How to Screenshot on a Chromebook Without the Windows Key or F5

It’s pretty tough to take a screenshot on your Chromebook if you’re accustomed to using Windows keys or even the F5 key shortcuts; keys not found on your keyboard. Here is a guide on alternative methods of capturing screenshots that do not rely on the use of either of those keys, thus ensuring one will still be able to cap their screen effectively irrespective of their keyboard configuration. It is knowledge important for users transitioning from other operating systems and even people using devices with different keyboard configurations.

Using the Power and Volume Buttons

This method is most convenient if you have a chrome book that you can transform into tablet mode, or you want to capture a screenshot without depending on a keyboard.

Step-by-Step Procedure:

• Find the Power button: It is usually located at the side or at the top of the chrome book; this varies with each make.
• Find the Volume down button: There are usually located on the side of the Chromebook, right next to the Power button.
• Press both buttons together: Press Power and Volume down buttons together for a few seconds.
• Flashing Screen confirmation: You will get a flashing screen showing you captured a screenshot. For some Chromebooks, there will also appear a small notification stating that the screenshot has been saved.

Where is the Screenshot Saved?

By default, a screenshot will save to your “Downloads” folder. You can view that folder from the “Files” application on your Chromebook.

When to Use This Method

This method is perfect if you are using your Chromebook in tablet mode, or if the physical keys are more accessible than keyboard shortcuts for whatever reason.

Using Chrome Extensions

Sometimes you might need a screenshot tool that is just enhanced or customizable. A Chrome extension is perfect for this. Often Chrome extensions do more than just letting you take a screenshot; they offer features such as editing, cropping, and adding annotations to your captures.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Open the Chrome Web Store:
  • Access Chrome on your Chromebook.
  • Type chrome.google.com/webstore in the address bar.
  • Click Enter.

• Search for a Screenshot Extension:
  • Open the search bar at the top-left corner and type “screenshot” or “screen capture.”
    Some of the popular ones are:
    Lightshot: Pretty easy to use with basic editing features
    Nimbus Screenshot: Supports full web page capture, edit, and save in the cloud.

• Add Extension to Chrome
  • Step 1: You need to click on the extension you want and then click on the “Add to Chrome” button.
  • A pop-up will ask for confirmation; just click on “Add Extension.

• Use the Extension:
  • It can readily be found next to the icon of address bar after installation of an extension.
    Clicking opens a screenshot tool.
    Many extensions will provide you with the choice of capturing the whole screen, a window, or area.
    You can then annotate or edit your captured screenshot.

• Save or Share the Screenshot:
  • This means that once you are content with what you have captured, you can save or download depending on the file extension. It is also possible to upload it directly to cloud storage or share via a link.

• Advantages of Using Chrome Extensions:
  • Customization: Most provide edit, crop, and annotate immediately after the screenshot
  • Cloud Integration: Some allow automatic uploading of screenshots to services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or other cloud options.
  • In general, extensions provide you with more options than using the built-in methods, including capturing an entire web page together with the hidden parts that would not be seen on a screen.

Using the Chromebook Shelf

The Chromebook shelf-a horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen-provides convenient access to tools and apps. You might not know that it includes an integrated screenshot tool; you can capture the whole screen or parts of it, all without needing any keys.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open the Quick Settings Panel:
   • Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen, where the time, battery, and Wi-Fi indicators are located.
   • Click on this area to open the Quick Settings panel.
2. Look for the Screenshot Option:
   • In the Quick Settings panel, there should be a screenshot option (it looks like a camera or a scissors icon).
   • If you don’t see it, click on the arrow icon to expand the menu and reveal more options.
3. Choose Your Screenshot Type:
   • After clicking the screenshot icon, a small menu will appear, allowing you to choose between:
     • Capture the entire screen: This will take a screenshot of everything on your screen.
     • Capture a specific window: You can select which open window you want to capture.
     • Capture a portion of the screen: Drag your cursor to select the portion of the screen you want to capture.
4. Confirm the Screenshot:
   • Once you’ve made your selection, your screen will briefly flash to confirm that the screenshot has been captured.
   • A notification may appear in the bottom-right corner, showing that the screenshot was successfully taken.

