Snipping Tool Chromebook: The Complete Guide
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’re using a Chromebook and trying to figure out how to use a “snipping tool,” you’re not alone. Maybe you switched from a Windows laptop and are looking for the familiar Snipping Tool app. Or maybe you just need to capture part of your screen quickly for work, school, or sharing something online.
The good news? Your Chromebook already has everything you need built in. You don’t have to download anything. You don’t need technical skills. And once you learn the shortcuts, taking screenshots becomes second nature.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to use the Chromebook snipping tool (Screen Capture feature), how to edit screenshots, where they’re saved, and how to troubleshoot common issues.
Does Chromebook Have a Snipping Tool?
Technically, your Chromebook doesn’t have an app called “Snipping Tool” like Windows does. Instead, ChromeOS includes a built-in Screen Capture tool that works the same way — and in some cases, even better.
With your Chromebook, you can:
Capture the entire screen
Capture part of the screen (snip area)
Capture a specific window
Record your screen (video)
Everything is already installed on your device.
The Fastest Way to Snip on Chromebook (Keyboard Shortcut)
If you want the quickest method, you’ll use keyboard shortcuts.
Capture the Entire Screen
Press:
Ctrl + Show Windows key
The Show Windows key looks like a rectangle with two vertical lines on the right side. It’s located in the top row of your keyboard.
As soon as you press it, your Chromebook automatically takes a screenshot and saves it.
Capture Part of the Screen (Snipping Tool Style)
If you only want to capture a portion of your screen, press:
Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows key
Here’s what happens next:
Your screen will dim slightly.
Your cursor will turn into a crosshair.
Click and drag over the area you want to capture.
Release your mouse.
Your screenshot saves instantly.
This is the Chromebook version of the traditional snipping tool.
Using the Built-In Screen Capture Menu
If you don’t like memorizing shortcuts, you can use the on-screen menu instead.
Here’s how:
Click the time in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Click Screen Capture.
A toolbar will appear.
From there, you can choose:
Full Screen Capture
Partial Screen Capture
Window Capture
Screen Recording
This method is perfect if you’re new to Chromebook and prefer visual controls.
Where Do Your Screenshots Go?
After you take a screenshot, your Chromebook automatically saves it to:
Files → Downloads
The file name usually looks like:
Screenshot 2026-02-14 at 9.15.22 PM.png
You can then:
Move it to Google Drive
Attach it to email
Upload it to social media
Insert it into documents
There’s no need to manually choose a save location every time.
How to Edit Screenshots on Chromebook
Once you take a screenshot, you’ll see a small preview notification in the bottom-right corner.
Click it.
You can:
Crop the image
Rotate
Adjust basic settings
If you want more advanced editing, you can open your screenshot in:
Google Photos
Canva (web version)
Online editing tools
Chromebooks are cloud-friendly, so editing online works smoothly.
How to Take Screenshots in Tablet Mode
If you’re using a 2-in-1 Chromebook in tablet mode, you don’t need the keyboard.
Press:
Power + Volume Down
Just like on an Android phone.
This makes it easy if you’re holding your Chromebook like a tablet.
How to Record Your Screen on Chromebook
Your built-in Screen Capture tool also allows screen recording.
When you open the Screen Capture toolbar:
Switch from the camera icon (screenshot) to the video icon.
Choose:
Full screen recording
Partial screen recording
Window recording
Click Record.
This is extremely useful if you:
Create tutorials
Need to show someone how to do something
Want to record online classes
Demonstrate software
You don’t need third-party software for basic recordings.
Can You Install a Snipping Tool on Chromebook?
Yes, but you usually don’t need to.
If you want advanced features like:
Scrolling screenshots (capture entire webpage)
Advanced annotations
Delayed capture
Automatic cloud uploads
You can install Chrome extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
However, for most users, the built-in Screen Capture feature is more than enough.
Why the Chromebook Snipping Tool Is Actually Better
You might think the lack of a traditional “Snipping Tool app” is a disadvantage. But once you start using Chromebook regularly, you may realize it’s actually simpler.
Here’s why:
1. It’s Built-In
No downloads. No setup. It works immediately.
2. It’s Fast
Keyboard shortcuts make it instant.
3. Automatic Saving
You don’t need to choose file format or save location.
4. Screen Recording Included
Windows Snipping Tool traditionally didn’t include video recording — Chromebook does.
Common Problems and How You Fix Them
Screenshot Not Working
If shortcuts aren’t working:
Make sure you’re pressing the correct keys.
Check if your keyboard is functioning properly.
Restart your Chromebook.
Can’t Find Screenshot
Go to:
Files → Downloads
If you still can’t find it, use the search bar in the Files app and type:
Screenshot
Show Windows Key Missing?
Some external keyboards don’t have the Show Windows key.
In that case:
Use the Screen Capture menu method instead.
Or remap keys in settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you snip on a Chromebook?
Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows key, then drag your cursor over the area you want to capture.
Does Chromebook have a snipping tool?
Chromebooks don’t have a traditional Snipping Tool app, but they include a built-in Screen Capture tool with the same functionality.
Where are screenshots saved on Chromebook?
Screenshots are saved automatically in the Downloads folder.
How do you screen record on Chromebook?
Open the Screen Capture toolbar from quick settings and switch to video mode.
Final Thoughts
If you’re coming from Windows, you might initially search for a “Snipping Tool” app on your Chromebook. But once you understand how ChromeOS handles screenshots, you’ll realize everything you need is already built in.
All you really need to remember is:
Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows
That shortcut alone gives you full snipping functionality.
Your Chromebook is designed to be simple, efficient, and beginner-friendly. Once you use the Screen Capture feature a few times, it becomes second nature.
And the best part? You never have to install anything extra to get the job done.
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