How to Take a Photo or Video on a Chromebook

This guide shows you how to capture photos and videos using the built-in camera on a Chromebook. You’ll learn how to use the Camera app, switch between photo and video modes, adjust settings, and troubleshoot common issues—no extra hardware or software needed.

What You’ll Need

A Chromebook with a built-in camera (most models have one above the screen).
The Camera app, which is pre-installed on all Chromebooks.
Sufficient storage space on your device or Google Drive (if you plan to back up).

Step-by-Step

Open the Camera app. Click the Launcher (the circle icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen) and type “Camera” in the search bar, then press Enter. Alternatively, you can find the Camera app in the app grid or on the shelf (taskbar).
Allow camera access if prompted. The first time you open the app, it may ask for permission to use the camera. Click “Allow” to continue.
Switch between photo and video mode. In the Camera app, you’ll see a small icon near the bottom or side of the viewfinder. It usually looks like a small video camera or a circle. Click it to toggle between “Photo” and “Video” modes. The icon will change to indicate the current mode (e.g., a video camera icon for video, a camera icon for photo).
Take a photo. In Photo mode, aim the camera at your subject. You can use the on-screen shutter button (a large circle) or press the Enter key on your keyboard. The photo will be captured instantly.
Record a video. Switch to Video mode. Press the red record button (a circle with a red dot) to start recording. A timer will appear showing the elapsed time. Press the same button again (now a red square) to stop recording.
Review your captures. After taking a photo or video, a thumbnail preview will appear in the bottom-right corner of the Camera app. Click it to open the file in the Gallery app, where you can view, edit, or share it.
Find your files. All photos and videos are automatically saved to the “Downloads” folder on your Chromebook. You can access them by opening the Files app and navigating to “My files” > “Downloads”.
Change camera settings (optional). In the Camera app, click the gear icon (Settings) to adjust resolution, aspect ratio, grid lines, and other options. For video, you can choose the resolution (e.g., 720p, 1080p) and frame rate.

Common Mistakes

Not switching to video mode: Users often press the shutter button while still in Photo mode, resulting in a still image instead of a video. Always check the mode indicator before recording.
Covering the camera: The camera lens is usually at the top of the screen. A finger or a sticker can block it, resulting in a black or blurry image.
Using the wrong camera: If your Chromebook has both front and rear cameras (rare, but possible on some 2-in-1 models), you might be using the wrong one. Look for a camera-switch icon (two arrows forming a circle) to toggle between them.
Ignoring storage space: Videos, especially in high resolution, can fill up your Chromebook’s storage quickly. If you run out of space, you won’t be able to record new videos.
Holding the Chromebook too close: The camera has a fixed focus, so holding it very close to a subject will result in a blurry image. Keep a reasonable distance (about 30-50 cm) for best results.

Tips

Use keyboard shortcuts: Press Ctrl + Shift + C (or just the camera key if your keyboard has one) to open the Camera app quickly.
Set a timer: In Photo mode, click the timer icon (a clock) to set a 3-second or 10-second delay, useful for group shots or self-portraits.
Enable grid lines: In settings, turn on the grid to help compose your shots using the rule of thirds.
Use the front camera for video calls: The Camera app can be used for video calls, but for better quality, use apps like Google Meet or Zoom, which have their own camera controls.
Edit after capture: The Gallery app allows basic editing like cropping, rotating, and adjusting brightness. Open the file and click the pencil icon to edit.
Back up to Google Drive: To avoid losing your photos and videos, enable automatic backup in the Files app settings, or manually upload them to Google Drive.

Troubleshooting

Camera not working (black screen or error): First, close the Camera app and reopen it. If that doesn’t work, restart your Chromebook. If the issue persists, check if the camera is disabled by a hardware switch or by the system. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Camera and ensure the toggle is on. Also, check if any other app is using the camera (like a video call) and close it.
Camera not detected: If the Camera app says “No camera found,” it could be a hardware issue. Try using the camera in a web app like Google Meet to see if it works there. If not, your Chromebook’s camera may be broken and need repair.
Photos are blurry or dark: Clean the camera lens with a soft cloth. Make sure you’re in a well-lit area. The camera has no flash, so low light will result in grainy images. Adjust the exposure by tapping on the screen (if supported) to focus and set exposure.
Files not saving: If you can’t find your photos in the Downloads folder, check the Camera app’s settings—there might be an option to save to Google Drive directly. Also, check your storage space; if it’s full, the app may fail to save.
Video recording stops unexpectedly: This is often due to insufficient storage or overheating. Free up space and avoid recording for long periods in a hot environment.
Camera app crashes: Try clearing the app’s cache: Settings > Apps > Camera > Storage > Clear cache. If that doesn’t help, restart your Chromebook or check for system updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a photo with my Chromebook while using a video call?

Yes, but not directly in the Camera app. In video call apps like Google Meet, there’s usually a screenshot button or you can use the system screenshot shortcut (Ctrl + Show windows key) to capture the screen, including the video feed.

Where are my photos and videos stored?

By default, they are saved in the Downloads folder on your Chromebook. You can access them via the Files app. You can also change the save location in the Camera app settings, but the Downloads folder is the default.

Can I use an external camera with my Chromebook?

Yes, you can connect a USB webcam or a camera that supports USB video class (UVC). Most external webcams will work plug-and-play. The Camera app will automatically detect the external camera, and you can switch between it and the built-in one.

How do I share a photo or video I just took?

Open the file in the Gallery app, then click the Share icon (a box with an up arrow) to share via email, Google Drive, social media, or other installed apps.

Can I record a video longer than 30 minutes?

Yes, there is no built-in time limit in the Camera app. However, your Chromebook’s storage and battery life will limit the recording length. Also, the file size for long videos can be very large, so ensure you have enough free space.

Why is my front camera image mirrored?

The front camera shows a mirrored preview by default, which is normal for selfies. The saved photo is usually not mirrored (it’s the true image), but some apps or settings may mirror it. You can check the saved file to see the final orientation.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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