On A Chromebook, How Do You Take A Screenshot?

Martin Wilson

Jan 25, 2022

To store or share information, you can take a screenshot of what's on your screen. It's simple to get it on a Chromebook if you know the appropriate keyboard shortcuts for doing so. ChromeOS doesn't try to replicate macOS or Windows to make the transition smoother; therefore, learning the exact keystrokes may be the most challenging element for folks who are used to those operating systems.


Learn this new set of keyboard commands instead. You can use a computer screenshot for so many different purposes. Whether you're demonstrating a problem you're trying to solve to a friend or family member or brainstorming ideas for your next major project, the possibilities are unlimited. There is, however, a lot of variation in the process of actually taking a screenshot between different devices and operating systems. Chromebooks and Chrome OS are also included.



In Chromebooks' early days, the only way to open the screenshot tool was via a keyboard shortcut, and even then, it wasn't very evident. On the other hand, Google will release a screenshot tool in early 2021 that will allow you to record video and still images from your Chromebook's screen. This guide explains how to utilize the Screen Capture feature and where to access your captured images.


1. Using A Keyboard Shortcut, Take A Screenshot On A Chromebook


Shift+Ctrl+Show Windows is a three-key shortcut that launches the Screen Capture toolbar. There's a Show Windows key on the top row of the keyboard, and the key's icon resembles a window with two windows piled above it.


The toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen if you press those three buttons. You may also use Ctrl+Show Windows to quickly capture an image of your entire screen rather than a selected section or window.


2. Quick Settings On A Chromebook


As a result, I'm always looking for a new shortcut key. As luck would have it, Google has now included a shortcut button to the Quick Settings panel for taking screenshots. The Quick Settings menu can be accessed by clicking on time on Chrome's Shelf. Take a screenshot by clicking or tapping on Screen Capture.


3. Screenshot Toolbar – How to Utilise It


Aside from screenshots, the Screen Capture toolbar can be used to record video clips of your screen. Switching between stills and videos can be done by clicking the far-left button on the toolbar.


With that toggle, you can capture full-screen, partial, or individual window snapshots to the right of the toggle, depending on your needs. Photos and videos can be taken using them. To add narration to your screen grabs, click on the settings cog on the toolbar to switch on or off the microphone.


On A Chromebook, Where Do You Keep Screenshots?



Every time you take a screenshot or record a video, the last five things you saved to the Clipboard are immediately available. To see what's accessible, hit the Everything button (aka the Search key) and V.


The tote is another place on the Shelf where you can keep your Chromebook while not in use. Here you'll see the most recent screenshots that you've captured. The tote has a feature that allows you to keep critical screenshots at your fingertips without having to hunt for them.


There are screenshots in your files that were previously saved to the Clipboard but are no longer accessible through that method anymore. Chromebook users can open the Files app to find screenshots in the Images folder and screen recordings.


How Do I Use The Advanced Features Of Screenshots?


There are too many keyboard shortcuts to remember? Take a few minutes to memorize the following sequence of keystrokes: Shift+Ctrl+Show Windows is the command to open the display.


In the current versions of ChromeOS, you can either click on the screen to begin capturing a partial screenshot or click on the icons in the menu bar that displays to take a partial screenshot with the same combination.


Full-screen, window-specific, and partial-screen screenshots can be selected using those buttons. Instead of a still image, you can start a video recording of your screen.


Finding Your Saved Screenshots


Downloads are where ChromeOS saves all screenshots taken on the system. A partial menu appears when you click on the Launcher icon (typically a grey circle in the bottom left corner of your screen). After navigating to Files, click Downloads on the left-hand side.


Using Google Drive to Store Screenshots


Standardly, Chromebook screenshots are saved to the Downloads folder, not backed up to your Google account by default. The only way to access files on other devices is to upload them manually.


Using the Files app, navigate to the Downloads folder. Once you've selected the files you wish to back up, drag them to your Google Drive folder in the left-hand navigation bar. They'll instantly be re-uploaded. Alternatively, you can select the files, press Ctrl + C on your keyboard to copy them, and then select your Google Drive folder to paste them into.


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