How to screenshot on chromebook?

By HotBotUpdated: June 20, 2024

Taking a screenshot on a Chromebook is a straightforward process, but there are multiple methods to capture your screen, each suited to different needs. Whether you need to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or just a portion, this comprehensive guide will walk you through all the options. Additionally, we'll cover advanced techniques and troubleshooting tips to ensure you can effortlessly capture whatever you need.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Capture the Entire Screen

To capture the entire screen on your Chromebook, simply press the following key combination:

• Ctrl + Show Windows

The "Show Windows" key is usually located in the top row and resembles a rectangle with two lines on the right side (similar to a stack of windows). This action will capture the entire screen and save the screenshot to the "Downloads" folder.

Capture a Specific Area

If you only need to capture a specific area of your screen, use this key combination:

• Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows

The cursor will change to a crosshair, allowing you to click and drag to select the area you wish to capture. Once you release the mouse button, the selected area will be captured and saved to the "Downloads" folder.

Capture a Specific Window

To capture a specific window, follow these steps:

• Ctrl + Alt + Show Windows

The cursor will change to a camera icon, and you can click on the window you want to capture. The screenshot will be saved in the "Downloads" folder.

Using the Chrome OS Screenshot Toolbar

Chrome OS also includes a built-in screenshot toolbar that provides additional options and flexibility.

Accessing the Screenshot Toolbar

To open the screenshot toolbar, press:

• Ctrl + Shift + Overview

The Overview key is located in the top row and looks like a rectangle with two vertical lines next to it. The toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen, offering options to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or a selected area.

Using the Toolbar Options

Once the toolbar is open, you can choose between:

• Capture Screen - Takes a screenshot of the entire screen.
• Capture Window - Lets you select a window to capture.
• Capture Region - Allows you to click and drag to select a portion of the screen to capture.

Using External Tools and Extensions

While the built-in tools are sufficient for most users, there are external tools and Chrome extensions available that offer advanced features.

Google Keep

Google Keep is a note-taking app that includes a screenshot feature. To use it:

• Open Google Keep from the Chrome Web Store.
• Click on the camera icon to capture a screenshot and save it directly to your notes.

Awesome Screenshot

Awesome Screenshot is a popular Chrome extension that offers extensive features like annotation, blurring sensitive information, and sharing options. To use Awesome Screenshot:

• Add the Awesome Screenshot extension from the Chrome Web Store.
• Click on the extension icon in the toolbar.
• Choose from options like capturing the entire page, a selected area, or a specific element.

Saving and Managing Screenshots

By default, screenshots are saved in the "Downloads" folder. However, you can organize them for better accessibility.

Renaming and Moving Screenshots

To rename or move a screenshot:

• Open the "Files" app.
• Navigate to the "Downloads" folder.
• Right-click on the screenshot and select Rename or Move.

Using Google Drive

For cloud storage and easy sharing, consider saving your screenshots to Google Drive:

• Right-click on the screenshot in the "Files" app.
• Select Move to and choose your Google Drive folder.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you're experiencing issues with taking screenshots, here are some common problems and solutions:

Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working

If the keyboard shortcuts aren't working, try these steps:

• Ensure your keyboard is functioning correctly.
• Restart your Chromebook.
• Check for system updates in Settings > About Chrome OS.

Screenshots Not Saving

If screenshots aren't saving to the "Downloads" folder:

• Verify that you have enough storage space.
• Check the "Files" app to see if the screenshots are being saved elsewhere.

Advanced Techniques

For users requiring more sophisticated screen capturing methods, consider these advanced techniques:

Screen Recording

Chrome OS also supports screen recording. To record your screen:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Overview.
• Select the Screen Record option from the toolbar.
• Choose whether to record the entire screen, a specific window, or a selected area.

Using a Stylus

If your Chromebook supports a stylus, you can use it to capture screenshots:

• Tap the pen icon in the taskbar.
• Select Capture Screen or Capture Region.

Exploring these various methods and tools will enable you to capture screenshots on your Chromebook efficiently, whether you need a simple snapshot or a detailed screen recording. Remember, the right tool for the job can enhance your productivity and ensure you capture exactly what you need.

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