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Turn on your Chromebook
On the Chromebook, press the power button. A "Welcome" screen will appear when the Chromebook first boots up.
Select your language settings
Use the "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 network from the "Connect to 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.
First-time sign-in
Create a new Google Account
You can create a new Google Account if you don't already have one. Select Create a Google 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.
Enterprise enrollment (optional)
You can enroll the Chromebook by selecting Enterprise enrollment.
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. If your device is a Chromebook Enterprise, click More options and select Enterprise enrollment.
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.
Front view
# | Icon | Item | Description |
1 | Microphones | Internal microphones for sound recording. | |
2 | Webcam | Web camera for video communication. A light next to the webcam indicates that the webcam is active. | |
3 | Touchscreen | Displays computer output, supports multi-touch input. |
Keyboard view
# | Icon | Item | Description |
1 | Keyboard | For entering data into your computer. | |
2 | Touchpad / click button | Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse. Pressing down anywhere on the pad functions like the left button of a mouse. Pressing down anywhere with two fingers functions like the right button of a mouse. |
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. |
![]() | Full-screen | Open the page in full-screen mode. |
![]() | Next window | Switch to the next window. |
![]() | Brightness down | Decreases the screen brightness. |
![]() | Brightness up | Increases the screen brightness. |
![]() | Mute | Turns off audio output. |
![]() | Volume down | Decreases the volume. |
![]() | Volume up | Increases the volume. |
![]() | Lock screen | Locks the screen. |
![]() | Search | Search from the Apps panel. |
Common keyboard shortcuts
You can use shortcuts to complete some tasks more quickly.
Keyboard shortcuts | Description |
Ctrl + ![]() | Takes screenshot. |
Alt + ![]() | Toggles caps lock. |
Alt + ![]() | Projects your screen. |
Alt + ![]() | Brightens the keyboard backlight. |
Alt + ![]() | Dims or brightens the keyboard backlight. |
Note: For a complete list of keyboard shortcuts, press Ctrl + Alt + /
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. |
Two-finger tap (or alt-click) | Tapping the touchpad with two fingers or pressing (and holding) Alt on the keyboard and tapping the touchpad with one finger both equal a "right-click" on a computer mouse. |
Two-finger swipe | Place two fingers on the touchpad and move them up and down to scroll vertically, left and right to scroll horizontally. |
Drag and drop | 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 for files, not windows or icons.) |
Left view
# Icon | Item | Description |
1 ![]() | USB Type-C port with DC-in | Connects to the provided USB Type-C power adapter and to USB devices with a USB Type-C connector. Supports DisplayPort ™ over USB-C ™. |
2 ![]() | USB port | Connects to USB devices. (Vary depending on models.) If a port is black it is USB 2.0 compatible, if it is blue it is also USB 3.2 compatible. |
3 ![]() | Headset/speaker jack | Connects to audio devices (e.g., speakers, headphones), or a headset with microphone. |
4 ![]() | SIM card slot (optional) | Accepts a Nano SIM card. |
USB Type-C information
Right view
# | Icon | Item | Description |
1 | + / - | Volume control key | Adjusts the system volume. |
2 | ![]() | Power button | Turns the computer on and off. |
![]() | Battery indicator | Indicates the computer's battery status. Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging. Fully charged: The light shows blue when in AC mode. | |
3 | ![]() | USB Type-C port with DC-in | Connects to the provided USB Type- C power adapter and to USB devices with a USB Type-C connector. Supports DisplayPort ™ over USB-C ™ |
Bottom view
# | Icon | Item | Description |
1 | Speakers | Deliver stereo audio output. |
Your computer features the following modes. You can choose a mode to fit your needs.
Window controls
Number | Description |
1 | Goes Backward ![]() ![]() ![]() |
2 | Closes a tab. |
3 | Opens a new tab. |
4 | Type a web address or perform an internet search in this search box (also known as the "omnibox"). |
5 | Minimizes the window into the desktop shelf. |
6 | Maximizes the window to take up the entire screen. Click again to return window to previous position. Also, select and hold to display a left ![]() ![]() |
7 | Closes the entire window (tabs and all). |
8 | Bookmark (save) webpage links to this quick-access area called the "bookmarks bar". |
9 | Select to bookmark (save) a link to the currrent webpage. |
10 | Select to use any enabled extensions you have installed in Chrome from this extension list. |
11 | Select to customize and control Google Chrome. |
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 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, select .
Pinned apps
You can pin or unpin apps on the shelf.
To pin an app to the shelf
To unpin an app from the shelf
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 |
![]() | Notifications | ![]() | Shut down |
![]() | Lock screen | ![]() | Settings |
![]() | Volume control | ![]() | Wireless network connection |
![]() | Bluetooth status | ![]() | Battery status |
![]() | Night light | ![]() | Keyboard |
![]() | Brightness control |
You can enhance your Chromebook with extra web applications (Chrome apps, for short), features for the browser (also known as extensions) and apps designed for Android™ (Play Store apps). Chrome 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. Android apps, designed for Android mobile devices are supported on Chromebooks. You can find Chrome apps and extensions through the Chrome Web Store, and Android apps using the Google Play Store.
