How to Take Screenshots on Different Devices and Operating Systems

Overview of Screen Capture Methods

Screenshots are essential for documenting issues, sharing content, and preserving visual information across every major platform. Most devices include built-in tools that handle the task quickly, while third-party utilities offer extra features such as editing, cloud uploads, or scheduled captures.

Taking Screenshots on Android Devices

Pixel Phones and Tablets

On Pixel phones and tablets, press the Power and Volume Down buttons together, or swipe down twice to open Quick Settings and tap the Screenshot tile. The captured image appears instantly in the notification shade, where you can edit, share, or delete it. Source 3

General Android Steps

Steps vary slightly by manufacturer, but most Android phones let you press Power + Volume Down. Images are stored in the Photos or Gallery app, where you can review, edit, or share them. Source 1

Capturing Screenshots on Ubuntu

Using the GNOME Screenshot Tool

Launch the Screenshot application from the menu or press PrtSc, Alt+PrtSc, or Shift+PrtSc. Choose full-screen, active-window, or rectangular-area mode, and add an optional delay for menus or pop-ups. Source 4

Saving and Locating Files

By default, screenshots are saved to the Pictures folder. Launch the tool from the terminal with the -i flag if you need to confirm or change the save location. Source 10

Advanced Scenarios

When running from a text console (tty), use import from ImageMagick or xwd, set the DISPLAY variable, and adjust permissions as needed. Source 6

Screenshots Inside Virtual Environments

In VirtualBox, host tools or installed guest additions often provide the most reliable capture method when native shortcuts fail. Source 8

Screen Capture on Chrome OS and Chromebooks

Press Ctrl + Show Windows or use the Quick Settings panel to take stills or record video. Captures appear in the notification area for quick review, editing, or sharing. Source 7

Browser-Based Capture for Web Apps

Web tools such as Google Earth lack a native “Save Image” button, so rely on the Snipping Tool or browser extensions to capture the screen. Source 9

FAQ

1. Where do screenshots save by default on Ubuntu?
   They are stored in the Pictures folder.

2. How can I take a partial or rectangular screenshot on Android?
   Use the partial-capture mode in Quick Settings or third-party apps.

3. What should I do if gnome-screenshot fails to open from the menu?
   Launch it from the terminal with the -i flag.

4. Can I capture screenshots inside a VirtualBox Ubuntu guest?
   Yes—use host tools or install guest additions.

5. Is there a built-in way to record my screen on a Chromebook?
   Yes—use the built-in screen recorder in Quick Settings.

6. How do I screenshot Google Earth when the web version lacks a Save button?
   Use your OS-level capture tool or a browser extension.