Quick answer
Press Ctrl⇧ Shift▭▯ Show windows to open Screen capture, pick full, partial or window, then click. Screenshots are copied to the clipboard and saved to Downloads.
All 5 methods at a glance
| Method | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Screen capture tool | One toolbar for full-screen, partial and window screenshots. | Every kind of screenshot |
| Screenshot key | Newer Chromebooks have a dedicated key. | Chromebooks with a screenshot key in the top row |
| Ctrl + Show windows (instant full screen) | Captures the whole screen without opening the toolbar. | Quick full-screen captures |
| External keyboard (no Show windows key) | Use F5 in place of Show windows. | Standard PC keyboards plugged into a Chromebook |
| Quick Settings (tablet mode or touchscreen) | Open Screen capture without a keyboard. | Tablets and convertibles |
Screen capture tool
- Press Ctrl⇧ Shift▭▯ Show windows. A toolbar appears at the bottom of the screen.
- Make sure Screenshot (camera icon) is selected, not Screen record.
- Choose Full screen, Partial or Window.
- Click anywhere for full screen, drag for partial, or click a window. Then click Capture.
In partial mode you can fine-tune the box with the keyboard: arrow keys change its size and Tab moves between corners.
Screenshot key
- Press the Screenshot key (a camera or a square with a dotted line). It opens the same Screen capture tool.
Ctrl + Show windows (instant full screen)
- Press Ctrl▭▯ Show windows. A notification confirms the screenshot.
External keyboard (no Show windows key)
- Press Ctrl⇧ ShiftF5 to open Screen capture, or CtrlF5 for an instant full-screen screenshot.
Where are screenshots saved?
Screenshots and recordings are saved to the Downloads folder (open the Files app) and copied to the clipboard. To change the folder, open Screen capture, click the settings gear and choose Select folder. Recent captures also appear in Tote, the holding space at the bottom right of the shelf.
Record your Chromebook screen
- Press Ctrl⇧ Shift▭▯ Show windows and select Screen record (the video icon).
- Pick full screen, partial or window. Use the settings gear to turn on the microphone, device audio or front camera.
- To stop, click the red stop button on the shelf, or press ⌕ Search⇧ ShiftX.
In partial mode you can record a GIF instead of a video, which is handy for short demos.
Screenshot not working?
I can't find the Show windows key
It's in the top row, usually where F5 would be, and shows a rectangle with two lines to its right. On an external keyboard, use F5 instead.
Screenshots are disabled
School and work Chromebooks are often managed, and the administrator can turn screen capture off. Only they can change it.
My screenshot isn't in Downloads
Check the save folder in the Screen capture settings gear. If you use Google Drive sync, it may have been set to a Drive folder.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the screenshot shortcut on a Chromebook?
- Ctrl + Shift + Show windows opens the Screen capture tool. Ctrl + Show windows takes a full-screen screenshot immediately.
- How do I screenshot part of the screen on a Chromebook?
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows, choose Partial, drag over the area and click Capture.
- Where do Chromebook screenshots go?
- To the Downloads folder in the Files app, and to the clipboard.