Whether you’re taking notes, saving proof of something important, or sharing a tech issue to someone, you may need to take a screenshot.
In this post, I will show you 3 easy ways to take screenshots on a Chromebook, including keyboard shortcuts, touch methods, stylus options, and how to record your screen too.
Method 1: Take a Screenshot with Keyboard Shortcuts
✔️ Full-Screen Screenshot
To capture your entire screen:
Press: Ctrl + Show Windows
- The Show Windows key looks like a rectangle with two vertical lines.
- The screenshot will be saved to your Downloads folder and copied to your clipboard.
✔️ Partial Screenshot
To capture a specific area of your screen:
Press: Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows
- Your screen will dim slightly, and your mouse will turn into a crosshair.
- Click and drag to select the area you want to capture.
- Release the mouse to take the screenshot.
✔️ Window Screenshot
To capture a specific window:
Press: Ctrl + Alt + Show Windows
- Then click on the window you want to capture.
📝 Tip: If you’re using an external keyboard, use F5 instead of the Show Windows key.
Method 2: Use the Screen Capture Tool (No Shortcuts Needed)
If keyboard shortcuts are confusing, don’t worry — you can use the built-in Screen Capture tool:
- Click the time in the bottom-right corner (Quick Settings panel).
- Click “Screen Capture”.
- Choose between:
- 📸 Full screen
- 📐 Partial screen
- 🪟 Window
The toolbar appears at the bottom, making it super easy to use — no key combos required.
Method 3: Take Screenshots in Tablet Mode
Using a Chromebook in tablet mode? Try this:
📱 Button Method (like Android phones):
Press: Power button + Volume down at the same time
- It instantly captures the full screen.
🖊 Stylus Method (if your Chromebook has one):
- Tap the Stylus or Pen icon on the shelf.
- Select either:
- Capture screen (full screenshot)
- Capture region (draw the area to capture)
Bonus: Where Do Screenshots Go?
By default, all screenshots are saved as .png files in your:
📁 Downloads folder
Also:
- Screenshots are copied to your clipboard (you can paste them with
Ctrl + V) - You can find recent screenshots in Tote (a holding area on the shelf)
- Press
Search + Vto see your clipboard history
Editing & Managing Your Screenshots
After you take a screenshot:
- A notification will pop up — click it to open the image editor
- You can crop, rotate, or adjust the image using the built-in tools
- Rename or organize your screenshots in the Files app or move them to Google Drive
Want to Record Your Screen?
You can also record your Chromebook screen (video):
- Open the Screen Capture tool from Quick Settings
- Switch to video mode
- Choose:
- 🎥 Full screen
- 🪟 Window
- 📐 Partial area
- Click Record
- Use the mic toggle if you want to record your voice
🛑 To stop recording: click the red square on the shelf
FAQ: Chromebook Screenshot Questions
✅ Can I take screenshots without a keyboard?
Yes! Use the Screen Capture tool from Quick Settings
Or, press Power + Volume Down in tablet mode
✅ Can I change where screenshots are saved?
Yes.
- Open the Screen Capture tool
- Click the ⚙️ Settings icon
- Choose your preferred folder
✅ Can I take scrolling screenshots?
Not with the built-in tools. But you can install Chrome extensions like:
- GoFullPage
- FireShot
✅ Can I edit my screenshot after taking it?
Yes.
- Click the notification after the screenshot
- Use the built-in editor to crop, highlight, or adjust brightness
✅ Why aren’t my screenshots saving?
Try this:
- Check your Chromebook’s storage space
- Restart your Chromebook
- Make sure you’re pressing the correct key combo
Final Words
Screenshots on a Chromebook are easy once you know how.
Whether you’re saving a receipt, capturing a bug, or sending notes to a friend — you have multiple methods to capture, save, and share what’s on your screen.
From keyboard shortcuts to the Screen Capture tool, Chromebook gives you flexibility no matter your device setup.