How to Screenshot on a Chromebook (All the Ways)
Take a screenshot on a Chromebook with Ctrl + Show windows for the full screen, or grab just part of it. Here are all the shortcuts and where they save.
Key Takeaways
- Press Ctrl + Show windows for a full-screen screenshot.
- Add Shift to that shortcut to capture just part of the screen.
- Screenshots save to your Downloads folder as PNG files.
- The same tool can also record your screen.
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To take a screenshot on a Chromebook, press Ctrl + Show windows for the whole screen, or Shift + Ctrl + Show windows to select part of it. The Show windows key is in the top row and looks like a rectangle with two lines. Screenshots save to your Downloads folder. Here are all the options.
Screenshot shortcuts at a glance
| What you want | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Full screen | Ctrl + Show windows |
| Part of the screen | Shift + Ctrl + Show windows, then drag |
| A single window | Shift + Ctrl + Show windows, then click the window |
| On a tablet Chromebook | Power + Volume down |
Take a full-screen screenshot
- Press Ctrl + Show windows.
- The screen flashes and a thumbnail appears in the bottom right.
- Click the thumbnail to copy, edit, or share it right away.
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Capture only part of the screen
- Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows.
- In the toolbar, the partial option is selected by default.
- Drag a box around the area you want, then release to capture.
Where do screenshots go?
By default, screenshots save as PNG files in your Downloads folder. Open the Files app to find them. If your Downloads folder is filling up, that can also slow things down, see why your Chromebook is slow.
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Recap
Ctrl + Show windows grabs the full screen, add Shift to grab part of it, and everything lands in Downloads as a PNG. The same capture toolbar can record your screen too.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Chromebook screenshots save?
They save to your Downloads folder as PNG files. Open the Files app to view or move them.
How do I screenshot part of the screen on a Chromebook?
Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows, then drag a box around the area you want to capture.
How do I screenshot on a Chromebook tablet with no keyboard?
Press the Power button and Volume down button at the same time.
About the author
The Mixstackrr Team is a group of writers and editors with more than 10 years of combined experience in SEO and consumer tech. We test devices, dig through settings, and turn everyday tech problems into clear, step-by-step guides anyone can follow.