Last updated on January 17th, 2024

As an experienced Chromebook user, I understand the frustration that can come with not knowing how to perform basic tasks. One such task is taking a screenshot on a Chromebook using the keyboard.

In this article, I will guide you through the steps to screenshot on a Chromebook using just your keyboard. Whether you are a student, professional, or casual user, this guide will provide you with the information you need to capture screenshots effortlessly.

So let’s dive in and learn how to screenshot on a Chromebook with your keyboard!

How to Screenshot on Chromebook with Keyboard

Taking a screenshot on a Chromebook is a simple process, and using the keyboard makes it even easier. Follow these steps to capture screenshots on your Chromebook:

• Step 1: Locate the keys – To capture a screenshot on a Chromebook using the keyboard, you will need to locate three specific keys: Ctrl, Shift, and the “Switch window” key. The “Switch window” key is usually located between the Fullscreen and Brightness control keys on the top row of the keyboard.
• Step 2: Compose the screen – Before taking a screenshot, make sure the screen you want to capture is ready. Open the desired window or adjust the screen elements as needed.
• Step 3: Press the keys – Once the screen is composed, press and hold the Ctrl + Shift keys simultaneously. While holding these keys, press the “Switch window” key. The screen will flash momentarily, indicating that the screenshot has been captured.
• Step 4: Locate the screenshot – After capturing the screenshot, it will be saved in your Downloads folder. To access it, open the Files app on your Chromebook, then navigate to the Downloads folder. You will find the screenshot there, ready to be used or shared.

Taking a screenshot on a Chromebook with the keyboard is really that simple. With just a few key presses, you can capture and save any screen you desire.

Common Problems

While the process of taking a screenshot on a Chromebook is generally straightforward, you may encounter some common problems. Here are a few common issues you might face and their solutions:

1. The screenshot is not captured when I press the keys.
   Solution: Make sure you are pressing the correct keys simultaneously – Ctrl, Shift, and the “Switch window” key. It’s important to press all three keys together to trigger the screenshot.
2. The captured screenshot is not saved in the Downloads folder.
   Solution: This could happen if the location to save screenshots has been changed. To fix this, open your Chromebook’s settings, navigate to “Device” and then “Display” settings. Ensure the “Save screenshots to” option is set to “Downloads.”
3. The captured screenshot is not clear or is too small.
   Solution: It’s possible that you are capturing a high-resolution screen on a smaller Chromebook display. Try zooming in on the desired screen before taking the screenshot to ensure clarity and legibility.

These are just a few of the common problems users may encounter when taking screenshots on a Chromebook. By following the troubleshooting solutions provided, you should be able to overcome any issues you may face.

Extra Tips

In addition to capturing screenshots on a Chromebook using the keyboard, here are some extra tips to enhance your screenshot-taking experience:

1. Use the Ctrl + Show Windows key combination – If your Chromebook does not have a dedicated “Switch window” key, you can use the combination of Ctrl + Show Windows key (marked with a rectangle icon) to capture screenshots.
2. Capture specific sections of the screen – If you only need to capture a specific section of the screen, press Ctrl + Shift + Alt, and then select the desired area by clicking and dragging your cursor.
3. Take screenshots of a specific window – To capture a screenshot of a particular window instead of the entire screen, press Ctrl + Shift and then click on the desired window. This allows you to save only the active window as a screenshot.
4. Explore screenshot extensions – The Chrome Web Store offers various screenshot extensions that can enhance your screenshot-taking capabilities. Explore options such as “Awesome Screenshot” or “Nimbus Screenshot” for additional features like annotations and editing tools.

By utilizing these extra tips, you can increase your productivity and customize your screenshot-taking process according to your specific needs.

FAQs

How do I access the Files app on my Chromebook?

To access the Files app on your Chromebook, simply click on the Launcher icon (typically located in the bottom-left corner of the screen), then click on the “Files” icon from the app grid.

Can I change the default location to save screenshots on my Chromebook?

Yes, you can change the default location to save screenshots on your Chromebook. Open the Chromebook’s settings, navigate to “Device,” then “Display” settings, and change the “Save screenshots to” option to your desired location.

Is there a way to take screenshots without using the keyboard on a Chromebook?

Yes, you can use the built-in screenshot tool available in the Chrome OS. Press the Search + Shift + S keys together, and the screen will be dimmed. You can then click and drag to select the desired area to capture.

Can I take a screenshot of a specific webpage?

Yes, you can take a screenshot of a specific webpage on your Chromebook. Open the webpage, then press Ctrl + Shift + P together. This will capture a screenshot of the entire webpage, including the parts that are not visible on the screen.