How to Screenshot on a Chromebook

They say, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words,’ but you may be surprised to learn how true this is. According to some statistics by Venngage, perfected visual content can increase traffic to your website by up to 400%. Pictures and images can display product information or showcase them in action, helping the customer see what you offer at a glance.

However, attaining these results as a marketer may not be possible, especially if you are using a Chromebook. Chromebooks are intended to be easy-to-use computers, which makes them even more confusing. Taking screenshots is also one of the features that isn’t well explained. 

But to excel in your marketing career, you must know how to capture quality images and edit them to ensure they give away only the information you intended. To help you navigate this challenge, we have compiled various ways you can screenshot using your Chromebook and how to go about it. There are also tips on managing the screenshotting issue that may arise during this process. Read on. 

Different Ways to Screenshot on a Chromebook

Using Chromebooks can indeed be a little confusing. You can sometimes find some added keys, which is good, while some keys available on laptops can be missing. Luckily, the process of taking a screenshot is slightly more straightforward. 

There are two ways in which you can achieve perfect screenshot results. They are as follows. 

1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts for Screenshots

Using keyboard shortcuts is one of the quickest ways to screenshot on a Chromebook. In your Chromebook, you will see a screenshot key. This will look like a small circle within a square. If you have this, then you are well set to begin screenshotting. 

But if your Chromebook lacks this feature, you can use its shortcuts to take the screenshot there. First, you have to identify the ‘Show windows’ key. This key will be a rectangle with two lines on the right side. After identifying it, click on ‘Ctrl + Show Windows key’. Another option for the ‘show windows’ key is the F5 key on the PC. You can always use this to create the combination.

But if you still want to use a keyboard shortcut, press Shift + Ctrl + Show Windows keys. This combination will also give you the same menu using the Quick Settings menu. 

2. Using the Quick Setting Menu

You can always use the screenshot toolbars to take any type of screenshot. For good results, follow the following detailed steps.

• Click on the clock feature in the lower-right corner of your screen. The Quick Setting menu will then appear. 
• On the Quick Settings menu, click the ‘Screen Capture icon’. The icon will look like a small circle with a square inside.
• After clicking the icon, you will see a small menu with several other icons arranged from left to right. The icons include an option for ‘Screenshot,’ ‘Screen record,’ ‘Take a full screenshot,’ ‘Take a partial screenshot,’ ‘Take Windows screenshot,’ and ‘settings.’ 
• You can select the best option based on the type of screenshot you want to achieve. 

However, selecting the settings icon is only essential when you want to screen record and want to make adjustments, such as adding audio to the recording process. 

3. Screenshot Toolbar

If you were specifically looking for ways to take a screenshot using a screenshot toolbar, we’ve got you covered. We described the process of taking a screenshot using the keyboard shortcut, the same process you can use to take a screenshot in this case. Keenly follow the above method using the keyboard shortcuts, and you will achieve the desired results. 

Capturing Specific Areas of the Screen

Capturing specific areas of the screen can be done through particular windows. To capture only the specific areas on your screen, you just begin with the normal screenshotting process, as we’ve shown you. However, there are two instances of screenshotting: using Quick Settings and keyboard shortcuts. 

To capture a partial screen using the Quick setting, follow the process from clicking on the Quick Settings menu to the Screen capture icon. On the displayed icons, select ‘Take Partial Screenshot.’ You can then choose the tab you want to capture or move your cursor over the area you want captured. You will be led to the Quick Settings menu using the keyboard shortcut, where you will follow the same process. 

Saving and Sharing

After taking the screen, a copy will appear in the pop-out window just above the Quick Settings menu. If you want to access it, just click on it, and it will appear in the folder. By default, any screenshot you take will always appear in the downloads folder, but you are always free to change this by saving it in a folder you feel you will have the best access to.

But to make the change, go to the ‘Settings’ button in the screen capture menu and make the changes you like. After saving the screenshot in the folder, you can edit it any way you want. Depending on the apps within your Chromebook, you can crop, rotate, rescale, annotate, or twerk the light on the screenshot image to your desired levels. 

After saving and editing your image, sharing is the next step. Actually, 2019 study reveals that the primary motivation behind people taking screenshots is to share them with someone else. In fact, 97% of the respondents indicated that they have always shared all the screenshots they have taken. 

Also, According to Hubspot, 36% of people like engaging with short narrative-styled stories with photos, videos, and text. Most of the time, you don’t want to lose this part of the market. Chromebook will now give you a share option to get this image to your Instagram users and other social media platforms. 

Troubleshooting Common Screenshot Issues

A common problem may be in your settings when you are having issues taking screenshots on your Chromebook.

• One common problem is that your Chromebook cannot take a screenshot; instead, it tells you that an error occurred. Failed to Save Screenshot’. The best way to resolve this is to check your settings on Privacy Permissions. You can then adjust it by allowing your device to take the screenshot and restarting it. After doing this, your screenshot should be working.
• Another problem can also be that your screen doesn’t dim or react. This is common, especially if you are trying to use the keyboard shortcuts. To solve it, go to your settings and scroll down to ‘Device.’ Using that option, ensure that the ‘Show windows’ option is enabled. 
• The third problem can also be that you can’t see your screenshot in the downloads. If you are sure you could take the screenshot, then this is just a temporary glitch. You can solve this by restarting your Chromebook and retaking the screenshot. 

Create Quality Images With Chromebook Screenshot Features

Taking screenshots on a Chromebook is essential, especially if you want to capture and share information quickly. By mastering the screenshot keyboard shortcuts and using the additional editing tools, you can create quality videos to generate even more engagement with your audience.

However, to ensure that you fully utilize the screenshot features on your Chromebook, you need to know the critical functions of the Chromebook keyboard. Know their tasks and how to use them to your advantage, and ensure you spend as little time as possible on your Chromebook.