How to Screenshot on Chromebook: Every Method Explained
Chromebooks do not have a Print Screen key, which leaves many new users wondering how to capture what is on their screen. The good news is that ChromeOS has easy built-in shortcuts and a Screen capture tool that can grab the full screen, part of the screen or a single window, and even record video. Here is exactly how to screenshot on Chromebook, including school Chromebooks, tablet mode and keyboards without the special key.
Quick answer: To screenshot on a Chromebook, press Ctrl + Show windows (the key with a rectangle and two lines, usually above the 6) to capture the full screen. Press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows to open the Screen capture tool, where you can capture part of the screen or a single window. In tablet mode, press Power + Volume down. Screenshots are saved to the Downloads folder in the Files app and copied to the clipboard.
Chromebook Screenshot Shortcuts at a Glance
| What you want | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Full screen | Ctrl + Show windows |
| Part of the screen | Ctrl + Shift + Show windows, then drag |
| A single window | Ctrl + Shift + Show windows, choose the window icon, then click a window |
| Tablet mode | Power + Volume down |
| Keyboard without Show windows key | Ctrl + F5 |
| Screen recording | Ctrl + Shift + Show windows, then switch to the video option |
How to Take a Full Screenshot on a Chromebook
Press Ctrl and the Show windows key at the same time. The Show windows key, sometimes called the overview key, has an icon of a rectangle with two lines next to it and sits in the top row, usually above the 6 key. You will see a notification confirming the screenshot was taken. Some newer Chromebooks also have a dedicated screenshot key in the top row; just press it to open Screen capture.
How to Screenshot Part of the Screen
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows.
- A toolbar appears at the bottom of the screen with the partial screenshot option selected.
- Click and drag to select the area you want.
- Click Capture or press Enter.
How to Use the Screen Capture Tool
Screen capture is a built-in ChromeOS tool. Open it with Ctrl + Shift + Show windows, or click the time in the bottom-right corner to open Quick Settings and select Screen capture. From the toolbar you can:
- Switch between screenshot and screen recording
- Choose full screen, partial or window capture
- Open settings to pick a save folder or turn on the microphone or camera for recordings
Want to turn a screen recording into a shareable animation? Here is how to make a GIF from a video.
How to Screenshot on a Chromebook in Tablet Mode
If your Chromebook folds into a tablet or you are using it without a keyboard, press the Power button and the Volume down button at the same time. For a partial screenshot, use the Screen capture option in Quick Settings. Chromebooks with a stylus also offer Screen capture in the stylus tools menu.
How to Screenshot Without the Show Windows Key
If you use an external keyboard or a Windows-style keyboard, press Ctrl + F5 for a full screenshot or Ctrl + Shift + F5 for the Screen capture tool. On some keyboards, the Print Screen key may work too.
Where Do Screenshots Go on a Chromebook?
By default, screenshots are saved as PNG files in the Downloads folder (or a Screenshots folder) inside the Files app. They are also copied to your clipboard, so you can paste them right away with Ctrl + V. Recent screenshots also appear in the Tote or Holding space area on your shelf. To change the save location, open Screen capture, click the settings gear and choose Select folder.
Chromebook Screenshot Not Working?
- Make sure you press all keys at the same time.
- School or work Chromebooks may have screenshots turned off by an administrator.
- Restart your Chromebook and check for ChromeOS updates.
- Try the Screen capture option in Quick Settings instead.
- Check that your Downloads folder is not full or missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you screenshot on a school Chromebook?
Use the same shortcuts: Ctrl + Show windows or Ctrl + Shift + Show windows. If nothing happens, your school may have disabled screenshots.
How do I screenshot on an HP, Lenovo, Acer or Samsung Chromebook?
The shortcuts are the same on every Chromebook because they come from ChromeOS, not the hardware brand.
Can I edit a screenshot on a Chromebook?
Yes. Open the screenshot from the notification or the Files app and use the built-in Gallery app to crop, rotate, mark up or adjust it.
The Bottom Line
Now you know how to screenshot on Chromebook: Ctrl + Show windows for the full screen, Ctrl + Shift + Show windows for part of the screen or a window, and Power + Volume down in tablet mode. Using a Mac too? See our guide on how to screenshot on Mac.
