The fastest way: Ctrl + Show Windows

Press Ctrl + Show Windows at the same time. The Show Windows key is the one that looks like a rectangle with lines — it's where the F5 key would be on a regular keyboard. Your entire screen will be captured and saved to your Downloads folder as a PNG file.

That's the method most Chromebook users need. The file appears immediately in Downloads with a timestamp in the filename, like Screenshot 2024-01-15 at 2.34.15 PM.png. You can open it, move it, or share it right away. The screenshot is ready to use within seconds of pressing the keys.

Capturing just part of the screen

Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows instead. Your cursor will change to a crosshair. Click and drag to draw a box around the part of the screen you want to capture, then release. Only that region gets saved to Downloads.

This is useful when you want to share a single window or a specific area without showing your entire desktop. The same PNG file naming applies — it goes straight to Downloads with a timestamp. You have full control over what gets included and what stays hidden.

Key Takeaways

  • Ctrl + Show Windows captures your entire screen and saves it as a PNG file to your Downloads folder with a timestamp in the filename.
  • Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows lets you draw a box around just the part of the screen you want to capture, useful for sharing specific windows or details.
  • Screenshots are saved with a timestamp in the filename so you can take multiple shots without overwriting earlier ones.
  • The Show Windows key is the rectangle-with-lines key in the top row, replacing the F5 key on a standard keyboard.
  • Every screenshot lands in your Downloads folder, where you can rename, move, or delete them using the Files app.

Finding your screenshots after you take them

Every screenshot lands in your Downloads folder. Open the Files app — the folder icon in your taskbar at the bottom — and click Downloads on the left side. Your screenshots appear there with the most recent at the top.

You can rename them, move them to another folder, or delete them from here. Right-click any screenshot to see options like copy, move, or rename. If you want to keep screenshots organized, create a new folder inside Downloads and drag them there. This keeps your Downloads folder from becoming cluttered if you take screenshots regularly.

Taking a screenshot of a window that's partially off-screen

If a window extends beyond the edge of your screen, the full-screen method (Ctrl + Show Windows) captures only what's visible. Use the partial screenshot instead: Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows, then carefully drag your selection box to include the parts you need. You may need to scroll the window first to see all of it, then take separate screenshots of each section.

Alternatively, some apps let you zoom out to fit more on screen at once. Press Ctrl and the minus key to zoom out, take your screenshot, then press Ctrl and the plus key to zoom back in. This works well for web pages or documents where you want to see more content in a single image.

Editing or annotating a screenshot

Chromebooks don't have a built-in screenshot editor that opens automatically. After you take a screenshot, open the Files app, right-click the PNG file, and choose to open it with an image editor. Google Photos (if you have it installed) or the built-in Gallery app can open and view screenshots, but neither lets you draw on them.

For annotation — adding arrows, text, or highlighting — you'll need a separate tool. Markup.io and Annotate.com are free web-based editors that work in Chrome. Upload your screenshot, add your marks, and download the edited version. Some people also use Google Drawings: create a new drawing in Google Drive, insert the screenshot image, then add shapes and text on top of it.

Troubleshooting: Screenshot key not working

If Ctrl + Show Windows does nothing, check whether your Chromebook is in tablet mode. Flip the screen back into laptop mode (if your model allows it) and try again. Some Chromebooks with detachable screens disable keyboard shortcuts when the keyboard is disconnected.

If you're using an external keyboard, make sure it's connected properly. The Show Windows key may be mapped differently on non-Chromebook keyboards — try the F5 key or look for a key with a window icon. If nothing works, restart your Chromebook: press Ctrl + Alt + R, then click Restart, and try the screenshot command again after it boots up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a screenshot of just the menu bar or taskbar?

Yes, use Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows and drag a small box around just that area. The partial screenshot captures whatever region you select, no matter how small or large.

Where do screenshots go if I'm using a guest account?

Guest account screenshots still go to Downloads, but they're deleted when you sign out. If you need to keep them, move or copy them to Google Drive before you end the session, or sign in with your own account instead.

Can I take a screenshot of a video that's playing?

Yes, the screenshot will capture whatever is on screen at that moment, including video frames. Some streaming services may show a black box instead due to copyright protection, but most videos and local files will capture normally.

Is there a way to take a screenshot without using the keyboard?

Not built-in. You need the keyboard shortcut. If your keyboard is broken, connect an external USB keyboard or use the on-screen keyboard (press Ctrl + Alt + Z) and click the keys in sequence, though this is slow.