How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook boils down to a few keyboard shortcuts. We’ve summarized what these shortcuts are, as well as a bunch of tips on what to do with them on Chrome OS.
- How to capture a full screenshot on a Chromebook
- How to upload screenshots to the cloud
- How to capture a specific area for a screenshot on a Chromebook
- How to capture screenshots in tablet mode using buttons
- How to take full capture screenshots in tablet mode with a stylus
- How to take partial capture screenshots in tablet mode with a stylus
- Edit screenshots
- Use of external keyboards
- Other screenshot tools
Continue reading
- How to record your computer screen
- How to take a screenshot on a Mac
- How to take a screenshot on an iPad
How to capture a full screenshot on a Chromebook
To take a screenshot of everything on your screen, press the following keys at the same time: Ctrl + show window.
The latter button is usually on the top row between the full screen And brightness down buttons as shown above. It resembles a rectangle followed by two lines, replacing the typical F5 Key found on standard keyboards.

How to upload screenshots to the cloud
Once you press both keys, a notification will appear in the bottom right corner showing a thumbnail of your screenshot as shown above. Selecting the preview image takes you to the Downloads Folder where all screenshots are placed by default so they are accessible offline. You can also access screenshots by selecting the blue files folder icon in the tray and select one of the two Pictures or Downloads.
Chrome OS labels all screenshots with the date and time they were taken.
Because Chrome OS saves screenshots locally on your device, they’re not available on Google Drive unless you manually upload them to the cloud. To do this, follow these steps:
Step 1: open that files app and select one of the two Pictures or Downloads listed on the left.
Step 2: Select the screenshot you want to upload. For multiple uploads, select the Check icon on each screenshot (thumbnail view) or use your mouse or touchpad to draw a frame around the files (list view).
Step 3: Choose share button at the top right of the screen.
Step 4: Choose Save to drive in the drop down menu. As shown below, you can send the screenshot to other accounts like OneDrive and Dropbox. Check out our guide to using Google Drive for more useful tips.
If you have a Chromebook with a 360-degree hinge like a Pixelbook, skip ahead to the Tablet Mode Screenshots section of this guide for an alternative touch-based method.


How to capture a specific area for a screenshot on a Chromebook
In addition to a full capture, you can create a window to capture a portion of the screen using the Ctrl + Shift + Show Window Abbreviation.
Step 1: Hold down the Ctrl + Shift buttons at the same time, and then press the show window Button.
Step 2: The screen dims and the cursor temporarily turns into a crosshair. Start with the crosshairs in a corner of your capture area and hold down the mouse button or touchpad.
Step 3: Use your mouse or finger to drag the cursor across the screen until you create a box.
Step 4: Release the mouse button or lift your finger to complete the box and capture the screen.
Step 5: The captured window is saved in the Pictures And Downloads folder, the same as a full screenshot.
note: If you’re using Chrome OS 88 or later and have flagged the new screen capture utility, the new toolbar appears at the bottom of the screen with screenshot And Partially Buttons selected by default. You’ll also see buttons to switch to full-screen or windowed mode.
How to capture screenshots in tablet mode using buttons
Many Chrome OS 2-in-1s and tablets may not have immediate access to a keyboard. Do not worry; There is a simple screenshot shorthand that you can use in tablet mode.
Step 1: Simultaneously press the following physical keys: Power + volume down.
Step 2: Your screen registers the screenshot and captures an image of the entire screen.

PhotoMIX Company/Pixabay
How to take full capture screenshots in tablet mode with a stylus
Follow these steps to take a screenshot in tablet mode with a stylus.
Step 1: Choose Pen (or Pen).
Step 2: Use the stylus to select take a screen capture Possibility. This will take a screenshot of your entire screen.
How to take partial capture screenshots in tablet mode with a stylus
Want to capture just a portion of your screen with a stylus in tablet mode? Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose Pen (or Pen).
Step 2: Use the stylus to select conquer territory Possibility.
Step 3: Use the stylus to touch and hold your starting point on the screen.
Step 4: Drag your pen to the end point and create a box.
Step 5: Release to take your screenshot.

Edit screenshots
Screenshots taken by Chrome OS can be shared, but if you need to edit them first, familiarize yourself with the built-in image editor. How to use it:
Step 1: Select the blue files Folder icon in the tray and select Pictures or Downloads listed on the left.
Step 2: Select your screenshot to open it in the Gallery app. If it’s not your default image viewer, right-click the file and select gallery from the pop-up menu.
Step 3: Along the top of the gallery app you will see a toolbar with the following tools: crop and rotate, RescaleAnd lighting filter. Each tool opens a panel on the right that offers customizable settings. For example the lighting filter Tool provides sliders for Exposure, Contrast, And saturationas shown above.
Step 4: In addition to the three main editing tools, you’ll see buttons to undo and redo any changes you’ve made.
Step 5: When you’re done, click on the blue Save on computer Button to save the changes in the original file.
Step 6: Alternatively, click on the blue down arrow Icon to save the edited image as a modified copy.
Use of external keyboards
If you’re using a Chrome OS-based desktop (Chromebox) or an external keyboard attached to a Chromebook, the keyboard is likely using a standard row of function keys instead of Chrome’s dedicated row of keys. Here are the Chrome OS commands replacing the typical function key commands:
- F1 — Previous Page
- F2 — Next Page
- F3 — Refresh
- F4 – full screen
- F5 — Show window
- F6 — Decrease brightness
- F7 — increase brightness
- F8 – Mute
- F9 — decrease volume
- F10 — Increase volume
Step 1: To take a screenshot, type Ctrl + F5 on a standard keyboard.
Step 2: Press for a partial capture Ctrl + Shift first followed by F5.
Step 3: You can also customize the shortcut by pressing Alt + Shift + S,
Step 4: Then select Settings > Device > Keyboard. There you can change the function of your keys.
Other screenshot tools
Chrome OS’s built-in picture tools are a bit lackluster, but there are plenty of apps and extensions on Google’s Chrome Web Store to add additional functionality. Here are some helpful tips:
light shot: Lightshot is a great beginner option that lets you drag and drop a screenshot over any area of the screen. You can directly edit the screenshot and then download it or send it to cloud. It is easy to use and widely used for most purposes.
fire shot: Save an entire page as an image without multiple screenshots. You can save in multiple formats and send them directly to OneNote or via email.
Awesome screenshot and screen recorder: For those who want a more comprehensive, powerful tool, Awesome Screenshot and Screen Recorder lets you choose between screen capture and screen recording, so you can also record videos whenever you want. The app also supports annotations and basic blurring.
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