Managing apps
Note
Certain apps and browser extensions may not be available in all countries and regions. The contents and design of the Web Store may vary by region. Updates may add new categories or change how to navigate the Web Store at any time.
Installing apps from Chrome Web Store
Installing apps from Google Play Store
Removing apps from Chrome OS
Note
Some apps such as the Chrome web browser cannot be uninstalled.
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 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
Note
For an alternative method of creating documents, see How to create documents.
Sync files from Downloads to Google 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:
Gmail
Composing an email
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website on which users can upload, share and view videos. You can access it by doing the following:
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 |
Audio / Video | .3gp, .avi, .mov, .mp4, .m4v, .m4a, .mp3, .mkv, .ogv, .ogm, .ogg, .oga, .webm, .wav |
Other Supported File Types
Your Chromebook supports a number of other file formats.
File type | Supported formats |
Microsoft Office files | .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt (read-only), .pptx (readonly) |
Images | .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .webp |
Compressed | .zip, .rar |
Other | .txt, .pdf (read-only) |
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
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:
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:
How to share documents with other users
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:
How to listen to music
How to watch videos, TV, or movies
Working with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint) documents
Open and edit Microsoft Office files using Google's office compatibility mode
Convert Microsoft Office files to Google Drive formats
Export Google Drive documents as Microsoft Office files
Opening Microsoft Office files using Microsoft's Office Online apps from the Chrome Web Store or Google Play 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 or Google Play 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 Web Store as well).
How to use your Chromebook when there's no internet
The Chrome Web Store contains useful offline apps. For more information see Installing apps from Chrome Web Store. You're able to filter your app search by selecting the Runs Offline checkbox. For 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.
Google Drive
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.
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 Enable offline access to Google Drive files.
Use the settings menu to adjust the various options for your Chromebook. To access the settings menu do the following:
Changing the language settings
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:
Customizing appearance
Customizing the wallpaper
Customizing the theme
Setting up mobile data connection
If your Chromebook has a SIM slot, you can connect to the internet using a cellular phone network. To do this, you must have a compatible SIM card and a data contract with your cellular provider. Place a SIM card seated properly in the tray and press the tray back to your computer firmly. You first need to insert the SIM card of the celular provider and enable it.
Before you can use mobile data network with your Chromebook, you need to activate your SIM card. You can follow the following procedure.
Note
Do not force the SIM card. If it does not fit, ensure you have the SIM card properly oriented. Trying to force the SIM card into the slot when it is incorrectly oriented may damage the SIM card and/or your Chromebook.
Insert the SIM card
Note
The SIM ejection tool diagram is for reference only, actual product accessories may vary by specifications.
Enable mobile data
Connect to mobile data
After you have activated the mobile data, you can connect to it.
Change your PIN number for your SIM card
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:
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 will appear as a notification in the status area. To apply the update:
Manual update
To manually check for an update or check what version of Chrome OS you are using:
Resetting your Chromebook
There may be times when you want to reset your Chromebook (for example, removing your personal information and settings). Completely resetting 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:
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.
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 Chromebook.
Note
Some sections in Chromebook Help have web links, which require you to have internet access to view the additional information.
To access Chromebook Help, do the following:
Question | Answer |
What software works on a Chromebook? | Chromebooks use apps from the Google Play Store and on the web, instead of traditional software applications. There are apps to be productive, get creative, enjoy movies and shows, play games and more. |
How do I get more apps? | Download Chromebook apps from the Google Play Store app ![]() ![]() |
Can I use Microsoft Office software? | Chromebooks work with Microsoft ® Word, Excel ® and PowerPoint ®. You can download the apps from the Google Play Store or use them on the web. *Additional functionality available with a Microsoft 365 subscription. Microsoft, Excel and PowerPoint are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. |
Where can I find my files? | All your files are stored in the Files app ![]() ![]() |
How do I transfer my local files? | Transfer your local files using a compatible storage device. Your Chromebook works with most external storage devices (e.g.: USB thumb drives, removable hard drives). |
Why does my Chromebook need my Google Account information? | You'll use your Google Account to sign in to your Chromebook. It is the same account you use for Google services such as Gmail and Drive. Your Chromebook uses your account information to automatically sign you into apps and services. |
How do I set this up for my child? | If you want to set up parental controls for your child, it's important that you sign in using your child's personal Google Account. If they don't already have one, you can create one during the sign-in process on your Chromebook. You will be able to add your child's school account after you complete device onboarding. |
Get help or more information
For information on: | Refer to: |
Chromebook Help | Open the Explore app ![]() |
Chrome OS | https://support.google.com/chromebook/ |
Register your Acer product
Go to www.acer.com/register-product, and sign in or sign up your Acer ID to register your product.
Once it is done, you can review it under "My Products" page.
Model number:
Serial number:
Date of purchase:
Place of purchase:
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Download Acer Chromebook Spin 513, Chromebook Enterprise Spin 513 Manual
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