Use page.screenshot() when you need an image of a browser viewport, element, clipped region, or full page. Use page.pdf() when you need a paginated document for printing or sharing. The key difference is that screenshots produce image files, while PDFs use print CSS by default.
Choose by the deliverable
| What you need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| An image of what is visible in the browser viewport | page.screenshot() |
The default screenshot captures the viewport. Playwright Page API |
| An image of one element or a selected region | page.screenshot() |
Screenshots can target an element or a clipped area. Playwright Page API |
| One image containing the full scrollable page | page.screenshot({ fullPage: true }) |
This captures the page as a tall image, not as paper-sized pages. Playwright Screenshots guide |
| A paginated, printable, or document-style file | page.pdf() |
PDF generation supports paper sizes, dimensions, margins, page ranges, and print settings. Playwright Page API |
| A PDF styled with screen CSS rather than print CSS | page.pdf() after page.emulateMedia({ media: 'screen' }) |
PDF generation uses print media by default; emulate screen media first when that is the intended layout. Playwright Page API |
What Playwright produces
Screenshots are images
page.screenshot() returns an image buffer. Playwright documents PNG, JPEG, and WebP output; PNG is the default. Options include full-page capture, clipping, scaling, and background handling. A full-page capture is still one image, so a very long page may be awkward to print or read as a document.
PDFs are paginated documents
page.pdf() returns a PDF buffer. Its print-oriented controls include paper format or dimensions, margins, page ranges, and preferCSSPageSize, which defaults to false. The output follows print CSS by default, so it can differ from what a user sees on screen.
Runnable Playwright examples
These examples assume you already have a Playwright page open and navigated to the page you want to capture. Consult the Page API reference for the current options and defaults.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Save the full page as an image
await page.screenshot({ path: 'page.png', fullPage: true });Save a paginated PDF
await page.pdf({ path: 'page.pdf', format: 'A4', printBackground: true });Print backgrounds are off by default. Set printBackground: true when the document needs background graphics.
Generate a PDF using screen styles
await page.emulateMedia({ media: 'screen' });
await page.pdf({ path: 'page-screen-styles.pdf' });Use this when screen media is the desired styling for the PDF. It remains a PDF document; changing the media emulation does not turn it into a screenshot.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Control appearance and layout
When a full-page screenshot is the right choice
- Use the default screenshot for the currently visible viewport.
- Use
fullPage: truewhen the whole scrollable page should appear as one image. - Use element capture or clipping when only a specific component or region matters.
- Choose among documented PNG, JPEG, or WebP formats and use screenshot options for scale and background handling as needed.
When a PDF is the right choice
- