How to Take a Screenshot on Different Operating Systems
Applies to: Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint), ChromeOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS
Last updated: March 2026
Problem
You need to take a screenshot but are not using Windows or macOS. Many devices and operating systems have built-in screenshot tools, but the method varies depending on the platform.
This can make it confusing for users who switch between devices such as Linux computers, Chromebooks, Android phones, or Apple mobile devices. Each operating system uses different buttons or keyboard shortcuts to capture the screen.
Solution
Most modern operating systems include built-in screenshot functionality. Whether you are using a Linux desktop, Chromebook, smartphone, or tablet, screenshots can usually be captured with a simple keyboard shortcut or button combination.
Below are the most common screenshot methods for popular non-Windows and non-macOS operating systems.
Taking Screenshots in Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint)
Linux desktop environments typically include built-in screenshot tools. The exact behaviour may vary slightly depending on the desktop environment such as GNOME, KDE, or XFCE, but the keyboard shortcuts are usually similar.
Capture the Entire Screen
- Press the Print Screen (PrtScn) key.
- The screenshot is automatically saved to your Pictures folder.
Capture a Selected Area
- Press Shift + Print Screen.
- Select the portion of the screen you want to capture.
- The screenshot is saved automatically.
Capture the Active Window
- Press Alt + Print Screen.
- The active window is captured.
Using the Screenshot Tool
Many Linux distributions include a graphical screenshot application.
- Open the Screenshot or Screenshot Tool application from the applications menu.
- Choose one of the capture options:
- Entire screen
- Current window
- Selected area
- Click Capture.
Where screenshots are saved
Screenshots are usually stored in:
Home → Pictures
Some desktop environments allow you to change the default location.
Taking Screenshots on ChromeOS (Chromebooks)
Chromebooks include built-in screenshot and screen recording tools.
Capture the Entire Screen
- Press Ctrl + Show Windows.
The Show Windows key looks like a rectangle with two vertical lines and is usually located in the top row of the keyboard.
Capture a Selected Area
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows.
- Drag to select the area to capture.
Using the Screenshot Tool
Modern versions of ChromeOS include a full capture tool.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows.
- The screenshot toolbar will appear.
- Choose:
- Full screen
- Partial screen
- Window capture
Where screenshots are saved
Screenshots are saved in the Downloads folder by default.
Taking Screenshots on Android Devices
Android smartphones and tablets include built-in screenshot functionality. The exact method can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but the most common approach is the same across most devices.
Method 1: Power and Volume Buttons
- Press the Power button and Volume Down button at the same time.
- Hold them briefly until the screen flashes.
The screenshot will appear as a notification allowing you to edit or share it.
Where screenshots are saved
Screenshots are usually saved in:
Photos → Screenshots
or
Gallery → Screenshots
Alternative methods
Some Android devices also support:
- Three-finger swipe gestures
- Screenshot buttons in the quick settings menu
- Voice commands using Google Assistant
Taking Screenshots on iPhone and iPad (iOS and iPadOS)
Apple mobile devices also provide built-in screenshot tools. The method depends on whether the device has a Home button.
Devices Without a Home Button
- Press the Side button and Volume Up button at the same time.
- Release quickly.
Devices With a Home Button
- Press the Side button (or Top button) and the Home button at the same time.
What happens next
- A preview appears in the corner of the screen.
- Tap the preview to edit, crop, or annotate the screenshot.
- The screenshot automatically saves to the Photos app.
Where screenshots are stored
Photos → Screenshots album
Optional Methods or Tools
- Linux screenshot utilities such as Flameshot or Shutter
- Browser tools for capturing full web pages
- Screen recording tools for video capture
- Cloud-based capture tools that allow instant sharing
Best Practices and Tips
- Use built-in screenshot tools first before installing third-party applications
- Crop screenshots to remove sensitive or unnecessary information
- Store screenshots in organised folders for easier retrieval
- Use annotation tools to highlight important areas
- Rename screenshots when saving documentation or tutorials
Screenshots are one of the most useful ways to capture information across different devices and operating systems. Whether you are using Linux, ChromeOS, Android, or iOS, modern platforms provide built-in tools that make it easy to capture exactly what is displayed on your screen.
Understanding how screenshots work across multiple operating systems is particularly helpful for users who move between devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. By learning the correct shortcuts and tools for each platform, you can quickly capture images for troubleshooting, sharing information, or creating documentation.
