Taking screenshots on a Chromebook is quick and easy—whether you want to capture the whole screen or just a specific part of it. This guide walks you through different methods to take screenshots on your Chromebook.
1. How to Take a Screenshot on a Chromebook (Full-Screen Screenshot)
To capture everything visible on your screen: Press: Ctrl + Show Windows
(Show Windows key looks like a rectangle with two lines next to it. It’s usually on the top row, where the F5 key would be.)
Your Chromebook will instantly capture the full screen and save it.
2. Take a Partial Screenshot
- To capture only a selected portion of your screen: Press: Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows
Your screen will dim slightly, and your cursor will turn into a crosshair. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture, then release the mouse button.
3. Take a Screenshot with the Screenshot Tool (New Method)
On recent versions of Chrome OS, there’s a built-in screenshot tool with a user-friendly interface.
- Press: Shift + Ctrl + Show Windows
- A toolbar will appear at the bottom with options to:
- Capture full screen
- Capture partial screen
- Capture window
- Record screen (video)
- Choose your desired option and follow the on-screen instructions.
Where Are Screenshots Saved?
- All screenshots are saved automatically to the Downloads folder. To access them:
- Open the Files app.
- Go to the Downloads folder.
- Look for files labeled with the format: Screenshot YYYY-MM-DD at HH.MM.SS.png
Editing Your Screenshot
- After capturing, you can:
- Click the screenshot preview in the bottom corner to edit right away.
- Use the built-in image editor to crop, draw, or annotate.
- Install third-party apps like Lightshot or Awesome Screenshot for more advanced editing.
Quick Tips
- Press Ctrl + F5 on older Chromebooks (without the Show Windows key).
- Screenshots can be easily shared via Google Drive or Gmail.
- Use keyboard shortcuts to save time and avoid using external tools.
With these easy methods, taking screenshots on your Chromebook is a breeze—whether you’re saving an image for school, work, or fun!
