Taking a screenshot on a Chromebook is easier than ever. Newer models include a dedicated Screenshot key, while all current Chromebooks also support ChromeOS’ Screenshot tools for full-screen, partial, and windowed screenshots. If your device uses an old keyboard layout, you can still use the standard one Show windows shortcut.
You can also take screenshots in tablet mode, use an external keyboard, and change where screenshots are saved. Here’s how it all works.
Quick answer
- Full screenshot: Press the Screenshot keyor press Ctrl + Show windows
- Partial screenshot: Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows
- Screenshot of the window: Open Screen captureand select The window
- Tablet screenshot: Press Power + Volume down
- External keyboard: Press Ctrl + F5 to get a full screenshot, or Ctrl + Shift + F5 for a partial screenshot
How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook
The easiest way to take a screenshot on a Chromebook is to use the built-in screen capture tools.
- Press the button Screenshot key if your Chromebook has one.
- If your Chromebook doesn’t have a screenshot key, turn it on Quick Settings and select Screen capture. You can press again Shift + Ctrl + Show windows to open the same toolbar.
- Choose whether you want to capture the file full screena partial areaor a one window.
- To get a full screen shot, select the full screen option and click anywhere on the screen when prompted.
Your screenshot will be saved automatically, and you can open, copy, edit, or share it right away.
If you prefer the old shortcut method, press Ctrl + Show windows to capture the entire screen quickly.
How to take a partial screenshot on a Chromebook
If you want only a part of the screen, use the partial screenshot option.
- Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows to open Screen Capture, or press i Screenshot key and select the partial screenshot option.
- Click and drag over the area you want to capture.
- Extract to save the screenshot.
This is a neat option if you want to skip cropping afterwards and capture the essentials.
How to take a screenshot of a window on a Chromebook
ChromeOS also lets you capture a single app window without taking up the entire screen.
- Open the Screen capture toolbar.
- Select the The window option.
- Select the window you want to capture.
This is useful if you want a clean image for a guide, school project, or message and don’t want to clutter up your entire desktop later.
Where Chromebook screenshots are saved
By default, Chromebook screenshots are saved locally on your device.
You can usually find them at Downloadable folder in Files operating system. Depending on your setup, they may also appear in Pictures.
If you take screenshots regularly, it’s worth checking the screenshot settings so you know exactly where the new files go. That saves you from having to take a screenshot, and play detective immediately.
How to change where screenshots are saved
If you want your screenshots to go somewhere other than the default folder, you can change the save location with Screenshot tools.
- Open it Screen capture using the Screenshot key or Shift + Ctrl + Show windows.
- Open the capture settings.
- Select the folder where you want future screenshots to be saved.
This is especially useful if you regularly move screenshots to Google Drive or store project files in a specific folder.
How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook tablet
If you’re using a Chromebook in tablet mode, the easiest way is a hardware button shortcut.
- Press Power + Volume down at the same time.
- The Chromebook will capture the full screen and save the image automatically.
This works like taking a screenshot on an Android phone, which is appropriate since ChromeOS and Android have been borrowing each other’s homework for years.
How to take a screenshot with a stylus on a Chromebook
If your Chromebook supports stylus input, you may also be able to take screenshots with the pen tools.
- Select Style or A pen.
- Select Take the screen to get a full screenshot, or Take the region for a partial screenshot.
- If you choose to capture a region, drag the text across the part of the screen you want to capture.
This is a useful option for 2-in-1 devices where accessing the keyboard shortcut feels difficult.
How to take a screenshot with an external keyboard
If you’re using an external keyboard that doesn’t have the Chromebook’s top row keys, the shortcut changes slightly.
- Press Ctrl + F5 for a full screenshot.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + F5 for a partial screenshot.
This is also the method you can use on ChromeOS devices like the Chromebox, where the keyboard may look more like a regular PC keyboard.
How to edit or share a screenshot on a Chromebook
After taking a screenshot, you can open it from Files app to make a quick edit or send it to someone.
- Open the Files app and go to Downloadable or Pictures.
- Select the screenshot you want to open.
- Use the built-in image tools to crop, rotate, or make simple adjustments.
- Save changes, or use the share options to send the screenshot via email, cloud storage, or another application.
For most people, the built-in tools are enough. If you need advanced annotations or full-page web capture, that’s when third-party tools start to make sense.
Best screenshot tools for Chromebook
ChromeOS’s built-in tools cover the basics well, but a few third-party options can do more.
Lightshot: A simple tool for quick region capture and basic editing.
FireShot: It’s great for capturing entire web pages without compiling multiple screenshots.
Amazing screenshot and screen recorder: Useful if you want annotations, blurring, or screen recording in the same tool.
GoFullPage: Another solid option is to save full web pages as images or PDFs.
Most users won’t need these screenshots every day, but they can be useful when creating tutorials, reports, or classroom materials.
FAQ
What is the Show windows key on a Chromebook?
I Show windows key is a Chromebook key that is used instead of the normal taskbar button. It usually looks like a rectangle with two straight lines on its side.
Can I take a screenshot of a window on a Chromebook?
Yes. Open it Screen capturechoose The windowand select the window you want to save.
Where do screenshots go on a Chromebook?
They are usually kept in them Downloadable of Files operating system. Some setups may also show themselves internally Pictures.
Can I change where the screenshots are saved?
Yes. Open the screen capture toolbar, go into the capture settings, and choose a different save location.
How do I take a screenshot on a Chromebook without the screenshot key?
Use it Shift + Ctrl + Show windows to open the screenshot toolbar, or use Ctrl + Show windows for a quick full screen shot.
How do I take a screenshot on a Chromebook tablet?
Press Power + Volume down at the same time to capture the entire screen.
Can I edit a screenshot right after taking it?
Yes. Open the screenshot from Files application and use the built-in editing tools to crop, rotate, or adjust the image.
Taking a screenshot on a Chromebook is one of those things that sounds confusing until it’s impossible. Once you know the keyboard shortcuts and where ChromeOS hides the capture tools, it becomes second nature.
