Chromebooks provide a dedicated key on the keyboard for taking full or partial screenshots, but if you are new to Chrome OS, you might still be wondering how to screenshot on Chromebook. This guide covers every method, from keyboard shortcuts to stylus tricks, so you can capture your screen in seconds.
Whether you need to save a webpage, capture a video frame, or share a quick image, Chrome OS offers multiple ways to do it. The best part? You don’t need any third-party apps for basic screenshots.
Let’s walk through the easiest and most reliable methods step by step.
How To Screenshot On Chromebook
There are three main ways to take screenshots on a Chromebook: using the dedicated Screenshot key, using keyboard shortcuts, or using the stylus (if your device supports it). Each method gives you control over what part of the screen you capture.
Using The Screenshot Key
Most Chromebooks made after 2020 have a dedicated Screenshot key. It looks like a rectangle with two lines next to it, usually located in the top row of the keyboard, near the brightness and volume keys.
- Press the Screenshot key once.
- A small menu appears at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose from three options: Capture full screen, Capture partial screen, or Capture window.
- Click the camera icon to take the screenshot.
If you don’t see the Screenshot key, don’t worry. You can use the keyboard shortcut instead.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are the fastest way to take screenshots on any Chromebook. Here are the most common ones:
- Ctrl + Show Windows key – Captures the entire screen.
- Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows key – Captures a selected area.
- Ctrl + Alt + Show Windows key – Captures a specific window.
The Show Windows key is the one with a rectangle and two vertical lines (F5 on many keyboards). If your Chromebook has a Screenshot key, you can also use it with the Ctrl key for partial captures.
After you press the shortcut, your screen might dim slightly. If you are using a partial screenshot, click and drag to select the area you want. Release the mouse or trackpad to capture.
Using The Stylus (For Touchscreen Chromebooks)
If your Chromebook has a stylus and a touchscreen, you can take screenshots directly from the stylus menu. This is handy for quick captures while taking notes or drawing.
- Tap the stylus on the screen to open the stylus menu.
- Select “Capture screen” from the options.
- Choose full screen or partial screen.
- The screenshot saves automatically.
This method works best on devices like the Lenovo Duet or the HP Chromebook x360.
Where Do Screenshots Save?
By default, all screenshots on a Chromebook are saved to the Downloads folder. You can find them by opening the Files app and clicking “Downloads.” Screenshots are named with the date and time they were taken, like “Screenshot 2025-03-20 at 10.30.45 AM.png.”
If you want to change the save location, you can use the Screenshot key menu. Click the gear icon in the bottom-right corner of the menu and choose a different folder. You can also set it to save to Google Drive or an external SD card.
One thing to note: screenshots are saved as PNG files. This format keeps the image quality high, but the file size can be larger than JPEG. If you need a smaller file, you can convert it later using an online tool.
How To Find Screenshots Quickly
If you take a lot of screenshots, finding the right one can be a hassle. Here are a few tips:
- Use the search bar in the Files app to type “Screenshot.”
- Sort your Downloads folder by date modified.
- Create a separate folder for screenshots and move them there manually.
You can also pin the Downloads folder to the shelf for faster access.
How To Take A Screenshot On A Chromebook Without A Keyboard
If your keyboard is broken or you are using a tablet mode Chromebook, you can still take screenshots using the on-screen keyboard or the stylus menu.
Using The On-Screen Keyboard
- Click the time in the bottom-right corner to open the Quick Settings panel.
- Click the accessibility icon (a person with a circle).
- Toggle on “On-screen keyboard.”
- On the virtual keyboard, press the Ctrl key, then the Show Windows key.
This method works the same as the physical keyboard shortcut. The on-screen keyboard might feel a bit slow, but it gets the job done.
Using The Stylus Menu (Again)
For touchscreen Chromebooks, the stylus menu is the easiest way. If you don’t have a physical stylus, you can use your finger, but the menu might not appear. In that case, go to Settings > Stylus and enable the stylus menu for touch input.
Some users report that the stylus menu only shows up when a stylus is detected. If your device doesn’t support a stylus, stick with the on-screen keyboard method.
How To Take A Screenshot On A Chromebook And Edit It
Chrome OS has a built-in screen capture tool that lets you edit screenshots right after you take them. This is much faster than opening a separate app.
Using The Screen Capture Tool
When you press the Screenshot key or use the keyboard shortcut, a toolbar appears at the bottom. Click the video camera icon to switch to screen recording, or click the camera icon for a screenshot. After you capture, a notification pops up with options to edit, delete, or share.
- Click “Edit” in the notification.
- Use the basic tools: crop, resize, draw, or highlight.
- Click “Save” to keep the changes.
The editing tool is simple but effective. You can add arrows, text, or shapes to highlight important parts. For more advanced editing, you can use Google Photos or an online editor like Pixlr.
Using The Clipboard
If you don’t want to save the screenshot as a file, you can copy it to the clipboard. Press Ctrl + Show Windows key, then press Ctrl + V to paste it into a document or image editor. This is useful for quick sharing without cluttering your Downloads folder.
Note: The clipboard only holds one screenshot at a time. If you copy another one, the first one is lost.
How To Screenshot On Chromebook With A Partial Area
Capturing only part of the screen is one of the most useful features. Here is how to do it step by step.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows key.
