If you’re a Chromebook user, you might find yourself needing to take a screenshot from time to time. Whether you want to capture an important document, save an image, or show someone an error message, knowing how to take a screenshot on your Chromebook is a valuable skill. In this article, I will walk you through various methods to capture screenshots on your Chromebook, so you can easily save and share important information.
How to Screenshot on Chromebook with Keyboard Shortcuts
One of the easiest and most common ways to take a screenshot on your Chromebook is by using keyboard shortcuts. Chromebook provides several keyboard shortcuts for capturing screenshots in different modes. Here’s how you can do it:
- Capture Full Screen: Press the Ctrl and Window Switcher keys simultaneously. The Window Switcher key is located in the top row, usually between the Full Screen and Brightness Down keys. Your screen will flash, indicating that the screenshot has been taken.
- Capture Partial Screen: If you only want to capture a specific portion of your screen, press the Ctrl, Shift, and Window Switcher keys together. Your cursor will turn into a crosshair. Click and drag to select the desired area, then release the mouse button. The screenshot will be saved.
- Capture Active Window: To take a screenshot of the currently active window, press the Ctrl, Alt, and Window Switcher keys simultaneously. The active window will be captured and saved as a screenshot.
It’s worth noting that these keyboard shortcuts work on most Chromebooks. However, if you’re using an older or different model, the keyboard layout and shortcuts might vary slightly. Refer to your device’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.
Screenshot on Chromebook with Screen Capture
If you prefer a more visual approach to taking screenshots, you can use the built-in Screen Capture tool on your Chromebook. This tool allows you to capture screenshots using an intuitive interface. Here’s how you can use Screen Capture:
- Open the App Launcher: Click on the circular icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen, also known as the App Launcher.
- Find the Screen Capture App: In the App Launcher, search for “Screen Capture” and click on the icon when it appears in the search results.
- Capture a Screenshot: Once the Screen Capture app is open, you’ll see a window with various options. Click on the “Capture” button to take a screenshot of your entire screen. If you want to capture a specific portion of your screen, click on the “Capture Region” button and select the desired area using the crosshair cursor.
- Save and Share: After capturing the screenshot, you’ll be presented with options to save, copy, or share it. Choose the option that suits your needs.
The Screen Capture tool provides a simple and user-friendly way to take screenshots on your Chromebook. It’s especially useful if you prefer a visual interface over keyboard shortcuts.
Capture Screenshot on Chromebook with Narrator
If you require assistance while taking a screenshot on your Chromebook, you can utilize the built-in accessibility feature called Narrator. Narrator provides spoken feedback and guidance to help users navigate and interact with their devices. Here’s how you can use Narrator to capture a screenshot:
- Open the Accessibility Menu: Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Z keys simultaneously to open the Accessibility Menu.
- Enable the Narrator: In the Accessibility Menu, click on the “Narrator” option to enable it. Once enabled, Narrator will start providing spoken feedback.
- Capture a Screenshot: With Narrator enabled, use the appropriate keyboard shortcut mentioned earlier to capture a screenshot on your Chromebook. Narrator will provide audio feedback to confirm the screenshot has been taken.
- Save and Share: After taking the screenshot, use the methods mentioned earlier to save or share it according to your requirements.
Using Narrator can be particularly helpful for individuals with visual impairments or those who prefer audio guidance while using their Chromebooks.
Take Screenshots with Buttons in Tablet Mode
If you’re using a Chromebook with a touchscreen and you have it in tablet mode, you can take screenshots using the physical buttons on the device. Here’s how:
- Locate the Power and Volume Buttons: In tablet mode, your Chromebook’s physical buttons are accessible. Locate the Power button and the Volume Down button.
- Capture a Screenshot: To capture a screenshot, simultaneously press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button for a moment. Your screen will flash, indicating that the screenshot has been taken.
- Save and Share: Once the screenshot is captured, you can save or share it using the methods mentioned earlier.
Taking screenshots using the physical buttons is a convenient method, especially when you’re using your Chromebook in tablet mode.
Capture Screenshots on Chromebook with a Stylus
If you’re using a Chromebook with a stylus, you can take screenshots with precision and ease. Here’s how to do it:
- Take out the Stylus: If your Chromebook comes with a stylus, take it out from its designated slot or compartment.
- Use the Stylus Button: Most styluses have a button on the side. Press and hold this button.
- Tap the Screen: While holding the stylus button, tap anywhere on the screen with the stylus. This action will capture a screenshot.
- Save and Share: After taking the screenshot, use the methods mentioned earlier to save or share it as needed.
Using a stylus to take screenshots can be advantageous when you need precise control over the captured area or when you’re using design or note-taking apps.
Take Screenshots on Chromebook with Chrome Extensions
If you’re looking for more advanced features and customization options for taking screenshots on your Chromebook, you can explore various Chrome extensions. These extensions offer additional functionalities and flexibility. Here are some popular Chrome extensions for capturing screenshots:
- Awesome Screenshot: This extension allows you to capture screenshots of entire web pages, annotate them, and even record screen videos.
- Lightshot: Lightshot enables you to capture screenshots of specific areas, edit them, and instantly share them online.
- Nimbus Screenshot and Screen Video Recorder: This extension provides a comprehensive set of tools for capturing screenshots, recording videos, and editing the captured media.
To install these extensions or explore more options, open the Chrome Web Store on your Chromebook and search for the desired extension by name. Once installed, these extensions will add a button or shortcut to your Chrome browser, making it easy to capture screenshots whenever you need.
Take Screenshots Using an External Keyboard
If you’re using an external keyboard with your Chromebook, you can still take screenshots using the keyboard shortcuts mentioned earlier. The process remains the same, regardless of whether you’re using the built-in keyboard or an external one. Just make sure the external keyboard is connected to your Chromebook before attempting to take a screenshot.
Where to Find Screenshots on Chromebook
After capturing a screenshot, you might wonder where it is saved on your Chromebook. By default, screenshots are saved in the “Downloads” folder. To access your screenshots, follow these steps:
- Open the “Files” App: Click on the circular icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen, also known as the App Launcher. Search for “Files” and click on the icon when it appears in the search results.
- Navigate to the “Downloads” Folder: In the Files app, locate and click on the “Downloads” folder in the left sidebar. All your screenshots, along with other downloaded files, will be stored in this folder.
- View, Rename, or Move Screenshots: Once you’re in the “Downloads” folder, you can view, rename, or move your screenshots to another location on your Chromebook by right-clicking on them and selecting the appropriate option from the context menu.
Alternatively, if you prefer to change the default location where screenshots are saved, you can customize it in the Chrome OS settings. To do this, go to “Settings,” then “Device,” and finally “Storage.” Under “Downloads,” click on “Change” and select the desired folder as the new location for your screenshots.
