Despite Chromebooks’ reputation for simplicity, some simple actions, such as recording your screen or taking a screenshot, can still be difficult, particularly if you’re accustomed to Windows or macOS. Knowing how to take screenshots and record video on a Chromebook is crucial, whether you’re a student attempting to take notes, a teacher making tutorials, or just someone who wants to save what’s on your screen.
Know your Chromebook’s built-in tools
Before downloading any apps or extensions, it’s important to understand what ChromeOS already provides. Chromebooks come equipped with powerful, built-in features for capturing your screen, both still images and videos, without needing to install anything extra.
- No need for third-party apps: ChromeOS includes native screenshot and screen recording capabilities that work smoothly right out of the box.
- Regular updates improve functionality: Google frequently updates ChromeOS to make these tools more user-friendly and efficient.
- Works offline: You don’t need an internet connection to use the built-in capture tools.
- Easy access: These features can be accessed through keyboard shortcuts or the Quick Settings menu, keeping your workflow uninterrupted.
Take a screenshot quickly
- Full screen: Press Ctrl + Show windows (the key that looks like a rectangle with two lines).
- Partial screen: Press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows, then click and drag to select the area.
Record your screen effortlessly
- Open the Quick Settings menu (bottom right corner).
- Click on the Screen capture icon.
- Choose between screenshot and screen recording modes.
- Select whether to record full screen, partial screen, or a specific window.
Find your captures easily
- Screenshots and recordings are automatically saved to the Downloads folder.
- Notifications let you open, edit, or share your captures instantly.
How to Take a Screenshot on a Chromebook
Taking screenshots on a Chromebook is simple once you know the right shortcuts. ChromeOS gives you several ways to capture exactly what you need, whether it’s the full screen, a portion of it, or a specific window
Full-screen screenshot
- Keyboard shortcut: Press Ctrl + Show Windows (The “Show Windows” key looks like a rectangle with two vertical lines, usually in the top row.)
- What it does: Captures everything visible on your screen.
Where it’s saved:
- The image is automatically saved to the Downloads folder.
- A pop-up in the bottom-right corner lets you view, copy, or annotate the screenshot instantly.
Partial screenshot
- Keyboard shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows
- What it does: Lets you click and drag to select just the part of the screen you want to capture.
Perfect for:
- Highlighting specific sections of a webpage or document
- Avoiding the need to crop later
Window screenshot
- Keyboard shortcut: Press Ctrl + Alt + Show Windows, then click the window you want to capture
- What it does: Captures only the selected app or browser window, not the entire screen.
Use this when:
- You’re multitasking and only want to capture one window.
- You want a clean screenshot without extra background clutter.
How to Record Your Screen on a Chromebook
Chromebooks make screen recording simple with the built-in Screen Capture Tool. Whether you’re recording a tutorial, a lecture, or a software demo, you can capture your entire screen, just a section, or a specific window, with no extra software needed.
Using the Screen Capture Tool
- Keyboard shortcut: Press Shift + Ctrl + Show Windows
- This opens the Screen Capture toolbar at the bottom of your screen.
- By default, it’s set to take screenshots, so to switch to video:
- Click the camera icon on the toolbar to change from photo (screenshot) mode to video (screen recording) mode.
Full, partial, or window recording
Once you’re in video mode, you can choose how much of the screen to record:
Full screen:
- Click the full-screen icon, then click anywhere on the screen to begin recording.
- Best for capturing everything you’re doing.
Partial screen:
- Click the dashed rectangle icon, then click and drag to select the area you want to record.
- Useful for focused demos or tutorials.
Window recording:
- Click the window icon, then click the specific window you want to capture.
- Ideal when you’re using multiple apps or browser windows.
How to stop the recording and where it saves
To stop recording:
- Click the red stop icon in the taskbar (bottom-right corner of your screen, next to the clock).
- A notification will confirm your recording has ended.
Where the video is saved:
- Your screen recording is automatically saved to the Downloads folder.
- You’ll also see a preview notification, click it to open, view, rename, or move the file.
Using the Screen Capture Tool
- Press Shift + Ctrl + Show Windows
- Select the camera icon to switch from screenshot to video
Full, Partial, or Window Recording
- Choose your preferred recording type before you start
How to stop the recording and where it saves
Use the screen capture toolbar for easy access
Taking screenshots or recording your screen is quick and simple with the built-in screen capture toolbar on your Chromebook; no extensions or other apps are needed. This is your go-to tool for quick screen recording, whether you’re creating a tutorial, sharing a bug, or storing class notes.
How to access it
- Click the time and battery area in the bottom-right corner of your screen to open the Quick Settings menu.
- Then click the Screen Capture icon (a camera or square icon with scissors).
- Or press Shift + Ctrl + Show Windows (that’s the key with the rectangle and two vertical lines, typically above the 6 key).
- The screen capture toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen.
Capture options include
- Screenshot or video – Toggle between capturing a still image or recording your screen
- Full screen / Partial / Window – Choose what portion of the screen to capture
- Microphone toggle – When recording a video, you can turn the mic on to capture your voice
- Save location – Files are saved automatically to the Downloads folder (or to Google Drive if set up)
Pro tip
- Use Ctrl + Show Windows to instantly take a full-screen screenshot.
- Use Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows to drag and capture a partial screen.
- Enable mic recording before you start a screen recording if you need narration.
After capture, use the preview popup to copy, annotate, or share instantly.
Want more features? Try third-party extensions
The built-in Chromebook screen recording tool works well for simple activities, but third-party Chrome extensions can improve your workflow if you want more flexibility, better editing, or more sophisticated capabilities like webcam overlay and cloud sharing. They are ideal for students, teachers, and creators because they are lightweight and simple to install.
Loom for Chrome
- Record your screen, tab, or webcam
- Webcam bubble for face + screen tutorials
- Instant cloud upload with shareable link
- Works great for presentations, feedback, or teaching
- Free version includes up to 5-minute videos (longer with education accounts)
Screencastify
- Record browser tab, full screen, or webcam
- Draw, highlight, and annotate in real-time
- Trim and edit inside the extension
- Auto-save to Google Drive
- Free tier includes up to 10 videos/month with basic editing
Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder
- Record video or take screenshots of your screen
- Annotate, crop, and convert to GIFs
- Option to save locally or to Google Drive
When to use third-party tools instead of the built-in one:
- You need webcam overlay while recording the screen
- You want to annotate or draw during a recording
- You need to edit or trim your recordings without separate software
- You want to automatically save to Google Drive or share via link
- You’re recording tutorials, classes, demos, or walkthroughs regularly
How to get started
- Open the Chrome Web Store
- Search for any of the extensions above (e.g., “Loom”)
- Click Add to Chrome and follow setup prompts
- Pin the extension to your toolbar for quick access
- Sign in (if needed) and start recording