We live in an age where almost every electronic device is equipped with a camera – and Chromebooks are no exception. One of the best-selling points of these portable laptops is their versatility. Imagine being able to learn how to take pictures on a Chromebook with ease. What if I tell you that you can do even more?
Today we’re going to discuss just how underappreciated, and undervalued Chrome OS’s built-in Camera is. Is it worth learning about? Is the quality good enough to take photos or record videos? All of these questions will be answered. Just a word of caution: not every Chromebook is made equally. Some have better hardware, so your miles may vary.
Taking Pictures on Chromebook
If you have experience with macOS or Windows, you’ve probably come across a Camera app. In Chrome OS, that feature is readily available. Every Chromebook user should see a Camera app that is capable of capturing photos and recording videos, as well as doing basic editing and printing.
All of these functions can be found inside Chrome OS’s Camera App – no need for downloading extra stuff. So, without further ado, here’s how to take pictures on Chromebook:
Step 1: Locate your Camera app on the App drawer or Launcher
Step 2: Open the Camera app and check Settings on the right side
Step 3: If you want to take a photo, select the Photo option
To record videos, select the Video option
To take a square image, select the Square option
Also see: Camera not working on Chromebook?
Where do my Photos/ Videos go?
Finding your favorite photo/video can be done in two ways: quick access via the Camera app and File Manager. Depending on the photo or video that you need, using either of the two ways can help you narrow down your search.
For quick access: While in the Camera app, tap on the most recent photo/video thumbnail on the lower right of the screen.
For better search results: Access your Files app and look for the Camera Folder. You should be able to see all of the photos and videos you’ve taken.
Also see: The 8 Best Photo Editors for Chromebook
Advanced Camera App Features
Other than learning how to take picture on Chromebook, there are other cool features baked inside the Camera app. As of 2021, here are the included features and settings for your Chromebook’s camera:
Change how photos and videos are captured
If you need more control over how your camera operates in Chrome OS, you have the option to change how photos and videos are captured. Here’s a list of features and settings:
- Change grid size, length of timer, and camera resolution via Settings
- Flip your photos by Mirroring
- Use Grid for photos and videos
- Switch Cameras
- Set Timer
- Tablet Mode Camera (if applicable)
- Take a photo while recording a video
- Pause recording
Also see: How to Caps Lock on Chromebook
Edit, Delete or Print your Photos
Did you know that you can do basic editing whenever you take a picture/video on your Chromebook? Here are the functions you can do:
- Rename a photo
- Crop or rotate photo
- Change the width and height of your photo
- Adjust brightness and contrast
- Undo and Redo changes
- Delete a photo
- Print a photo
Pro-Tip: For more advanced features and editing capabilities, you can use Google Photos or similar 3rd party editors
QR Code Scanning
Just like with your mobile phones, you can also use your Chromebook camera to scan QR codes with ease. Here’s how to use it.
- Access the Camera app
- On the right pane, select the QR icon.
- Align the Camera with a QR code, and wait for the confirmation
- Copy the values from the QR code and open the link in a new Chrome tab
Summary
We hope you got more than learning how to take a picture on a Chromebook with our guide. Take advantage of your camera’s built-in pictures so you can take better photos wherever you go!
If you’re looking for more ways to acclimate yourself from your Chromebook, check out our other guides below.
- Best External Hard Drive for Chromebooks
- How to Block Apps on Chromebook
- The 8 Best Photo Editors for Chromebook
- How to Screen Record on Chromebook
