Whether we want to capture a funny moment in a Zoom call or preserve an online purchase receipt, screenshots can be extremely useful.
Chromebooks are gaining increasing popularity as the go-to device for many of us. Knowing how to take a screenshot is therefore essential. However, unlike other OS, taking screenshots on a Chromebook isn’t as straightforward as you’d like.
The easiest way to go about it is to use the Windows key. You can either use the Ctrl + Show Windows for a full screenshot or shift + Ctrl + Show Windows for a partial one. But what if your Chromebook Windows key is bad or you don’t want to use it?
Not to worry – we’ve got you covered with eight different ways to take screenshots on your Chromebook without using the Windows key.
Let’s get started.
Also Read: Best Chromebooks For Zoom Calls
Ways To Screenshot On Chromebook Without a Windows Key
1. Use Quick Settings
Whether you have a full or partial screenshot, Quick Settings is the simplest way to take screenshots.
To take a screenshot, simply open up Quick Settings by clicking on the time in the bottom right corner of your screen. Expand the menu by clicking on the menu to see the options.
Image Source: Google Chromebook
You can then choose whether you want to take a full screenshot or just part of the screen. If you choose the former, it will capture your entire screen; if you opt for the latter, you’ll be able to draw a box around what you’d like to capture.
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Image Source: Google Chromebook
Click on the screen capture button, and you will see the option to take different types of screenshots – full page, partial, or window.
2. Use Physical Buttons
Some Chromebooks come with a set of physical (power and volume) buttons that can be used for taking screenshots. These can usually be found on the keyboard or the side of the device, and some models even have separate keys for capturing part of the screen or the whole screen.
To use this method, locate these buttons and press them simultaneously to take a screenshot. Make sure you press them for the appropriate amount of time, as some models require you to keep them pressed for a few seconds before the screenshot is taken.
After the screenshot is taken, it should be saved in your Downloads or Pictures folder. You can then open it and preview the image.
This method works on most Chromebooks and is very easy to use. However, you may need to look up specific instructions for your model as different Chromebooks have different button combinations.
If your Chromebook doesn’t have any physical buttons, don’t worry. There are still plenty of other ways to take screenshots on a Chromebook without a Windows key.
Also Read: Best Chromebooks For Stadia
3. Use Chrome Browser
If you have a Chromebook, your Chrome browser will come with a built-in screenshot tool. This will come in handy if you don’t have the Windows key or if you just prefer a simpler way of taking screenshots.
Image Source: Techwiser
To use this tool, click on the three dots at the top right corner of your Chrome browser window, select More tools>Developer tools, hold Ctrl + Shift + P, and then type “Screenshot”. Once you do this, you will see a couple of screenshot selection options to choose from.
Image Source: Techwiser
You can then move the cursor to select what you want to capture, release your mouse and your screenshot will be saved in your Downloads folder. You can also use this tool to record an entire webpage or just a part of it.
This is great for capturing lengthy web pages that you need to refer back to later. The only drawback is that you cannot use it outside of your Chrome browser.
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4. Use the Stylus Pen
If your Chromebook is a touchscreen device and comes with a stylus pen, you can use it as another way of taking screenshots. All you have to do is press the power button on your stylus and then select “Capture screenshot” from the menu.
The stylus will take a screenshot of your entire screen and save it to your Downloads folder in JPEG format. You can also use the stylus pen to mark up and draw on screenshots, which can come in handy if you’re working with annotated images or diagrams.
This is a great way of taking screenshots on touchscreen Chromebooks, as it makes the process very fast and efficient.
5. Use an External Keyboard
It is also possible to take a screenshot on a Chromebook using an external keyboard. Using the Ctrl + Shift + F5 or Ctrl + F5 keys on a compatible keyboard, you can easily capture your screen with just one click.
Just be sure that the keyboard is connected properly and functioning correctly before trying this method.
