Tutorial for Taking Screenshots on Chromebook

Have you ever wondered how to take screenshots on your Chromebook and save those important moments that appear on the screen? Although it may seem like a basic function, Chromebooks work differently than Windows o Mac, so their methods and shortcuts for taking screenshots vary quite a bit. In this article, we'll guide you step-by-step so you can get the most out of get the most out of this tool, hassle-free and with practical advice whether you are a novice or an advanced user.

Not only will you learn the Essential shortcuts and different ways to capture your screen, but also where those screenshots are saved, how to quickly edit or copy them, and what options you have if you're using external keyboards, tablet mode devices, or accessories like a stylus. So sit back and discover everything you can do to capture what you see on your Chromebook!

Why is taking screenshots different on a Chromebook?

Chromebooks run on the operating system Chrome OS from Google, which makes them very different from traditional Windows or Mac computers. They are designed for cloud use and online applications, so the functions and key combinations They do not always coincide with the most popular platforms. For example, You won't find the classic "Print Screen" key., which is why exclusive combinations are used for this system.

Plus, Chrome OS is constantly being updated, adding new features and improving the screenshot experience, from simple shortcuts to graphical tools for editing or sharing the image instantly. This means that, depending on your system version and the hardware, you will have more or less options available.

How to take a full screenshot on a Chromebook

The quickest and most basic way to save a screenshot of everything on your Chromebook screen is by using a simple keyboard shortcutHere's how to do it on any model:

• Press the Ctrl + Show Windows keys at the same time. The “Show Windows” key is usually located on the top row and is recognized by the icon of a rectangle with two lines to the right, replacing the typical F5.
• If you have an external keyboard connected (for example, a Windows one), the shortcut would be Ctrl + F5 to do exactly the same function.

When you take the screenshot, you will see a notification in the lower right corner on the screen informing you that the image has been saved correctly. All screenshots are automatically stored in the folder Downloads from your Chromebook, with the file name indicating the date and time of the capture so you can easily identify them.

How to capture only part of the screen

Sometimes you only need to save a specific section of the screen instead of the entire image. Chrome OS offers this feature in a simple way:

• Hold down the keys Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows. On a standard keyboard, the combination would be Ctrl+Shift+F5.

The screen will dim and the cursor will change to a crosshair, allowing you to select the exact area you want to capture. Click and drag the cursor to delimit the area, and when you release the button, the image will automatically be saved to your folder. Downloads, just like a full capture.

In newer versions of Chrome OS, you may also see a Screenshot tool at the bottom, where you can choose to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or just a custom region.

Alternative shortcuts and key combinations

If you use your Chromebook with a external keyboard Or on a desktop (Chromebox) setup, you can use classic function shortcuts. The key is to know what each key does:

• F5 is equivalent to Show Windows.
• Ctrl + F5 takes a full capture.
• Ctrl+Shift+F5 takes a screenshot of a section of the screen.

You can also customize shortcuts from Settings > Device > Keyboard and assign different functions to the keys according to your needs. This way, you'll have the option to adapt the shortcuts to your habits and preferences.

Taking screenshots in tablet mode

Some Chromebook models are convertible and can be used in standby mode. tablet, where you don't always have access to a physical keyboard. Don't worry, because taking screenshots is still easy:

• Press the physical Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously, just like you would on a mobile phone or tablet Android.

Your Chromebook will take a screenshot of your entire screen and automatically save it to your Downloads folder.

Screenshot using the stylus

If you have a Chromebook compatible with optical pencil (stylus), you have additional methods to take both full and partial captures:

• Full capture: Tap the icon Stylus in the system tray and select the option Take a screenshot to save the entire screen.
• Partial capture: Instead of capturing the entire screen, choose the option capture region. Using the pencil, press the starting point and drag to the end point. When you release, the selected image will be automatically saved.

This option is especially useful for those who use touchscreen Chromebooks daily and want fast, accurate captures.

Where are screenshots saved on Chromebook?

Every time you take a screenshot, Chrome OS saves it by default to the folder Downloads from your device, without the need for an internet connection. If you're looking for a specific screenshot, you can locate it from the app Archives accessing the sections Images o Downloads on the side panel.

Additionally, you can change the destination folder for captures by accessing the capture tool settings: press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows, click the gear (settings symbol) and select “Select Folder” to choose where you want your files to be saved from now on. This way you'll have all your captures perfectly organized!

Upload screenshots to the cloud (Google Drive)

Captures are stored locally, but if you want to have them in the cloud and access them from any device, it is very easy to upload them to Google Drive:

1. Open the app Archives.
2. Choose the image or screenshot you want to upload from Images o Downloads.
3. Click on the icon share in the upper right corner.
4. Select option Save to Drive.

From there, you can share, edit, or view it on any other device connected to your Google account, ensuring you never lose an important screenshot, even if you erase or update your Chromebook.

Edit and manage screenshots on Chromebook

Chrome OS includes a basic application of image edition which allows you to modify, crop, or apply some quick effects to your captures before sharing or saving them:

1. Open the application Archives and look for your catch.
2. Double click on the image and it will open in the app GalleryIf it doesn't open automatically, right-click and select "Gallery."
3. In the top toolbar you can find options to crop and rotate, adjust size o modify the lighting (exposure, contrast, saturation…).
4. You can undo and redo changes easily.
5. Save your changes to the original image, or if you prefer not to overwrite it, save it as a new copy.

These tools are perfect for quick touch-ups without having to install additional programs, although if you are looking for more advanced options you can use Chrome extensions Web Store, as we will see later.

How to quickly copy and paste screenshots

One feature that many expect from screenshots is being able to copy and paste them directly in documents, emails, or image editors. When you take a screenshot, a notification will appear with the option Copy to clipboard. Click this button and then use Ctrl + V to paste the image where you need it.

Additionally, you can select any screenshot from the Files app, tap Ctrl + C and then stick it with Ctrl + V in the place you prefer, following the typical logic of copying and pasting from others OS.

Tools and extensions for advanced capture

If you are looking for more powerful, personalized options or the ability to share and edit on the go, the Chrome Web Store provides you with several recommended extensions:

• Lightshot: Allows you to select an area, make basic edits, and instantly share the image—ideal if you want to annotate or highlight important parts.
• FireShot: Focused on capturing entire websites, saving entire pages without having to take multiple captures in a row. It supports various formats and can be sent directly via email or to applications like OneNote.
• Awesome Screenshot: One of the most comprehensive, it allows you to capture screens, record videos, add annotations, blur sensitive information, and easily share. It's also useful for those who need to record videos of their screen (screencasting).

These tools are free in their basic version and can help you a lot if you need to go beyond traditional capture.