Use your Pixelbook in tablet mode

With its 360-degree hinges and vibrant touchscreen, your Pixelbook (2017) laptop transforms into a versatile tablet you can use in the office, on your couch, or just about anywhere. Here we'll give you some touchscreen tips to help you make the most of your Pixelbook in tablet mode.

Note: Tablet mode is available with Pixelbook (2017). Pixelbook Go is a dedicated laptop and does not convert into a tablet.

Change from laptop to tablet mode

Pixelbook’s hinges make it easy to transform your device from a laptop into a tablet.

To turn your Pixelbook into a tablet, simply flip the laptop lid back until it rests against the base. Your display will rotate accordingly. The keyboard is disabled in tablet mode, so don't worry if you press the buttons when holding the tablet.

To use your tablet hands-free, flip the laptop lid partway back to tent mode. Then rest the device on a stable surface.

Use the Pixelbook touchscreen

• Click: Tap where you want to click.
• Right-click: Touch and hold where you want to right-click.
• Scroll: Drag your finger up, down, right, or left.
• Go to a previous page on your browser: To go back, swipe your finger from left to right. To go forward, swipe from right to left.
• Zoom in or out: Touch and hold an area with 2 fingers.
  • To zoom in, spread them apart.
  • To zoom out, pinch them together.
• Go to home screen: Find apps or search the web right from your home screen. To get there, swipe up from the bottom of your screen.
• Show your row of apps (shelf): In tablet mode, your shelf shows by default. If the shelf is hidden while you're viewing an app in full screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
• Hide your row of apps (shelf): Hide your row of apps (shelf): Touch and hold an area in the row and tap Autohide shelf.
  • Note: It will only be hidden if you view an app in full screen. To show your hidden shelf again, swipe up from the bottom.
• View all open windows (Overview mode): Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and hold.
• View two apps side-by-side: If you see all your open windows on the screen (Overview mode), drag an app to the left or right to open split screen mode.
• Close windows: If you see all your open windows on the screen (Overview mode), swipe up or down to close windows.

Useful tablet shortcuts

Try these shortcuts to complete some tasks more quickly.

• Take a screenshot: Press the Power button + Volume down button.
• Turn power off or sign out: Press and hold the Power button until you see a menu to Power off or Sign out.
• Turn off display: Quickly press the Power button for 1 second.
• Use the on-screen keyboard: Tap any text box to show the on-screen keyboard. To hide the keyboard, tap anywhere outside the text box, or go to the bottom right of your screen and tap Hide keyboard

Learn more about using the on-screen keyboard.

Handwrite text

1. Tap any text box to show the on-screen keyboard.
2. Tap Write

In the pad that appears, write text with your fingertip or touchscreen stylus.

Do more with the Pixelbook Pen

Using the Google Pixelbook Pen with Google Assistant is no longer supported.

Fingertips are fine when using your touchscreen, but the Pixelbook Pen¹ lets you enjoy more of Pixelbook's features. Here are a few things you can do with Pixelbook Pen:

• Take notes - Use the Pixelbook Pen and the Google Keep app to turn your tablet into a notepad, without wasting any paper.
• Draw, illustrate, animate - The Pixelbook Pen responds to your hand motions in real-time so you stay connected to your creations. With its refined pressure and tilt sensitivity, you can change the weight or thickness of a line without changing a setting.²
• Annotate your photos for a personal touch - Use the Pixelbook Pen with the Google Keep or Infinite Painter apps to add a note or drawing to your favorite photos.
• Change modes for more flexibility - Quickly turn your Pixelbook Pen into a handy laser pointer or magnifying glass. Take a screenshot of all or part of your screen to share with colleagues. Switch between drawing tools like a marker, highlighter, or eraser.

Learn more about using the Pixelbook Pen with your Pixelbook. Or find out where to buy one.

¹_{Pixelbook Pen is sold separately.}
²_{Features are designed for use with and require select editing applications. Lag was tested on pre-production Pixelbook, Pixel Slate, and Pixelbook Pen units, using top-rated Google and third-party programs and apps. Actual results may vary.}

Fix touchscreen problems

If your touchscreen isn't working, try these steps. Test after each step to see if your touchscreen is working.

1. Wipe off any dust or dirt on your touchscreen.
2. Reset your Pixelbook hardware.
3. Reset your Pixelbook to factory settings.

If these steps don't fix the problem, contact Pixelbook support.

Related article

• Use the Pixelbook Pen