Where the Screenshot is Saved:

Just like other methods, your screenshot will automatically be saved in the “Downloads” folder unless you specify a different location in your settings.

Benefits:

• Quick Access: The shelf’s screenshot tool is readily accessible and easy to use.
• No Keyboard Required: This is a perfect solution if you don’t want to use any keyboard shortcuts or physical buttons.
• Multiple Options: You can capture the entire screen, a specific window, or just a portion of the screen with ease.

Using Google Assistant

Google Assistant is also pre-installed in Chromebook and can provide a hands-free or quick-command method of screenshots. This may be extremely useful if you are otherwise unable to use the keyboard or the buttons.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Activate Google Assistant:
   • If your Chromebook has a dedicated Assistant key (found on some models), press it to activate Google Assistant.
   • Alternatively, you can say “Hey Google” to trigger Google Assistant if voice activation is enabled.
   • If Google Assistant isn’t already enabled, you can turn it on by going to:
     • Settings → Search and Assistant → Google Assistant and toggling it on.
2. Give the Command:
   • Once Google Assistant is active, say the command:
     “Take a screenshot.”
   • Google Assistant will immediately capture your entire screen.
3. Confirmation:
   • Your screen will flash, and Google Assistant should alert you that a screenshot has been taken.
   • The screenshot will save to your “Downloads” folder just as with other methods.

Benefits:

• Hands-free Operation: If you can’t reach the keyboard or buttons, you can use the Google Assistant as an alternative.
• Quick and Convenient: No menus to scroll through and no settings to be adjusted. The voice command is all you need.
• Whole Screen Snapshot: It only captures the whole screen, but it is very straightforward without any additional steps involved.

Using Accessibility Features

The chromebooks contain some built-in accessibility features that a user with different needs can use to assist them. These include keyboard shortcuts and magnification of the screen. They can be used for taking screenshots.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Accessibility Settings:
   • Click on the time in the bottom-right corner of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
   • Click on the gear icon to open Settings.
   • Navigate to Accessibility.
2. Enable Relevant Features:
   • Keyboard Shortcut Accessibility:
     • Under the Accessibility menu, find and enable “Keyboard and text input” or a similar option that allows you to customize keyboard shortcuts.
   • Screen Magnification:
     • Go to Accessibility → Magnification.
     • Turn on the magnification feature which allows you to zoom in on parts of the screen.
     • You can use keyboard shortcuts (like Ctrl + Alt + Brightness Up to take a screenshot) if magnification is enabled.
3. Take a Screenshot Using Enabled Features:
   • For Keyboard Shortcuts:
     • If you’ve customized keyboard shortcuts, use the defined combination to take a screenshot.
   • For Magnification:
     • Once magnification is enabled, use the Ctrl + Alt + Brightness Up shortcut to capture the entire screen.
     • For specific areas, use the screen magnifier tool to zoom in on the desired area and then use the screenshot shortcut.
4. Save and Access the Screenshot:
   • The screenshot will be saved in the “Downloads” folder by default.
   • You can access it through the “Files” app.

Benefits:

• Customize: This can be made adapted to your accessibility needs through screenshotting.
• Access technology: This will enable users with other types of access features that make it possible to better access their device.
• Variety: May be particularly useful for people who need other ways to interact with their Chromebook.

Using the Chromebook Camera App

The Chromebook Camera app can be used as an alternative method to take screenshots, especially if you prefer using an app rather than keyboard shortcuts or other tools.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open the Camera App:
   • Click on the Launcher (the circle icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
   • Type “Camera” into the search bar and select the Camera app from the search results.
2. Switch to the Screenshot Mode:
   • Once the Camera app opens, you will see options for taking photos and videos.
   • Click on the camera icon or the mode selector to switch to the screenshot mode if available. In some cases, you may need to use the app’s settings to adjust the mode or tool options.
3. Capture the Screenshot:
   • Click on the screenshot button or use the on-screen options to take a screenshot.
   • Some Camera apps may have a built-in screenshot tool or capture option that allows you to take a picture of your screen.
4. Save and Access the Screenshot:
   • The screenshot will be saved to the “Downloads” folder or another designated location set in the Camera app settings.
   • Open the “Files” app to access and view your screenshot.

