How to Screen Record on Chromebook (Built-In Tool)

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Does Chromebook Have a Built-In Screen Recorder?

Yes. Every Chromebook running Chrome OS 89 or later includes a native screen recording tool. No apps, extensions, or downloads are required. The tool captures your full screen, a single window, or a custom region, and it supports optional microphone audio.

Recordings save as WebM files in your Downloads folder. WebM plays natively in Chrome, uploads directly to YouTube, and works in most video editors. If a platform requires MP4, you can convert the file with a free online tool or through HandBrake on Linux. The entire recording process takes about three clicks to start.

How to Screen Record on Chromebook

The screen capture toolbar handles both screenshots and recordings. Here is how to open it and start capturing video.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + the Show Windows key (the rectangle with two lines, typically above the 5 or 6 key).
2. The screen capture toolbar appears at the bottom of your screen.
3. Click the video camera icon to switch from screenshot mode to recording mode.
4. Choose your capture area: full screen, partial screen, or a specific window.
5. Click the screen (for full-screen recording) or select your area and click “Record.”
6. A 3-second countdown runs, then recording begins.

A red indicator appears in your system tray (bottom-right corner) while the recording is active. Click it to stop, or press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows again. The video saves automatically to your Downloads folder with a timestamp-based filename.

Recording a Specific Window

Window recording captures a single app without showing your desktop, taskbar, or other open windows. This keeps the video clean and focused.

1. Open the screen capture toolbar (Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows).
2. Switch to recording mode using the video camera icon.
3. Click the “Window” option in the toolbar.
4. Click the window you want to record.
5. Recording starts after a 3-second countdown.

If you resize or move the window during recording, the capture follows it. Minimizing the window pauses what is visible in the recording, so keep the window in view for the full duration.

Recording a Partial Screen Area

The partial recording option lets you draw a custom rectangle to capture only a specific portion of your screen. This works well for tutorial videos, capturing a single chat thread, or recording a section of a presentation.

1. Open the screen capture toolbar.
2. Switch to recording mode and select “Partial.”
3. Click and drag to draw a rectangle around the area you want.
4. Adjust the edges by dragging the corner handles if needed.
5. Click the “Record” button that appears inside the selection area.

Only content inside the rectangle is captured. Everything outside the boundary is excluded from the recording.

Recording with Audio

By default, the screen recorder captures video only. You need to enable microphone recording manually.

1. Open the screen capture toolbar.
2. Click the gear or settings icon on the toolbar.
3. Toggle “Record microphone” to the on position.
4. Select your preferred microphone if multiple audio inputs are connected.
5. Start your recording as normal.

The microphone picks up your voice and any ambient sound, but it does not capture system audio (sounds playing through your Chromebook’s speakers). Chrome OS does not natively support internal audio recording. If you need to capture system sounds, such as audio from a video playing in a browser tab, you will need a third-party tool like Screencastify or Nimbus.

Where Recordings Are Saved

All recordings save to the Downloads folder automatically. Open the Files app and click “Downloads” in the left sidebar to find them. Files are named with the recording date and time.

Chrome OS also surfaces recent recordings in the Tote feature. Click the circle icon next to the system tray (bottom-right corner) to see your latest captures. From there, you can open, share, or delete files without navigating through the Files app.

Third-Party Screen Recording Options

The built-in tool covers most situations, but it lacks system audio capture, webcam overlay, annotation tools, and MP4 output. If you need any of those features, consider these alternatives:

• Screencastify: Chrome extension, popular with teachers and students. Records mic and system audio. Free tier limited to 5-minute recordings; paid plans start at $49 per year.
• Nimbus Screenshot and Video: Chrome extension with annotation tools. Supports mic and system audio. Free with a $40 per year premium tier.
• Loom: Browser-based tool for quick video messages. Includes webcam overlay and system audio. Free for up to 25 videos; $15 per month after that.
• OBS (via Linux): Professional-level recording and streaming. Requires enabling the Linux development environment on your Chromebook. Completely free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you screen record Google Meet on Chromebook?

Yes. The built-in recorder captures anything on your screen, including Google Meet calls. Choose full screen or the Meet window, enable microphone recording, and start. Keep in mind that the built-in tool only records your microphone input, not the other participants’ audio from your speakers. For both sides of a conversation, use Screencastify or ask the meeting host to use Meet’s built-in recording feature (available on certain Google Workspace plans).

How long can you record?

There is no time limit. Recording length depends on available storage space. A 10-minute full-screen recording typically uses 100 to 200 MB, depending on screen activity. Static content like documents takes less space, while fast-moving content like video playback takes more. Check available storage in Settings before starting a long session.

How do I convert WebM to MP4?

The simplest method is an online converter like CloudConvert or Convertio. Upload your WebM file, choose MP4 as the output format, and download the result. For offline conversion, install HandBrake through the Linux development environment. You can also upload WebM files directly to Google Drive or YouTube, both of which accept the format without conversion.