An external keyboard has different key combinations which you can use to take a screenshot, so make sure you read the instruction manual or search online to find out what they are.
Once you’ve figured this out, all you need to do is press the appropriate key combination and your Chromebook will automatically save a screenshot of your screen. You can even customize how often and what type of screenshots you take.
Additionally, an external keyboard can be helpful when typing out long documents or doing other tasks that require more precise keystrokes. So if you find yourself needing to work with a Chromebook often, consider investing in a compatible external keyboard. It will make all kinds of tasks much easier.
6. Use an Extension
If you don’t have access to an external keyboard, you can still take a screenshot on a Chromebook using an extension. There are many extensions available that can help you take screenshots easily and quickly.
Simply install the extension of your choice and then open it up in the Chrome browser. You’ll be able to select various options like where to save the screenshot, what type of file format it should be in, and how often you want to take screenshots.
Using an extension is a great way to customize your screenshot-taking experience and make sure that all of your screenshots are saved properly.
It’s also helpful if you need to take multiple screenshots quickly or capture specific areas of the screen. So if you need a quick and easy way to take screenshots on your Chromebook, an extension may be the right option for you.
Also Read: Best Screen Recorders For Windows
7. Google Assistant
There may be no need to switch to another app or download a third-party tool when you can just use Google Assistant.
All you have to do is say “Ok Google, take a screenshot” and voila! You’ll get the captured image in the Downloads folder.
However, if you want to customize where it should be saved, you can also say “Ok Google, take a screenshot and save it to …” followed by the desired location.
Before you can use this voice command, you must first enable Google Assistant. To do that, open the Launcher by pressing the Search key and then select Settings. Next, locate Google Assistant in the menu on the left and switch it on.
Alternatively, you can simply enter the path below on your Google browser:
chrome://flags/#enable-native-google-assistant
Image Source: Groovypost
There may be a need to train your voice when using Google Assistant for taking a screenshot. Just follow the prompts and you are good to go.
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8. Use Third-Party Software
Finally, there are some third-party software programs available that can help you take screenshots on a Chromebook.
These programs offer more features than the built-in methods and allow you to customize your screenshot experience even further.
For example, many of these programs will let you set hotkeys to quickly take screenshots or even edit the screenshots after you’ve taken them. They can also be used to capture specific areas of the screen, adjust the resolution of the screenshot, and more.
This is a great option for those who need more control over their screenshots or want to take multiple screenshots quickly.
So if you’re looking for an easy and customizable way to take screenshots on a Chromebook, consider using a third-party software program.
Just make sure that the program you choose is compatible with your device before downloading and installing it. That way, you can rest assured that all of your screenshots will be taken properly and saved correctly.
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Best Screenshot Tools for Chromebook
If you find the built-in screenshot tool is not enough for your needs, you can always rely on one of these top seven screenshot tools for Chromebook.
1. Lightshot
Lightshot is a great tool for capturing high-quality screenshots of your Chromebook.
It supports full-page, partial, and scrolling capture, as well as basic annotation tools to highlight or draw on the screenshot.
Plus, you can easily upload your screenshot to social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus.
You can install it as a Chrome extension or a desktop application. It conveniently lets you take screenshots with a simple keyboard shortcut.
It’s fast, easy to use, and free. With this extension, you can capture any part of the web page or full page with a single click. You can also annotate it with text boxes, arrows, and shapes, or blur out sensitive information.
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2. ShareX
ShareX is another great way to take screenshots on a Chromebook. This powerful software allows you to easily capture whatever you need with just a few clicks.
From entire webpage captures to full-screen images, this application is sure to save you time and hassle when it comes to taking screenshots.
ShareX also offers a host of advanced features like image editing and more, making it an ideal choice for those who want a more robust tool. With its intuitive interface, you’ll be able to quickly and easily get the perfect screenshot every time.
Another benefit of using ShareX is that it can also be used to record video or audio from your Chromebook screen.
