Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Chromebooks include a built-in Screen Capture tool for both still screenshots and screen recordings, so you do not need another app. Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows to open it, or press the dedicated Screenshot key if your Chromebook has one. Select Screenshot or Screen record, then choose the whole screen, a selected area, or one window. Captures save in Downloads by default and are also copied to the clipboard. The current controls and keyboard alternatives are documented in Google Chromebook Help.
What is the Chromebook Screen Capture tool?
Screen Capture is built into ChromeOS. It combines screenshot and screen-recording controls in one toolbar, with the same three capture scopes: full screen, partial area, and a single window. A screenshot creates a still image; a recording creates a video, and a partial recording can also be saved as a GIF.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The tool is available from a keyboard shortcut, a dedicated Screenshot key on some models, or the status area at the bottom right of the desktop. Because it is part of ChromeOS, the workflow is the same whether you are documenting a problem, saving a lesson, demonstrating a website, or sending someone a cropped section of the display.
How do I open Screen Capture on a Chromebook?
The standard way to open the complete capture toolbar is Shift + Ctrl + Show windows. The Show windows key is the key in the top row that displays a rectangle with two vertical lines beside it. If your keyboard has a dedicated Screenshot key, Google says to press that key instead.
#1 Best Overall
- [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
- [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
- [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
- [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
- [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.
- Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows, or press the dedicated Screenshot key.
- If you prefer the mouse or touchscreen, click the status area (where the clock, battery, and network indicators appear) and choose Screen capture.
- When the toolbar appears along the bottom of the display, choose Screenshot for a still image or Screen record for video or a GIF.
Opening the toolbar first is useful when you need to choose a window, change the save folder, include audio, or turn on recording indicators. For a quick still image, the direct shortcuts in the next table can be faster.
How do I take a screenshot on a Chromebook?
Use the Screen Capture toolbar when you want to decide exactly what part of the display is saved.
- Open Screen Capture with Shift + Ctrl + Show windows, the Screenshot key, or the status-area control.
- Select Screenshot in the toolbar.
- Choose one of the three scope buttons: Full screen, Partial, or Window.
- For a partial screenshot, drag across the area you want. ChromeOS also provides keyboard navigation for moving the selection and changing its dimensions, which is useful when a mouse or trackpad is imprecise.
- For a window screenshot, select the open window you want to capture. The resulting image contains that window rather than the entire desktop.
The image is written to the current capture folder, which is Downloads unless you have selected another folder. ChromeOS also places the new image on the clipboard, allowing you to paste it into a compatible app without first browsing to the file.
Which keyboard shortcut takes a Chromebook screenshot?
Google lists separate shortcuts for a screenshot and for opening a partial-capture workflow. Their behavior depends on the keyboard layout and the ChromeOS interface on the device.
| Task | Shortcut or control | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Open the full Screen Capture toolbar | Shift + Ctrl + Show windows | Choose screenshot or recording, scope, settings, and destination. |
| Screenshot shortcut | Ctrl + Show windows | Google’s keyboard-shortcut list identifies this as the screenshot shortcut. |
| Partial-screenshot shortcut | Shift + Ctrl + Show windows | Google’s shortcut list identifies this combination for a partial screenshot; it also opens the capture toolbar on current ChromeOS interfaces. |
| Tablet screenshot | Power + Volume down | Use the physical buttons on a Chromebook tablet. |
| External keyboard without Show windows | Ctrl + Shift + F5 | Opens the screenshot workflow when the external keyboard has no Show windows key. |
These shortcuts are listed for US Chromebooks with a standard English QWERTY keyboard. Google notes that people using international keyboards can also follow the listed steps, although key labels may look different. If you cannot identify a key, open ChromeOS’s built-in keyboard-shortcut viewer and search its screenshot entries; the viewer shows the names used by your device. See Google’s Chromebook keyboard-shortcuts guide for the official list.
Rank #2
- 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
- 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
- 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
- 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
- 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.
How do I record my Chromebook screen?
Screen recording uses the same toolbar as screenshots, but it adds choices for output format, camera, audio, and on-screen activity indicators.
- Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows (or the dedicated Screenshot key) to open Screen Capture.
- Select Screen record.
- Choose Full screen, Partial, or Window.
- If you choose a partial recording, use the format menu to select Video or GIF. ChromeOS identifies the video output as
.webmand the GIF output as.gif. - For a full-screen recording, click anywhere on the screen to begin. For a partial recording, drag to mark the region; for a window recording, select the window.
- When finished, click the Stop recording button in the lower-right corner, or press Search + Shift + X.
The recording begins only after you confirm the capture scope. This lets you arrange the window or page first, then record exactly the area the viewer needs.
Should I choose a full-screen, partial, or window recording?
Choose the smallest scope that communicates your point. A full-screen capture is simplest for a live demonstration, while a partial capture avoids exposing unrelated tabs, notifications, or personal information.
| Scope | Best use | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Full screen | Demonstrating a complete workflow or multiple apps. | Everything visible on the Chromebook display. |
| Partial area | Explaining one control, region, or document section. | Only the rectangle you drag; partial recordings can be video or GIF. |
| Window | Recording one app or browser window while keeping the desktop out of frame. | The selected window rather than the whole display. |
For a screenshot, the same three scope choices are available. A partial selection can be resized and repositioned with the tool’s keyboard navigation, which helps when you need a precise crop.
How do I include camera video or audio in a recording?
