How to Take a Screenshot on Chromebook
Capturing your screen on a Chromebook relies on a specific key on your keyboard called the "Show Windows" button (it looks like a rectangle with two lines next to it).
How to Take a Screenshot on Chromebook
Whether you want to capture the whole screen, a small crop, or a specific window, ChromeOS has built-in shortcuts to handle it.
How to Take a Full-Screen Screenshot
Use this shortcut if you want to quickly snap a picture of absolutely everything on your monitor.
- Press Ctrl + Show Windows at the same time.
- The screen will flash briefly.
- The entire screen is captured and a notification will appear in the bottom right corner.
How to Take a Partial Screenshot
This is the most common method, allowing you to drag and select exactly what you want to capture.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows all at the same time.
- Your screen will dim and your cursor will change to a crosshair.
- Click and drag to select the area you want to save.
- Release the mouse/trackpad to capture.
How to Capture a Specific Window
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Show Windows.
- Your cursor will change to a camera icon.
- Click on the window you want to screenshot.
Chromebook Screenshot Keyboard Shortcuts
- Ctrl + Show Windows: Capture entire screen.
- Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows: Capture partial area.
- Ctrl + Alt + Show Windows: Capture specific window.
Note: The "Show Windows" button is usually located in the top row, where F5 would be on a standard Windows keyboard.
How to Take a Screenshot Without a Screenshot Key
If your Chromebook keyboard doesn't have the Show Windows key (or you're using an external Windows/Mac keyboard), look in the system tray in the bottom right corner (where the clock is). Click it to open Quick Settings, then click Screen capture to bring up the screenshot toolbar.
How to Take a Screenshot on a Chromebook Tablet
If you are using your Chromebook in tablet mode without the keyboard attached.
- Press the physical Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time.
- This works identically to an Android smartphone.
How to Take a Scrolling Screenshot on Chromebook
ChromeOS does not have a built-in scrolling screenshot feature. To capture a full web page top-to-bottom, you will need to install a Chrome extension like GoFullPage.
How to Record Your Screen on Chromebook
Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows to open the Screen Capture menu, then click the video camera icon instead of the camera icon. You can record the full screen, a partial area, or a specific window.
Where Are Screenshots Saved on Chromebook?
Chrome OS saves screenshots locally to your hard drive.
- Open the Files app.
- Look in your Downloads folder.
- Alternatively, click the pop-up notification that appears in the bottom right immediately after taking the shot.
How to Edit and Share Chromebook Screenshots
When you take a screenshot, a preview notification appears in the bottom-right corner. Click Edit on this notification to open the image in the Gallery app, where you can crop, annotate, and rotate the image.
Chromebook Screenshot Not Working
If shortcuts aren't working, ensure you don't have conflicting Chrome extensions installed, or check if your school/workplace administrator has disabled screen capture on your managed device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Print Screen button on a Chromebook?
Chromebooks don't have a Print Screen button. You use the "Show Windows" key instead (rectangle with two lines).