This makes it great for creating instructional videos or recording tutorials. Plus, it’s free to use, so there’s no need to worry about cost when using this app. So if you’re looking for an all-in-one screenshot solution, ShareX is the perfect option.
3. FireShot
FireShot is a great option for those who want to take screenshots on Chromebooks without the Windows key.
It can capture an entire web page, even if it’s long and extends beyond the visible area of your screen. You can also edit and annotate your images with text, arrows, etc. before sharing them with others or saving the file onto your computer.
To use it, simply install the FireShot extension from the Chrome Web Store and click on its icon in the top-right corner of your browser window for easy access to all its features.
You can save the captured screenshots in various formats like PDF, JPEG, PNG, GIF, etc. It also allows you to quickly share the final screenshot with other people via email, social networks, or in-app messaging.
4. Awesome Screenshot
Awesome Screenshot is a great way to capture whatever you need, including entire web pages. It’s super easy to use and it works with Chrome browsers.
You can add annotations and blur sensitive information before sharing. Plus, Awesome Screenshot lets you save the screenshot on your computer for future reference or share it directly online.
This tool is also fantastic for explainer videos as it allows you to record your screen and audio at the same time. Awesome Screenshot is a great way to capture whatever you need quickly and easily.
You can also connect it to familiar tools like Slack, Asana, and Trello for easy sharing.
Best of all, it’s completely free to use.
5. Nimbus Capture
Another great way to take screenshots on your Chromebook without using the Windows key is Nimbus Capture.
This free extension is available on the Chrome Web Store. Simply install it and then you can take screenshots, record your screen, or do both at the same time. You can even annotate or crop your screenshot before saving it.
It is useful for creating tutorials and online presentations, and you can share the screenshots with others directly from the program. It is a quick and easy way to take screenshots without using the Windows key.
6. Flamory
This nifty app is a great option if you need to capture your Chromebook screen. With an intuitive user interface and one-click screenshot capability, Flamory makes it easy to get the perfect image of your screen in no time.
You can also record videos of what’s happening on your Chromebook, which can be useful for tutorials or demonstrating a feature.
The tool lets you save exact web pages and share them later as a snapshot or link. Additionally, you can annotate your screenshots with arrows and text to help explain what’s happening in the image.
It’s one of the most comprehensive screenshot apps for Chromebook users!
If you need to capture your screen quickly, this is definitely the tool for you. The process is simple, fast, and intuitive.
Just launch the app, click on the “Capture” button in the menu bar, and then choose what kind of screenshot you want to take. You can even capture multiple screens at once.
7. Gyazo
Gyazo is another great tool for capturing screenshots on a Chromebook. It’s free and easy to use, making it perfect for those who are new to taking screenshots.
To use Gyazo, all you have to do is click the blue “Capture” button at the top right of your screen, or press Ctrl + Shift + G.
The image will be automatically uploaded to the Gyazo website, where you can download it or save it to your Google Drive. You can also easily share your screenshots on social media with just a few clicks.
Another great thing about Gyazo is that it allows you to draw or add text to your screenshots before saving them.
This makes it easy to annotate or highlight something important in the image. You can also use it to blur out sensitive parts of an image, which is especially useful when sharing screenshots online.
You can create GIFs with Gyazo as well, which is great for recording walk-throughs or tutorials. To do this, simply press and hold the “Capture” button instead of clicking it. This will start a recording that you can stop whenever you want to capture an animation.
Also Read: What Is The Show Windows Button On Chromebook?
Conclusion
So there you have it – eight different ways to take screenshots on your Chromebook without the Windows key. Whether you’re researching a topic or want to capture an image to share with friends and family, these methods will help you get the job done quickly and easily.
If you’re looking for more advanced options, there are plenty of third-party tools available to help you capture and edit screenshots as we have reviewed above.
No matter which method you choose, taking screenshots on a Chromebook without the Windows key is now easier than ever. Happy screenshotting!
