So, you just got a Chromebook, and you want to snap a screenshot—maybe to save a funny meme, capture a snag in your work, or share a cool online recipe. But wait, how do you actually take a screenshot here? Chromebooks don’t have the same keyboard layout as Windows laptops or Macs, so it may feel a bit confusing at first.
No worries! I’ve got your back. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every easy way to take screenshots on your Chromebook. You’ll learn how to get full-screen captures, snip just part of your screen, and even where those screenshots hide afterward. Plus, I’ll show you how to edit or annotate them without needing extra software.
Let’s dive in.
Different Methods to Take a Screenshot on a Chromebook
1. The Classic Keyboard Shortcut: Full-Screen Screenshot
The first and most common way to screenshot on a Chromebook is with a keyboard shortcut—just like on other laptops, but with a twist.
Chromebooks don’t have a dedicated “Print Screen” key like Windows PCs. Instead, you’ll use the Show Windows key (also called the Overview key), which looks like a rectangle with two vertical lines next to it. It’s usually on the top row, around the F5 spot.
Here’s how to take a full-screen screenshot:
- Press Ctrl + Show Windows keys at the same time.
You’ll see a quick animation, and a notification pops up telling you the screenshot was taken. Simple!
2. Partial Screenshot: Capture Only What You Want
What if you don’t want the entire screen? Maybe you want to capture just a funny chat bubble or a specific paragraph on a webpage.
No problem. There’s a shortcut for that too:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows.
Your cursor will change into a crosshair. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture. When you release the mouse, the Chromebook snaps that exact part of the screen.
It takes a bit of practice if you haven’t used this type of selection tool before, but it’s pretty intuitive once you get the hang of it.
3. Using the Power + Volume Down Buttons (Tablet Mode)
Got a Chromebook that doubles as a tablet? Then you can take screenshots just like you do on a phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume Down button at the same time.
This works whether you’re in tablet mode or just want a quick screenshot. Handy, right?
4. Using the Screenshot Tool from the Quick Settings
Chromebook also has a built-in screenshot app you can open from the Quick Settings menu.
- Click on the time in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
- In the menu that pops up, click the Screenshot icon (it looks like a square with a dot in the corner).
- Choose whether to capture the entire screen, a partial area, or a specific window.
This is great if you don’t like shortcuts or want an on-screen tool.
Taking a Full-Screen Screenshot vs. Partial Screenshot
Let’s break down the difference with clear steps.
| Screenshot Type | How to Do It | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Full-screen | Press Ctrl + Show Windows | Entire display captured in one image |
| Partial screen | Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows | Select and capture any rectangular area |
Why does this matter? If you’re trying to share something specific—say, your online shopping cart or a section of a spreadsheet—you don’t want to send the whole screen with distractions. Partial screenshots keep your message clean.
Think about those times when you wanted to share just a recipe from a blog but ended up sending your entire browser with tabs and bookmarks visible. That’s where the partial screenshot shines.
Where Are Screenshots Saved on a Chromebook?
This is a super common question, especially if you’re new to Chromebooks.
Your screenshots don’t just vanish into the void. Chromebook automatically saves them for you in the Downloads folder. Here’s how to find them:
- Open the Files app (it looks like a blue folder).
- Look for the Downloads folder in the left sidebar.
- Your screenshots usually appear at the top, named something like “Screenshot YYYY-MM-DD at HH.MM.SS.png.”
Tip: You can also access them quickly right after taking the screenshot by clicking on the notification that pops up.
If you want to organize your screenshots better, just move or copy them from Downloads to any other folder or Google Drive.
Can I Edit or Annotate Screenshots Directly on a Chromebook?
Yes! You don’t have to download any fancy software.
Chromebook comes with Markup, a simple tool to edit or annotate screenshots right away.
Here’s how to use it:
- Take your screenshot as usual.
- Click on the notification that says “Screenshot saved.”
- The image opens in the Markup tool.
- You’ll see options like crop, draw, add text, and rotate.
Want to highlight a part of your screenshot or circle something important before sharing? Markup makes it easy.
If you accidentally close the notification, just open the screenshot in the Gallery app or right-click the file in Files and select Open with > Markup.
Keyboard Shortcut Confusion? Here’s a Quick Reference
Chromebook keyboards look different, especially if you’ve switched from Windows or Mac. Here’s a handy cheat sheet to keep nearby:
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Full-Screen Screenshot | Ctrl + Show Windows |
| Partial Screenshot | Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows |
| Capture Screenshot in Tablet Mode | Power + Volume Down |
| Open Screenshot Tool | Click time > Click Screenshot icon |
You might ask, “Where exactly is the Show Windows key again?” It’s usually the 5th or 6th key from the left on the top row — a rectangle with two lines.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
1. Screenshot Shortcut Doesn’t Work
If pressing shortcuts isn’t doing anything, maybe:
- You’re using an external keyboard without the Show Windows key.
- Your keyboard layout is set differently (some Chromebooks have special regional settings).
- Try restarting your Chromebook.
2. Can’t Find My Screenshots
If you can’t find them in Downloads:
- Open Files app and double-check.
- Sometimes screenshots go to Google Drive if configured so.
- Use the search bar in Files: type “Screenshot” to find all screenshots.
3. Want to Capture a Specific Window Only?
Chromebooks don’t have a built-in shortcut for window-only screenshots, but you can:
- Use the partial screenshot tool and carefully select just that window.
- Or crop the full screenshot later using Markup.
FAQs About Chromebook Screenshots
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I screenshot video on my Chromebook? | Yes, but screenshots are still images. For video, you’ll need screen recording. |
| How do I take a screenshot if my keyboard is broken? | Use the Screenshot tool from Quick Settings. |
| Can I share screenshots directly from Chromebook? | Absolutely! Open the screenshot and click the share icon to email or send via apps. |
| Are screenshots saved locally or in the cloud? | By default, locally in Downloads, but you can move them to Google Drive easily. |
Wrapping It Up: Screenshot Like a Pro on Your Chromebook
Taking screenshots on a Chromebook doesn’t have to be a head-scratcher, even if you’re brand new to the device. Whether you want to grab the whole screen, just a sliver of it, or you’re snapping on a tablet mode, Chromebooks offer multiple ways to do it quickly.
Remember:
- Use Ctrl + Show Windows for full screen
- Use Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows for partial
- Check your Downloads folder for the images
- Edit with Markup right away
Try it out now—snap a screenshot of this page to test! You’ll feel like a Chromebook pro in no time.
References
[1] According to Google Support, Chromebook screenshots are saved to the Downloads folder by default. https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/183101?hl=en
[2] Chromebook Help Center explains keyboard shortcuts and screenshot tools. https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/183101?hl=en#zippy=%2Ccapture-part-of-the-screen
[3] How to edit screenshots on Chromebook with Markup tool. https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9079648?hl=en
If you have any other Chromebook questions, just ask. Screenshots are just the beginning!
Danny Inayat