Welcome Challenger! Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Screenshotting on Chromebook
As a user of Chromebook, capturing your device’s screen is essential. You may want to save an image online or offline, record your workflow, or create a tutorial. Whatever your needs are, we’ve got you covered in this comprehensive guide on how to screenshot on Chromebook.
Chromebook provides several ways to capture your screen. However, we will focus on the most popular and easiest methods. Let’s dive in!
How to Screenshot on Chromebook – A Step-by-Step Guide
Before we start, ensure that your Chromebook is up-to-date and doesn’t have pending updates. This ensures seamless functioning of the screenshot tools.
| Method | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Capture full screen | Ctrl + Show Windows | Pressing the Ctrl + Show windows (or F5) keys captures the entire screen, including the taskbar and all open windows. |
| Capture window | Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows | If you want to capture only a specific window, you need to press the Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows key combinations. The cursor will then turn into a crosshair icon, allowing you to select a specific window. |
| Capture partial screen | Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows + Drag | To capture a specific area, use the Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows key combinations, then hold down the left mouse button to drag and select the desired area on the screen. |
Method 1: Full-Screen Screenshot
To capture the entire screen:
Step 1: Click the Ctrl + Show Windows (or F5) key combination simultaneously.
Step 2: The captured image will automatically save to the Downloads folder under the filename ‘Screenshot.’
Step 3: Access the Downloads folder by clicking the Launcher icon at the bottom left of the screen, followed by the Downloads folder.
Method 2: Window Screenshot
If you want to capture only a single window, follow these steps:
Step 1: Navigate and open the window you want to capture.
Step 2: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows key combination.
Step 3: Click on the window you want to capture.
Step 4: The captured image will auto-save in the Downloads folder under the filename ‘Screenshot.’
Method 3: Partial Screen Screenshot
If you want to capture a portion of your screen:
Step 1: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Show windows keys simultaneously.
Step 2: Hold down the left mouse button and select the portion you want to capture.
Step 3: The screenshot will automatically save in the Downloads folder with the name ‘Screenshot.’
Method 4: Screenshot as PDF
If you want to save your screenshot as a PDF, follow these steps:
Step 1: Capture your screen using any of the methods above.
Step 2: Visit the ‘Print’ menu by pressing the Ctrl + P key combination.
Step 3: Click the ‘Destination’ tab and select ‘Save as PDF’ under the ‘Print destinations’ option.
Step 4: Click ‘Save’ and then select the download location and rename the file.
Method 5: Capture Animated Screenshots
Chromebook allows the capture of animated images, known as GIFs. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Navigate to the screen you wish to capture.
Step 2: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows key combination.
Step 3: Click and drag the area you want to record as a GIF.
Step 4: Release your mouse.
Step 5: The recorded clip will automatically save as an animated GIF.
Method 6: Capture Screenshots Using Extensions
Chrome Web Store provides numerous Chromebook screenshot extensions that you can download and install. Examples include:
- Lightshot
- Fireshot
- Awesome Screenshot
Once the extension is installed, it will appear as an icon in the toolbar or the Launcher. Now, you can capture your screen using the extension for more control and flexibility.
Method 7: Capture Screenshots Using third-party software
Several third-party software, such as Snagit, Camtasia, and Loom, allow you to capture screenshots, edit them, and upload them directly to the internet. Most of these software have free versions, making them ideal screenshot tools for Chromebooks.
FAQs
How can I take a screenshot on my Chromebook without a keyboard?
If your Chromebook lacks a keyboard, press the power button and volume down button simultaneously to capture your screen.
Where are my screenshots saved on Chromebook?
By default, all captured screenshots are saved automatically in the Downloads folder on Chromebook.
Can I edit my Chromebook screenshots?
Yes, Chromebook has a built-in image editor that allows you to edit your screenshots without third-party software.
Can I use Chrome’s Developer Tools to capture screenshots?
Yes, you can use Chrome’s Developer Tools to capture screenshots. Open Developer Tools and navigate to the ‘Device Toolbar’ option. Choose a device or resolution, and then press Ctrl + Shift + P to capture a screenshot of the device’s viewport.
How do I capture a screenshot of a webpage in Chromebook?
You can use Chrome’s built-in feature to take a screenshot of the whole webpage by clicking the three vertical dots at the top-right corner of Chrome’s window, followed by ‘More tools’ > ‘Developer tools.’ Press Ctrl + Shift + P to capture the entire webpage.
Can I capture a screenshot of a specific application?
Yes, navigate to the application you wish to capture, then follow method 2 shown above.
Can I take a timed screenshot?
No, Chromebook doesn’t have a built-in timer for screenshotting. However, some third-party software provides timer features.
How do I add annotations to my screenshots?
Chromebook has an inbuilt editor that allows you to edit your screenshots. Click the image and look at the top toolbar. Select ‘Annotate the image,’ then choose the tool to use for the annotations.
How do I take a screenshot of my Chromebook screen using my phone?
You can use the Google Assistant app to capture the screenshot of your Chromebook screen using your phone. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Search for and install Google Assistant on your mobile device.
Step 2: Ensure the same Google account is logged into your Chromebook and your mobile device.
Step 3: Press the search button on your Android device or Hey Google on your Apple device to activate Google Assistant.
Step 4: Once enabled, say “take a screenshot” to capture the current screen of your Chromebook.
Can I capture an entire webpage even if it’s not visible on my screen?
Yes, open any portal page, press Ctrl + Shift + I to open a new DevTools window, then head to the three-dot menu at the top and select ‘More Tools’ > ‘Screencast.’ Use the mouse to scroll down the page, and the capture tool will record the entire screen.
Can I use the screencast feature on Chromebook to capture a screenshot?
No, the screencast feature allows you to record your entire screen and not take screenshots.
Can I capture Chromebook screenshots and save them directly to Google Drive?
Yes. Once you have captured a screenshot, right-click on the image’s preview, select ‘Share,’ then select ‘Save to Drive.’
How can I print my Chromebook screenshot?
To print a screenshot, either open the image in an image viewer and print it using the print command, or use Chrome’s inbuilt print command by navigating to the image, clicking ‘Print,’ then choosing the printer and print settings before pressing ‘Print.’
Can I capture screenshots in guest mode on Chromebook?
No, guest accounts do not allow access to screenshots or any other built-in screenshot tools.
How do I enable or disable screenshots on my Chromebook?
Chromebook’s screenshot tool is always available, and there are no specific settings to change whether it’s accessible or not.
Conclusion
We have covered every detail you need to know about taking screenshots on Chromebook. You can choose to use any method that suits you best, depending on what you want to achieve. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or experiment with what works for you.
Now that you know how to take screenshots like a pro, start capturing your screen and share your knowledge with others.
Disclaimer
Please note that the screenshot methods mentioned here are exclusive to Chromebook devices. While we have attempted to make the tutorial as comprehensive as possible, some functionality may vary depending on the device or Chromebook version. Also, please use screenshots ethically and refrain from using them for unintended purposes that may infringe copyright or violate someone’s privacy.