- The screen dims and a crosshair cursor appears.
- Click and drag to select the area you want.
- Release the mouse or trackpad to capture.
You can also use the Screenshot key menu. Click the “Capture partial screen” icon (a dashed rectangle) and then drag to select.
If you make a mistake, press the Escape key to cancel. The screenshot will not be saved.
Tips For Precise Selection
- Use a mouse instead of a trackpad for better control.
- Zoom in on the screen before capturing if you need a small area.
- Practice a few times to get the hang of it.
Partial screenshots are great for capturing error messages, specific images, or parts of a webpage.
How To Screenshot On Chromebook And Share Instantly
After taking a screenshot, you can share it directly without saving it first. This saves time when you need to send something quickly.
Using The Share Button
- Take a screenshot using any method.
- Click the notification that appears.
- Select “Share” from the options.
- Choose an app like Gmail, Google Chat, or WhatsApp.
The screenshot attaches automatically. You can also copy the screenshot to the clipboard and paste it into a message.
Using Google Drive
If you want to share a link instead of a file, save the screenshot to Google Drive. Change the save location in the Screenshot key menu to “Google Drive.” Then, right-click the file in Drive and choose “Get link.”
This method works well for team projects or when you need to share large files.
Common Problems And Fixes
Sometimes screenshots don’t work as expected. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them.
Screenshot Key Not Working
If the Screenshot key does nothing, try the keyboard shortcut instead. If that also fails, restart your Chromebook. A simple reboot often fixes temporary glitches.
If the problem persists, check for system updates. Go to Settings > About Chrome OS > Check for updates. Install any pending updates and try again.
Screenshots Save As Blank Images
Blank screenshots usually happen when you capture a protected screen, like a Netflix video or a DRM-protected website. Chrome OS blocks screenshots of these by design. There is no workaround without third-party software.
If you are not capturing protected content, try clearing your browser cache. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. Restart the browser and try again.
Screenshots Not Saving
If your screenshots disappear, check your Downloads folder. They might be there but sorted incorrectly. Also, check if your storage is full. Go to Settings > Device > Storage management to free up space.
If you are using an external SD card, make sure it is properly inserted. Sometimes the card might be corrupted or not formatted correctly.
How To Screenshot On Chromebook With A Tablet
If you are using a Chromebook in tablet mode, the keyboard is usually hidden or folded away. Here is how to take screenshots without a keyboard.
Using The Power Button And Volume Down
On many Chromebook tablets, you can press the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time. This works like a smartphone screenshot.
- Press and hold the Power button.
- Immediately press the Volume Down button once.
- Release both buttons.
You should see a flash and hear a shutter sound. The screenshot saves to the Downloads folder.
If this doesn’t work, your tablet might not support this gesture. Try the on-screen keyboard method instead.
Using Gesture Controls
Some newer Chromebooks support a three-finger swipe gesture to take screenshots. Go to Settings > Device > Touchpad and enable “Three-finger swipe.” Then, swipe down with three fingers to capture the full screen.
This gesture is still experimental on some models. Check your device’s settings to see if it is available.
How To Screenshot On Chromebook And Record Video
Chrome OS also has a built-in screen recorder. You can capture video of your screen, with or without audio. This is useful for tutorials, presentations, or bug reports.
Using The Screen Capture Tool
- Press the Screenshot key or Ctrl + Show Windows key.
- Click the video camera icon in the toolbar.
- Choose full screen, partial screen, or a specific window.
- Click the red record button.
- To stop, click the stop icon in the shelf or press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows key.
You can also record audio from your microphone. Click the gear icon in the toolbar and toggle on “Record audio.” The video saves as a WebM file in the Downloads folder.
Tips For Better Screen Recordings
- Close unnecessary tabs to reduce clutter.
- Use a wired internet connection for smoother playback.
- Keep recordings short to avoid large file sizes.
Screen recordings are a great alternative to screenshots when you need to show motion or steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Take A Screenshot On A Chromebook Without A Screenshot Key?
Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Show Windows key for full screen, or Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows key for a partial screenshot. If your keyboard lacks the Show Windows key, use the on-screen keyboard or the stylus menu.
Can I Take A Screenshot On A Chromebook And Paste It Directly?
Yes. Press Ctrl + Show Windows key to capture the screen, then press Ctrl + V to paste it into a document, email, or image editor. The screenshot is stored in the clipboard temporarily.
Why Are My Screenshots Not Saving On My Chromebook?
Check your Downloads folder for full storage. Also, ensure you are not capturing DRM-protected content. Restart your Chromebook and try again. If the issue continues, update Chrome OS.
How Do I Take A Screenshot On A Chromebook Tablet?
Press the Power button and Volume Down button at the same time. Alternatively, use the on-screen keyboard by enabling it in the accessibility settings.
Can I Change The Screenshot Format On A Chromebook?
No, Chrome OS saves screenshots as PNG files by default. You cannot change the format in the settings. However, you can convert the file to JPEG or other formats using an online converter or a photo editor.
Now you know all the ways to capture your screen on a Chromebook. From the dedicated key to the stylus, every method is simple and fast. Practice a few times, and you will be taking screenshots like a pro in no time.