The Chromebook shelf is the bar that sits at the bottom (or side) of your screen. It’s where your most-used apps live and where running apps appear—similar to the taskbar on Windows or the dock on macOS. Pinning apps and websites to the shelf saves time, reduces clutter, and keeps your daily tools just one click away.
If you find yourself opening the same apps or websites again and again, pinning them to the shelf is one of the simplest productivity upgrades you can make on ChromeOS.
Now, if you are here reading about how to pin apps and websites to the Chromebook shelf, we assume you want faster access and a cleaner workflow. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through all the working methods, step by step.
What Can You Pin to the Chromebook Shelf?
You can pin:
- ChromeOS system apps
- Android apps from Play Store
- Linux apps
- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
- Websites (as shortcuts or web apps)
Once pinned, items stay on the shelf even after you close them.
How to Pin Apps to the Chromebook Shelf
This method works for ChromeOS apps, Android apps, and Linux apps.
Open the Launcher
- Click the Launcher (circle icon) in the bottom-left corner.
- Browse the app list or use the search bar to find the app you want to pin.
Pin the App to the Shelf
- Right-click on the app icon.
(On a touchscreen, tap and hold.) - Click Pin to shelf.
The app will now appear on the shelf permanently.
How to Pin a Running App to the Shelf
If an app is already open, you can pin it directly from the shelf.
Steps to Pin a Running App
- Open the app you want to keep.
- Locate its icon on the shelf.
- Right-click the app icon.
- Click Pin.
The app will remain pinned even after closing it.
How to Pin a Website to the Chromebook Shelf (Best Method)
The best way to pin a website is by installing it as a web app (PWA). This gives you an app-like experience instead of a regular browser tab.
Open the Website in Google Chrome
- Open the Google Chrome browser.
- Go to the website you want to pin
(for example: Gmail, YouTube, Google Docs, Notion). - Make sure the site loads completely.
Create a Website Shortcut as a Web App
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Chrome.
- Click More tools.
- Select Create shortcut.
- Check the option Open as window.
- Click Create.
The website is now installed like an app.
Pin the Website to the Shelf
- Open the newly created web app from the Launcher.
- Right-click its icon on the shelf.
- Click Pin.
The website will now stay on the shelf just like a regular app.
How to Pin a Website Without Creating a Web App (Alternate Method)
If you don’t want a full web app, you can pin a site temporarily.
Steps to Pin a Website Tab
- Open the website in Chrome.
- Right-click the Chrome icon on the shelf.
- Click Pin tab.
Note: This pin disappears once you unpin the tab or close Chrome.
How to Rearrange Pinned Items on the Shelf
You can change the order of pinned apps anytime.
- Click and hold an app or website icon on the shelf.
- Drag it left or right to your preferred position.
- Release to place it.
This helps group similar apps together.
How to Unpin Apps or Websites from the Shelf
If the shelf gets cluttered, unpinning is easy.
Steps to Unpin
- Right-click the pinned app or website on the shelf.
- Click Unpin.
The app or website will be removed from the shelf but not uninstalled.
Wrapping Up
With that, we wrap up our detailed guide on how to pin apps and websites to the Chromebook shelf. Pinning the right apps and web tools can dramatically improve how fast and comfortable ChromeOS feels during daily use.
Once set up properly, the Chromebook shelf becomes a powerful productivity hub instead of just a place where icons sit. We hope this guide helped you organize your shelf exactly the way you want.