Benefits:

• Alternative Access: Useful if you’re already using the Camera app or if other methods are not convenient.
• Integrated Tool: Can be handy for users who prefer using pre-installed apps for basic functions.

Using the Clipboard Shortcut

The Clipboard feature on Chromebooks can be used creatively to take screenshots, especially if you’re accustomed to using shortcuts and clipboard management tools.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open the Clipboard Manager:
   • Click on the Launcher (the circle icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
   • Type “Clipboard” in the search bar and select the “Clipboard” option from the search results.
2. Set Up Clipboard for Screenshots:
   • Some Chromebooks come with a built-in clipboard manager that allows for capturing and storing screenshots.
   • Make sure Clipboard shortcuts are enabled in your settings if applicable.
3. Use Clipboard Shortcuts:
   • Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Show Windows (which is typically a rectangle with two lines next to it, located where the F5 key would be) to take a screenshot. This may not be directly available on all Chromebooks.
   • You can also use Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows to capture a selected area of the screen.
4. Access the Screenshot:
   • Open the Clipboard Manager to find and access your screenshot.
   • Screenshots may be automatically copied to your clipboard or saved in the “Downloads” folder depending on your Chromebook’s settings.

Benefits:

• Clipboard Integration: Allows you to use your clipboard for managing screenshots and other content.
• Custom Shortcuts: If your Chromebook supports customizable clipboard shortcuts, this method can streamline your workflow.

Using Developer Tools in Chrome Browser

For advanced users or those who prefer a more technical approach, the Chrome Developer Tools can be used to capture screenshots of web pages directly from within the browser.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Chrome Developer Tools:
   • Open Google Chrome on your Chromebook.
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + I to open the Developer Tools. Alternatively, you can right-click on a web page and select “Inspect” or go to the Chrome menu (three vertical dots) → More Tools → Developer Tools.
2. Access the Screenshot Tool:
   • Once the Developer Tools are open, click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the Developer Tools pane (next to the “X” to close it).
   • Select “Run Command” or press Ctrl + Shift + P to open the Command Menu.
3. Run the Screenshot Command:
   • In the Command Menu, type “screenshot” to see the available screenshot options.
   • Choose from options like:
     • Capture full size screenshot: Captures the entire page, including parts not visible on the screen.
     • Capture screenshot: Captures the visible portion of the page.
     • Capture node screenshot: Captures a specific element on the page.
4. Save the Screenshot:
   • After selecting the desired screenshot option, the screenshot will be captured and saved to your default download location.
   • You may be prompted to choose a save location or filename depending on your settings.

Benefits:

• Advanced Options: Allows for capturing entire web pages or specific elements, which is useful for detailed documentation or web development.
• No Additional Tools Needed: Utilizes built-in browser tools, making it convenient if you are already working in Developer Tools.

Conclusion

There are many ways you can capture the screen of a Chromebook. It just depends on what you prefer and what model your device is. So, whether you want it using the buttons, keyboard shortcuts, Chrome extensions, or highly advanced tools, there are plenty available to you:
Power and Volume Buttons: Best for use in tablet mode or for times when physical keys are more accessible.

• Chrome Extensions: They include features like editing and cloud integration that provide more control over your screenshot. In this regard, such extensions are suitable for users who like simplification
• Chromebook Shelf: Let you easily access your extension right from the Quick Settings panel. It is then suitable for users who dislike the complex interface design
• Google Assistant: This feature allows you to perform an operation hands-free, which is suitable for voice command users.
• Accessibility Features: Such features are customized for specific needs or users who prefer alternative input methods.
• Camera App: Useful if you prefer using built-in apps rather than keyboard shortcuts.
  Clipboard Shortcut: Innovative method if you’re aware of clipboard management and shortcuts.
  Developer Tools: Best for advanced users who would like to capture an entire web page or a desired element in the browser.

Try all of the above methods, and remember that each of them has their advantages depending upon the context in which the screenshot is to be taken. With knowledge of these options, you can effectively capture and manage screenshots on your Chromebook while enhancing your productivity and convenience.