This article explains how to rotate a Chromebook screen or its external display.

The Keyboard Shortcut to Rotate a Chromebook

The fastest way to rotate the screen on a Chromebook is with the keyboard. It’s easy to remember, too. Just press and hold the Ctrl and Shift keys, and then press the Refresh key once—it’s at the top of the keyboard and looks like a circular arrow.

If you see a pop-up the first time you do it, select Continue. Each time you press these keys at the same time, the screen rotates 90 degrees clockwise.

How to Rotate the Screen in Settings

Another way to control a Chromebook’s screen rotation is to change the display settings. Here’s how it works:

1. Select the clock and then choose Settings.

2. Go to Device > Displays.

3. Select the menu next to Orientation, and then choose one of the options.

   Chromebooks in tablet mode override the orientation in Display settings. If tablet mode doesn’t rotate the screen automatically as you rotate the Chromebook in your hands, tap the clock and then choose Lock to unlock automatic screen rotation.

How to Rotate the Second Display on a Chromebook

If you have a second display attached to your Chromebook, the above methods work to change the orientation there, too. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Move the cursor to the display you want to rotate. This is how the Chromebook knows which screen to change when you press the shortcut keys.
• If you’re in Settings, select the tab that corresponds with the screen you want to rotate. Then, the orientation you pick will apply to that display only.

What to Know About Rotating a Chromebook Screen

Changing the screen orientation sticks around even after you’ve restarted the device. The only exception is if you’re using a convertible (2-in-1) Chromebook; flipping it into tablet mode will override the current screen orientation.

Keep in mind that when the screen rotates, the trackpad’s directions rotate, too. For example, turning the screen 90 degrees means swiping your finger upward on the trackpad will move the cursor sideways—from left to right across the screen, rather than straight up.

Needless to say, this can be confusing, so be prepared for that. A touchscreen can help fix things more easily if you get disoriented.