How to open the screen recorder on a Chromebook
Every Chromebook has a built-in recorder called Screen capture. You don’t need an app or extension. There are two ways to open it:
- Keyboard: press Shift+Ctrl+Show windows. The Show windows key shows a rectangle with two lines beside it.
- Quick settings: select the time at the bottom right of the screen, then select Screen capture.
A small toolbar appears at the bottom of the screen. Select Screen record in it before you go further.
How to screen record on a Chromebook, step by step
- Open Screen capture
Press Shift+Ctrl+Show windows, then select Screen record in the toolbar.
- Set up audio and camera
Select the gear icon. Under Audio, pick Device audio, Microphone, or Device audio and microphone. Turn on Front camera if you want to record yourself too.
- Choose what to record
Pick full screen, partial screen or window in the toolbar.
- Start recording
For full screen, click anywhere. For partial screen, drag to select the area, then start. For a window, click the window you want.
- Stop recording
Select Stop recording at the bottom right of the screen, or press Search+Shift+X.
Which mode should you pick? Full screen suits a walkthrough that jumps between apps. Partial screen keeps your other tabs, bookmarks and notifications out of view, and it’s the only mode that can make a GIF. Window keeps the video on one app, which is tidy for a quick how-to.
How to screen record on a Chromebook with audio
Screen capture has three audio choices in the gear menu. Pick the one that matches what you’re recording:
| Setting | What it records | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone | Your voice | Walkthroughs, homework explanations, feedback |
| Device audio | Sound playing on the Chromebook | Capturing a video, a game or app sounds |
| Device audio and microphone | Both at once | Talking over a video or a demo with sound |
If your voice doesn’t come through, check that Microphone access is on. Select the time at the bottom right, open Settings, then go to Privacy and security > Privacy controls. If your Chromebook has a physical mic switch, make sure it’s on too.
For a fuller look at mic vs system audio on every device, see how to record your screen with audio.
How to record a GIF on a Chromebook
Screen capture can save a short animated GIF instead of a video, which is handy for showing a quick click path in a chat or doc.
- Pick partial screen
Open Screen capture, select Screen record, then choose partial screen. GIFs only work with a partial area.
- Switch to GIF
After you select the area, open the dropdown and choose Record GIF instead of Record video.
- Record and stop
Start recording, then stop it the same way as a video.
GIFs don’t include audio or your camera. Use a normal video recording if you need to talk over it.
Where do Chromebook screen recordings go?
- Recordings save to your Downloads folder by default. Open the Files app and go to Downloads to find them.
- Videos are saved as .webm files. GIFs are saved as .gif files.
- To save somewhere else, press Shift+Ctrl+Show windows, select the gear icon, then Select folder and pick a new location. New recordings go there from then on.
Chrome opens WebM files. If someone needs an MP4 for another app, you’ll have to convert the file first.
Can you use a screen recorder extension on a Chromebook?
Yes. Chromebooks run Chrome extensions, so any screen recorder from the Chrome Web Store works the same way it does on Windows or Mac. People usually reach for one when they want:
- A share link instead of a file sitting in Downloads.
- Recordings saved to the cloud or Google Drive so they don’t fill up local storage.
- An MP4 file, editing or a transcript.
On a school or work Chromebook, your administrator may block some extensions. Our guide to the screen recorder Chrome extension covers how to pick a safe one and what permissions to expect.
Chromebook screen recording problems and fixes
- No Show windows key on an external keyboard: open Screen capture from the time at the bottom right instead. For screenshots, Google lists Ctrl+Shift+F5 as the shortcut on those keyboards.
- Recording has no sound: open the gear menu and check the Audio setting before you start. Pick Device audio if you need the sound playing on the Chromebook.
- Camera not showing: turn on Front camera in the gear menu, and check Camera access under Privacy and security > Privacy controls.
- Can’t find the file: look in Downloads, or in the folder you chose with Select folder.
- GIF option missing: GIFs are only offered for partial screen recordings.
Record in your browser instead
Screen capture is great for a quick file. When you want to send the recording to someone, a browser recorder saves the upload step. We’re building Clipfold, a screen recorder that runs in Chrome (website plus extension), so it works on a Chromebook. It records your screen, a window or a tab with optional camera and mic, has a share link ready the moment you stop, and includes a transcript. Clipfold is launching soon with a free plan. Join the waitlist to hear when it’s ready.