How to screenshot on Chromebook — 5 quick methods
Taking a screenshot on a Chromebook is different from Mac and Windows — but just as easy once you know the shortcuts. Press Ctrl + Show Windows for a full-screen capture, add Shift to select a specific area, or use the built-in Screen Capture toolbar for more control. Every screenshot saves to your Downloads folder as a PNG.
Chromebook keyboards have a unique layout. The Show Windows key (that rectangle with two lines) replaces the F5 key you'd find on a traditional keyboard, and it's the key that makes screenshots work. This guide walks through every method — keyboard shortcuts, Quick Settings, tablet mode, and stylus capture — so you can screenshot on any Chromebook regardless of your setup.
Chromebook screenshot shortcuts — quick reference
| Shortcut | What it does | Saves to |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl + Show Windows | Full-screen capture | Downloads |
| Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows | Area selection capture | Downloads |
| Shift + Ctrl + Show Windows | Open Screen Capture toolbar | Downloads |
| Power + Volume Down | Full screen (tablet mode) | Downloads |
| Stylus → Capture | Full screen or freeform area | Downloads |
External keyboard? Replace "Show Windows" with F5 in every shortcut above. So Ctrl + F5 for full screen, Ctrl + Shift + F5 for area selection.
5 ways to screenshot on Chromebook
Works on all ChromeOS devices — Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, Chromebook tablets, and convertibles.
Full-screen capture
Press both keys at the same time. ChromeOS grabs everything on screen, saves it as a PNG to Downloads, and shows a notification in the bottom-right. Click that notification to preview, edit, or delete. On an external keyboard without Show Windows? Ctrl+F5 does the same thing.
Partial (area) capture
Same shortcut but with Shift held down. Screen dims, crosshair appears. Drag a rectangle around whatever you want to capture and let go. This is the one you reach for when you need just the error message, just the chart, just one section of a page without the rest of the screen tagging along.
Screen Capture toolbar
ChromeOS has a floating capture toolbar that works a lot like the macOS one. Open it with Shift+Ctrl+Show Windows, or the long way: click the clock in the corner → Screen Capture. Pick full-screen, partial, or window. The toolbar also does screen recording (toggle the camera icon to video). One nice touch: you can choose whether to include the shelf (taskbar) in the capture or not.
Tablet mode capture
Keyboard folded back? Detached? The shortcuts won't work. Press Power + Volume Down together instead. Screen flashes, screenshot saves to Downloads. Same result as Ctrl+Show Windows, just designed for when you're holding the thing like a tablet.
Stylus capture (pen-enabled Chromebooks)
Got a pen-enabled Chromebook? Tap the stylus icon in the shelf to open the stylus menu. Pick "Capture screen" or "Capture region." The region option is interesting: you draw a freeform shape with the pen, not just a rectangle. After capture, annotation tools open automatically so you can mark up the screenshot before saving. Feels natural if you're already using the pen.
Where is the Show Windows key?
The Show Windows key is the most common source of confusion for new Chromebook users. It sits in the top row of the keyboard, typically in the 5th or 6th position from the left (where F5 would be on a standard keyboard). The icon looks like a rectangle with two vertical lines next to it — representing a window with additional windows behind it.
If you're looking at your top row and see: Esc, Back, Forward, Refresh, Full Screen — the next key after Full Screen is Show Windows. On some Chromebook models the icon style varies slightly, but it's always in the same position.
Chromebook top row key order
Change where Chromebook screenshots save
By default, screenshots go to your Downloads folder. If you have Google Drive set up or an SD card inserted, you can redirect them. Open Settings → Device → Storage management and change the default storage location. All new screenshots and downloads will use the new location.
You can also move screenshots after capturing them. Open the Files app, navigate to Downloads, and drag the files to a Google Drive folder. They'll sync automatically and become accessible from any device signed into the same Google account.
Edit screenshots on Chromebook
ChromeOS includes a basic image editor. After taking a screenshot, click the notification that appears in the bottom-right corner, then click the Edit pencil icon. The built-in editor lets you crop, rotate, adjust brightness and contrast, and add simple annotations.
Built-in Gallery editor
Crop, rotate, resize, adjust light and color. Basic but functional for quick edits directly on your Chromebook. No installs needed.
Google Photos editor
Upload to Google Photos for more filters, markup, and AI-powered editing features. Works in the browser — no app download required.
Need professional editing?
For polished screenshots with blur effects, gradient backgrounds, drop shadows, and annotations — use ScreenshotEdits in your browser or download the desktop app. One paste, full editing suite, export in seconds.
Try in BrowserDownload Desktop AppFrequently asked questions
What is the screenshot shortcut on Chromebook?
Ctrl+Show Windows for full screen. Add Shift (Ctrl+Shift+Show Windows) to select a specific area. Both save to Downloads as PNG. If your keyboard has standard function keys, replace Show Windows with F5.
Where do Chromebook screenshots save?
Downloads folder. Every time. You can change this in Settings > Device > Storage management, but most people just leave it and move files to Google Drive after.
Where is the Show Windows key on Chromebook?
Top row, usually where F5 would be on a normal keyboard. It looks like a rectangle with two lines next to it. If you're staring at the top row and see Esc, Back, Forward, Refresh, Full Screen — the next key is Show Windows.
How do I screenshot on Chromebook without the Show Windows key?
Ctrl+F5 for full screen, Ctrl+Shift+F5 for area selection. Or skip the keyboard entirely: click the clock in the bottom-right, then Screen Capture.
Can I edit screenshots on Chromebook?
Basic editing, yes. A notification pops up after each screenshot with an Edit button. Click it for crop, rotate, and simple annotations. It's bare-bones compared to dedicated editors, but handles quick fixes fine.
How do I record my screen on Chromebook?
Open the Screen Capture tool (Shift+Ctrl+Show Windows), then switch from the camera icon to the video icon in the toolbar. Pick full-screen or partial recording and hit Record. A red dot in the shelf tells you it's recording.
Screenshots captured. Time to edit.
Add blur, crop, annotations, and gradient backgrounds to any screenshot. ScreenshotEdits is free for Mac, Windows & Web.