How to Screenshot on Chromebook

3 min read

Taking a screenshot on a Chromebook can be a bit different if you’re used to other operating systems. Whether you need a full screen capture, a partial screenshot, or even to record your screen, this guide will walk you through all the options.

Key Takeaways

  • Use keyboard shortcuts for quick screen captures on Chromebooks.
  • Full screen, partial, and window captures are easy with specific key combinations.
  • Screen recordings can be done using built-in options or extensions.
  • Find your screenshots in the “Downloads” folder.

Quick Fixes to Try First

  • Press Ctrl + Show Windows for a full screen capture.
  • Use Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows for a partial screenshot.
  • Check your “Downloads” folder for saved screenshots.

How to Take a Full Screen Capture on Chromebook

To capture the entire screen, follow these steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Show Windows key. The Show Windows key is typically located in the top row between the Full Screen and Brightness Down keys.
  2. Your screen will briefly flash, indicating the screenshot was taken.
  3. Find the screenshot in the “Downloads” folder.

How to Take a Partial Screenshot on Chromebook

To capture a specific part of the screen, use this method:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows key.
  2. Your cursor will change to a crosshair. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture.
  3. Release the mouse button to take the screenshot.
  4. The screenshot will be saved in the “Downloads” folder.

How to Capture a Specific Window on Chromebook

To capture a specific window, follow these steps:

  1. Press Alt + Show Windows key.
  2. Select the window you want to capture.
  3. The screenshot will automatically be saved in the “Downloads” folder.

How to Record Your Screen on Chromebook

To record your screen, you can use the following method:

  1. Open the menu by clicking on the time in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
  2. Select Screen Capture.
  3. Click on the video icon for screen recording.
  4. Select the area you want to record, or choose full screen.
  5. Press Record.
  6. To stop recording, click the stop button in the bottom-right corner.
  7. The recording will be saved in the “Downloads” folder.
Pro Tip: For advanced screen recording features, consider using third-party extensions like Screencastify or Loom.

Where to Find Your Screenshots on Chromebook

All screenshots and recordings are automatically saved in the “Downloads” folder:

  1. Open the Files app from the Launcher.
  2. Navigate to the “Downloads” folder to find your screenshots.

Comparison of Screenshot Shortcuts on Chromebook

ActionShortcut
Full Screen CaptureCtrl + Show Windows
Partial Screen CaptureCtrl + Shift + Show Windows
Window CaptureAlt + Show Windows

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I change where screenshots are saved?

Currently, screenshots are automatically saved to the “Downloads” folder. You can’t change this default save location on a Chromebook.

Can I annotate screenshots on a Chromebook?

Yes, once you’ve taken a screenshot, you can open it in the Gallery app to add annotations.

Is there a snipping tool on Chromebook?

Chromebooks do not have a built-in snipping tool, but you can use the partial screenshot function as an alternative.

How do I take a screenshot on a Chromebook tablet?

On a Chromebook tablet, press the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously to take a screenshot.

What should I do if my screenshot function is not working?

Ensure your Chromebook is up to date by going to chrome://settings/help and checking for updates. Restart your Chromebook if necessary.

In conclusion, taking screenshots on a Chromebook is straightforward once you know the shortcuts and methods. Whether you need a full-screen capture or just a portion, Chromebooks offer a range of options to suit your needs. For more detailed help, refer to the official Google Chrome Help articles.