Set recording options before you start. In the Screen Capture toolbar, open Settings and choose whether to show the front-facing camera. The audio menu lets you record device audio, microphone audio, or both.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
- [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
- [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
- [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
- [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by
- Open Screen Capture and select Screen record.
- Open Settings before selecting the capture area.
- Turn the front-camera option on or off.
- Choose the desired audio source: device audio, microphone, or both.
- Optionally enable indicators for clicks, key presses, and touch gestures.
- Choose the screen scope and start recording.
These controls apply to the recording you are about to make. If a recording has no sound, reopen Settings and verify that an audio source is selected and that the relevant input is available to ChromeOS. A GIF is a special case: Google states that GIF recordings do not capture audio or video input, so choose Video when narration, system sound, or camera footage matters.
What is the difference between a Chromebook WebM recording and a GIF?
A WebM recording is the video option and can use the audio and camera settings exposed by Screen Capture. A GIF is intended for a short visual loop from a partial selection and does not include audio or video input.
| Output | Extension | Audio or camera input | Availability described by Google |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video | .webm |
Can use device audio, microphone, both, and the front camera when enabled. | Available for screen recording; choose the scope in the toolbar. |
| GIF | .gif |
No audio or video input. | Shown as an option for a partial recording. |
Use WebM for a narrated lesson, software demonstration, or any capture where timing and sound matter. Use GIF for a silent visual example that needs to loop easily in a document or chat.
Where does a Chromebook save screenshots and recordings?
Both screenshots and recordings go to Downloads by default. You can select another folder before capturing:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Open Screen Capture.
- Choose Settings.
- Select Select folder.
- Choose the destination folder for future captures.
ChromeOS also automatically copies each capture to the clipboard. After taking the screenshot or stopping the recording, switch to the destination app and paste the latest capture if that app accepts images or video from the clipboard. You can also open the Files app, browse to the selected folder, and review, delete, or share the saved item.
Rank #4
- Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
- Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
- All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
- Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
- Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.
If you cannot find a file in Downloads, check whether a different folder was selected in Screen Capture settings and sort that folder by the newest item. The file extension helps identify the output: screenshots are image files, video recordings use .webm, and GIF recordings use .gif.
How can I keep private information out of a capture?
Choose a partial area or a single window instead of the full screen when notifications, account details, or unrelated tabs are visible. Arrange the page before starting and close anything that should not appear. Camera and microphone capture are optional, so leave those settings off when a screen-only recording is sufficient.
The optional Show clicks and keys setting is useful for tutorials, but it changes what viewers can see. Google limits displayed key presses to combinations that contain modifier keys, such as Ctrl, Alt, Shift, or Search; this is described as a privacy protection. Touch gestures and click indicators can likewise reveal interaction details, so enable them only when they improve the explanation.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →What should I do if the Chromebook shortcut does not work?
- Check the key labels: The Show windows key may be labeled differently on an international or third-party keyboard. Use the built-in shortcut viewer to locate the screenshot command.
- Try the toolbar instead: Open the status area at the bottom right and choose Screen capture. This avoids relying on a particular key label.
- Use the tablet buttons: On a Chromebook tablet, press Power + Volume down rather than a keyboard shortcut.
- Use an external-keyboard alternative: If the keyboard has no Show windows key, press Ctrl + Shift + F5 to open the screenshot workflow.
- Confirm the capture mode: The toolbar switches between Screenshot and Screen record. A recording will not start while the interface is still in screenshot mode.
- Look in the selected folder: The default is Downloads, but Screen Capture can be configured to save elsewhere.
- Check the output expectation: GIF recordings are silent and contain no camera input by design. Select Video and configure audio or camera settings when those inputs are required.
For key names, shortcut combinations, and accessibility details, consult Google’s Chromebook keyboard help alongside the capture instructions.
What is the fastest workflow for common Chromebook capture jobs?
Save the entire screen as an image
Press Ctrl + Show windows when the direct screenshot shortcut works on your keyboard. If you need to confirm the scope or destination, open the toolbar instead and select Screenshot followed by Full screen.
Send only one part of the display
Open Screen Capture, choose Screenshot, select Partial, and drag around the relevant area. The image is saved and copied to the clipboard, so you can paste it directly into a message or document.
Record a narrated demonstration
Open Screen record, choose full screen, partial area, or window, then set audio to microphone, device audio, or both. Leave the output as Video so the resulting .webm file can retain the selected inputs.
Recommended Free Tools
Create a silent animated example
Choose a partial screen recording and select GIF. Keep the selection tight and turn off camera and audio expectations: GIF output does not capture either type of input.
Stop without reaching for the mouse
During a recording, press Search + Shift + X. The alternative is the Stop recording control in the lower-right corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I paste a Chromebook screenshot without opening the Files app?
Yes. Screen Capture automatically copies the new image to the clipboard as well as saving it. Focus an app that accepts pasted images and use its paste command to insert the latest capture immediately.
Which format is better for a short animated explanation, WebM or GIF?
Choose WebM when sound, camera footage, or a longer video is important. Choose GIF for a silent, looping visual from a partial screen area; GIF output has no audio or video input.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Why are only some key presses visible when I enable key indicators?
ChromeOS intentionally shows only key combinations that include modifier keys. Google describes this limitation as a privacy protection, so ordinary letter-by-letter typing may not appear in the recording.
Can I use these capture instructions with an international Chromebook keyboard?
Google’s shortcut documentation is written around US English QWERTY labels but says international-keyboard users can follow the steps. If a printed label differs, use the keyboard-shortcut viewer or open Screen capture from the status area instead.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
