Your Google Chromebook has a keyboard shortcut to take screenshots. For example, you can use Ctrl + Show Windows key combination to take a Chromebook screenshot.
In this article, we will show you how to use this snipping tool on Chromebook. These instructions work on all models of Chromebook, including Chromebooks from Google, Lenovo, HP, and others.
Let’s get started.
Full-screen Chromebook Screenshot
The keyboard shortcut for a full-screen screenshot.
Use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + WINDOWS SWITCHER to take a full-screen screenshot.
The window switcher key is typically the fifth key on your Chromebook keyboard (F5).
This takes a screenshot covering the entire screen. The image will be automatically saved in the Downloads folder.
Now, what if you want to take a screenshot of a part of the screen?
Partial Screenshot on Chromebook
The keyboard shortcut for partial-screen screenshot
Use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + SHIFT + WINDOWS SWITCHER to take a partial screen screenshot.
Use the keyboard shortcut and select a region of the screen. Then, let go of the keys to take the screenshot.
You can find the screenshot in the Downloads folder.
Screenshot of an app or a window
Do you usually take screenshots of the full or partial screen and then crop it to show only an app or a window?
If you do, this keyboard shortcut will come in handy. You can take screenshots of the active window or app—no need to spend time to get that perfect crop.
Keyboard combination for app/window screenshot
Use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + ALT + WINDOW SWITCHER
Screenshots on a touchscreen Chromebook
If you have a touchscreen Chromebook, you can use the same method on an Android phone.
Use the shortcut POWER + VOLUME DOWN.
You can use this key combination when your Chromebook (Example: Pixel Slate or Lenovo Chromebook Duet) is in tablet mode.
If you have a Pixelbook and a Pixel Pen, you can also use the Pixel Pen to take screenshots.
Now that you know how to take screenshots let me show you where to find these screenshots.
Show Downloads and Screenshots
When you take a screenshot, the Chromebook saves the picture automatically in the Downloads folder.
To access the screenshots:
- Open the Files app from the launcher.
- Click My Files and then Downloads.
- Screenshots will be .png files beginning with the word Screenshot and the date and time in the file name.
You will also see a notification in the system tray (next to where the time and battery are displayed).
Annotate Screenshots
When you take a screenshot, your Chromebook shows a notification to let you know that your screenshot is ready.
This notification has an annotate image button.
Click Annotate Image, and Chrome OS will open your screenshot in the editor.
How to Delete Screenshots on Chromebook
You might occasionally end up with multiple screenshots of the same screen or unwanted screenshots. Here is how to delete unwanted screenshots from your Chromebook.
- Open the Files app and go to the Downloads folder.
- Find the screenshot you want to delete.
- Press ALT + BACKSPACE to delete the screenshot. You can also right-click and choose Delete.
Do you have any questions about taking screenshots on your Chromebook? Let me know in the comments section.
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