How to Take a Screenshot on a Chromebook: Step-by-Step Guide

I. Introduction

A screenshot is an image of whatever is displayed on your computer screen that can be saved as a file or image. Knowing how to take a screenshot on a Chromebook is an essential skill that can come in handy in various situations, such as capturing an error message, preserving a moment in a video call, or capturing a quote from a website.

II. Method 1: Using the keyboard shortcut

The easiest way to take a screenshot on a Chromebook is by using the built-in keyboard shortcut. The keyboard shortcut captures a screenshot of the entire screen or a specific window and saves the image to the Downloads folder.

Here are the steps:

1. Press the Ctrl and Overview buttons (the button with a box and lines on it) simultaneously.
2. The screen will flash briefly, indicating that the screenshot has been taken.
3. The screenshot will be saved automatically in the Downloads folder.

Tip: To capture a specific window, press Ctrl + Shift + Overview and click on the window you want to capture.

III. Method 2: Using the on-screen toolbar

If you have a newer version of Chrome OS, you can use an on-screen toolbar to take a screenshot. This method allows you to capture a portion of the screen, the current window, or the entire screen.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on the status area on the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. In the panel that appears, click on the Screenshot icon.
3. Select the area of the screen you want to capture from the dropdown menu.
4. If you want to include a microphone or webcam recording with the screenshot, toggle on the corresponding options.
5. Click on the Capture button.
6. The screenshot will be saved automatically in the Downloads folder.

Tip: To access the on-screen toolbar quickly, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Show Windows.

IV. Method 3: Using the stylus or touchscreen

If your Chromebook is equipped with a stylus or touchscreen, you can use it to capture a screenshot of your screen. This method is useful when you need to capture a specific area or draw a highlight on the screen.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Stylus button or touch the screen with your finger to open the quick shelf.
2. Select the Screenshot option from the quick shelf.
3. A menu will appear with options to capture the whole screen or a partial screen.
4. Select the option you want and follow the prompts.
5. The screenshot will be saved automatically in the Downloads folder.

Tip: You can use the stylus or touchscreen to draw, highlight, or annotate on the screenshot before saving it.

V. Method 4: Using a third-party Chrome extension

A third-party Chrome extension is a software that extends the functionality of the Chrome browser. There are many third-party Chrome extensions available for taking screenshots that offer additional features and flexibility.

To find and install a third-party Chrome extension for screenshots, follow these steps:

1. Open the Chrome Web Store and search for “screenshot.”
2. Select an extension that suits your needs and click the “Add to Chrome” button.
3. Follow the prompts to download and install the extension.
4. Once installed, click on the extension icon on the top right corner of your browser.
5. Select the area of the screen you want to capture and follow the prompts.
6. The screenshot will be saved automatically in the Downloads folder or wherever you choose.

Tip: Some popular Chrome extensions for taking screenshots are Lightshot, Snagit, and Awesome Screenshot.

VI. Method 5: Using a Chromebook-specific app

A Chromebook-specific app is an application that is designed specifically for the Chromebook operating system. There are many Chromebook-specific apps available for taking screenshots that offer various features and flexibility.

To find and install a Chromebook-specific app for screenshots, follow these steps:

1. Open the Chrome Web Store and search for “screenshot app for Chromebook.”
2. Select an app that suits your needs and click the “Add to Chrome” button.
3. Follow the prompts to download and install the app.
4. Once installed, open the app and select the area of the screen you want to capture.
5. The screenshot will be saved automatically in the app or wherever you choose.

Tip: Some popular Chromebook-specific apps for taking screenshots are Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder, Lightshot, and Greenshot.

VII. Method 6: Using built-in screenshot tools

Chrome OS has built-in screenshot tools that are accessible through the Settings app. These tools allow you to take screenshots of the entire screen or a selected area, edit the screenshots, and share them.

Here’s how to use the built-in screenshot tools:

1. Open the Settings app and click on the “Device” section.
2. Click on “Keyboard” and scroll down to the “Capture screenshots” section.
3. Select the capture mode you want, such as “Capture a full screen” or “Capture a partial screen.”
4. Use the keyboard shortcut or click on the on-screen toolbar icon to take a screenshot.
5. The screenshot will be saved automatically in the “Downloads” folder or wherever you choose.

Tip: You can edit and share the screenshot directly from the notification that appears after taking the screenshot.

VIII. Conclusion

Taking a screenshot on a Chromebook is an easy and essential skill to have. With different methods to choose from, there is no excuse not to capture and save important information or memories. For a quick and simple method, use the keyboard shortcut or on-screen toolbar. If you need more features and flexibility, try a third-party Chrome extension or Chromebook-specific app. If you prefer built-in tools, use the built-in screenshot tools accessible through the Settings app. Whichever method you choose, make sure you use it effectively to get the most out of your Chromebook.