What To Know
- If you only need to capture a specific window, like a webpage or an application, this method is your go-to.
- For capturing a specific portion of your screen, like a chart, a paragraph of text, or a particular element, the partial screenshot method is your best bet.
- Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, mastering these techniques will streamline your Chromebook experience and help you share your digital creations with the world.
Taking screenshots is an essential skill for anyone using a Chromebook, whether you’re capturing a funny meme, a helpful tutorial, or a critical error message. While Chromebooks offer various screenshot options, using your keyboard is the fastest and most convenient method. This guide will walk you through the simple steps on how to take a screenshot on your ASUS Chromebook with keyboard shortcuts.
The Power of Shortcuts: Why Use Your Keyboard?
Keyboard shortcuts are a Chromebook user‘s best friend. They streamline your workflow, saving you time and effort. Taking screenshots with your keyboard is no exception. Instead of navigating through menus and clicking buttons, you can capture anything on your screen with a few keystrokes.
Method 1: The Classic Capture – Full Screen Screenshot
This method captures everything on your screen, including the taskbar and any open windows. It’s perfect for capturing a complete view of your Chromebook’s current state.
1. Press the “Ctrl” and “F5” keys simultaneously. This combination triggers a screenshot of your entire screen.
2. Locate the screenshot. The captured image will be saved in your Chromebook’s “Downloads” folder. You can access it by clicking the “Files” app in your taskbar.
Method 2: Spotlight on a Specific Window – Window Screenshot
If you only need to capture a specific window, like a webpage or an application, this method is your go-to.
1. Click on the window you want to capture. This will bring the window to the forefront.
2. Press the “Ctrl” and “Shift” keys simultaneously, followed by the “F5” key. This shortcut will capture a screenshot of only the active window.
3. Find your screenshot. The captured image will be saved in your Chromebook’s “Downloads” folder.
Method 3: Snipping and Saving – Partial Screenshot
For capturing a specific portion of your screen, like a chart, a paragraph of text, or a particular element, the partial screenshot method is your best bet.
1. Press the “Ctrl” and “Shift” keys simultaneously, followed by the “F5” key. This combination will activate the Chromebook’s built-in screen snipping tool.
2. Use your cursor to select the area you want to capture. A dotted line will appear around the selected area.
3. Release the mouse button. The captured image will be saved to your clipboard.
4. Paste the screenshot. You can paste the captured image into any application, like a document editor or an email.
Method 4: The Power of the “Print Screen” Key
While not as commonly used as the other methods, the traditional “Print Screen” key still works on Chromebooks.
1. Press the “Print Screen” key. This will capture a screenshot of your entire screen.
2. Paste the screenshot. You can paste the captured image into any application, like a document editor or an email.
Enhance Your Screenshots: Editing and Sharing
Once you’ve captured your screenshot, you can enhance it by editing or sharing it.
1. Edit your screenshot. You can use built-in image editors like Google Photos or online tools like Canva to crop, resize, add text, or adjust colors.
2. Share your screenshot. You can easily share your screenshot through email, social media, or cloud storage services like Google Drive.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Tips and Tricks
- Customize your screenshots. You can set your Chromebook to automatically save screenshots to a specific folder or change the default file format. To do this, go to Settings -> Device -> Screenshots.
- Use the “Alt” key for more options. The “Alt” key can be combined with other keys to capture specific elements. For example, “Alt” + “Print Screen” captures the active window, while “Alt” + “Shift” + “Print Screen” captures only the selected area.
- Explore other screenshot tools. There are various third-party screenshot tools available in the Chrome Web Store that offer advanced features like annotations, scheduling, and more.
Wrapping Up: Mastering the Art of Chromebook Screenshots
Taking screenshots on your ASUS Chromebook with keyboard shortcuts is a breeze. These simple methods empower you to capture anything on your screen quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, mastering these techniques will streamline your Chromebook experience and help you share your digital creations with the world.
What You Need to Learn
Q: What happens to my screenshot after I take it?
A: Your screenshot will be automatically saved to your Chromebook’s “Downloads” folder. You can access it by clicking the “Files” app in your taskbar.
Q: Can I take a screenshot of a specific area of the screen without using the “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “F5” combination?
A: Yes, you can use the “Alt” + “Shift” + “Print Screen” combination to capture only the selected area.
Q: Can I change the default location where my screenshots are saved?
A: Yes, you can customize the screenshot save location by going to Settings -> Device -> Screenshots.
Q: How can I edit my screenshots?
A: You can use built-in image editors like Google Photos or online tools like Canva to crop, resize, add text, or adjust colors.
Q: What are some of the best third-party screenshot tools available for Chromebooks?
A: Some popular third-party screenshot tools include Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Recorder, Lightshot, and Awesome Screenshot. You can find them in the Chrome Web Store.
