Taking a screenshot on a Chromebook is easier than it used to be. Newer models include a dedicated Screenshot key, while all current Chromebooks also support ChromeOS Screen Capture tools for full-screen, partial, and window screenshots. If your device uses an older keyboard layout, you can still use the familiar Show windows shortcut.
You can also take screenshots in tablet mode, use an external keyboard, and change where screenshots are saved. Here’s how it all works.
Quick answer
- Full screenshot: Press the Screenshot key, or press Ctrl + Show windows
- Partial screenshot: Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows
- Window screenshot: Open Screen Capture, then choose Window
- Tablet screenshot: Press Power + Volume down
- External keyboard: Press Ctrl + F5 for a full screenshot, or Ctrl + Shift + F5 for a partial screenshot
How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook
The easiest way to take a screenshot on a Chromebook is to use the built-in Screen Capture tools.
- Press the Screenshot key if your Chromebook has one.
- If your Chromebook does not have a Screenshot key, open Quick Settings and select Screen capture. You can also press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows to open the same toolbar.
- Choose whether you want to capture the full screen, a partial area, or a single window.
- For a full-screen screenshot, select the full-screen option and click anywhere on the screen if prompted.
Your screenshot will save automatically, and you can open it, copy it, edit it, or share it right away.
If you prefer the older shortcut method, press Ctrl + Show windows to capture the entire screen instantly.
How to take a partial screenshot on a Chromebook
If you only want part of the screen, use the partial screenshot option.
- Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows to open Screen Capture, or press the Screenshot key and choose the partial screenshot option.
- Click and drag over the area you want to capture.
- Release to save the screenshot.
This is the cleanest option if you want to skip cropping afterward and just capture what matters.
How to take a window screenshot on a Chromebook
ChromeOS also lets you capture a single app window without grabbing the rest of the screen.
- Open the Screen Capture toolbar.
- Choose the Window option.
- Select the window you want to capture.
This is useful when you want a cleaner image for a guide, school project, or message and do not want to crop out the rest of your desktop later.
Where Chromebook screenshots are saved
By default, Chromebook screenshots are saved locally on your device.
You can usually find them in the Downloads folder in the Files app. Depending on your setup, they may also appear in Images.
If you take screenshots often, it is worth checking the Screen Capture settings so you know exactly where new files are going. That saves you from taking the screenshot, then immediately playing detective.
How to change where screenshots are saved
If you want your screenshots to go somewhere other than the default folder, you can change the save location through the Screen Capture tools.
- Open Screen Capture using the Screenshot key or Shift + Ctrl + Show windows.
- Open the capture settings.
- Choose the folder where you want future screenshots to be saved.
This is especially handy if you regularly move screenshots to Google Drive or keep project files in a specific folder.
How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook tablet
If you are using a Chromebook in tablet mode, the easiest method is the hardware-button shortcut.
- Press Power + Volume down at the same time.
- The Chromebook will capture the full screen and save the image automatically.
This works much like taking a screenshot on an Android phone, which is fitting since ChromeOS and Android have been borrowing each other’s homework for years.
How to take a screenshot with a stylus on Chromebook
If your Chromebook supports stylus input, you may also be able to take screenshots with the pen tools.
- Select Stylus or Pen.
- Choose Capture screen for a full screenshot, or Capture region for a partial screenshot.
- If you choose region capture, drag the stylus across the part of the screen you want to save.
This is a useful option on 2-in-1 devices where reaching for a keyboard shortcut feels awkward.
How to take a screenshot with an external keyboard
If you are using an external keyboard that does not have Chromebook-specific top-row keys, the shortcut changes slightly.
- Press Ctrl + F5 for a full screenshot.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + F5 for a partial screenshot.
This is also the method to use on ChromeOS devices like a Chromebox, where the keyboard may look more like a standard PC keyboard.
How to edit or share a screenshot on Chromebook
After taking a screenshot, you can open it from the Files app to make quick edits or send it to someone else.
- Open the Files app and go to Downloads or Images.
- Select the screenshot you want to open.
- Use the built-in image tools to crop, rotate, or make simple adjustments.
- Save the changes, or use the share options to send the screenshot through email, cloud storage, or another app.
For most people, the built-in tools are enough. If you need advanced annotations or full-page web captures, that is when third-party tools start making sense.
Best screenshot tools for Chromebook
The built-in ChromeOS tools cover the basics well, but a few third-party options can do more.
Lightshot: A simple tool for quick region captures and basic edits.
FireShot: Good for capturing entire webpages without stitching together multiple screenshots.
Awesome Screenshot and Screen Recorder: Useful if you want annotations, blurring, or screen recording in the same tool.
GoFullPage: Another solid option for saving full webpages as images or PDFs.
Most users will not need these for everyday screenshots, but they can be helpful if you create tutorials, reports, or classroom materials.
FAQ
What is the Show windows key on a Chromebook?
The Show windows key is the Chromebook key used in place of a traditional function-row button. It usually looks like a rectangle with two vertical lines beside it.
Can I take a window screenshot on a Chromebook?
Yes. Open Screen Capture, choose Window, and then select the window you want to save.
Where do screenshots go on a Chromebook?
They are usually saved to Downloads in the Files app. Some setups may also show them in Images.
Can I change where screenshots are saved?
Yes. Open the Screen Capture toolbar, go into the capture settings, and choose a different save location.
How do I take a screenshot on a Chromebook without the Screenshot key?
Use Shift + Ctrl + Show windows to open the Screen Capture toolbar, or use Ctrl + Show windows for a quick full-screen screenshot.
How do I take a screenshot on a Chromebook tablet?
Press Power + Volume down at the same time to capture the whole screen.
Can I edit a screenshot right after taking it?
Yes. Open the screenshot from the Files app and use the built-in editing tools to crop, rotate, or adjust the image.
Taking a screenshot on a Chromebook is one of those things that feels confusing right up until it suddenly doesn’t. Once you know the key shortcuts and where ChromeOS hides the capture tools, it becomes second nature.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
