33
Alternatively, you can access Chromebook
Help by doing the following:
1.Select the Status area of the shelf in the
lower-right corner of the screen (where
your account picture appears).
2.Select the question mark "?".
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