The Web Store

Why Use the Web Store? 

This is where you will find all of the apps and extensions you want to add to your Chromebook. This is a very valuable resource because people create new apps and extensions quite frequently.

Where is the Web Store?

If you have not already found it, the icon to the left opens the Web Store. This icon may be in your shelf (bottom of computer screen), or it may simply be with all of your other apps. If this is the case, click on the search or magnifying glass button (either on the screen--bottom left corner--or the actual computer key--above SHIFT. This should bring up a box with most recently or most frequently
                                             used apps. If you do not see the Web Store icon there, click on ALL APPS.

What's in the Web Store?

Once you find the Web Store Icon, clicking on it opens a screen like this:

Search Bar--In the top left, you have a search bar. Here you can type in the name of an app or extension if you know what you are looking for. You can also type in general keywords if you don't know the name of the app or extension. For instance, you might type "file converter," which will return a variety of options from which to choose.

Apps, Extensions, and Themes--Below the search box, you have options for your search. You can choose to find only apps, only extensions, or only themes. If you don't select any of these three specifically, your search results will include all categories. If you are not sure of the differences between apps and extensions, check out my blog on that topic here. Themes change the look of your browser similar to wallpaper and themes on a desktop or laptop.

Types--You can also elect to find specifically Chrome Apps or Websites. Again, if you do nothing to this section, your search results will include both.

Categories--You can refine your search by selecting apps and extensions from specific categories. If you click on the drop-down menu for categories, it looks like this:

Some of the categories have subcategories also where you can further refine your search. Selecting a category only returns apps and extensions that fit into that category or subcategory. It may seem overwhelming at first, but take some time to explore what the Web Store offers you. 

Features--You can also limit your search by selecting certain features such as runs offline, by Google, free, available for Android, and works with Google Drive. While free is a feature option, be aware that most apps and extensions are free, so that selection does not weed out many apps or extensions in your search.

Ratings--You can choose to search only apps and extensions that have certain user ratings as well. These ratings are on a five-star scale.

Pre-sorted Categories--The Web Store's main page sorts apps and extensions into Featured, Recommended for You, New and Updated, Editor's Picks, and a few other categories. You can always browse these sections to look for apps, too.

Selecting and Adding an App or Extension

When you hover over an app or extension in the store, more information about the item appears. If you click on the app or extension, you see a box with even more information such as an overview, reviews, and related items. If you look at the information provided on this screen and decide the app is for you, then you need to select this app or extension. You should see a blue box in the top right that says ADD TO CHROME. Click on this button. Another box pops up asking you to confirm your selection. Select ADD, and your new app or extension appears with all of your other apps. You can leave it in your main apps section or place it in your shelf if you wish. Then, you are ready to go!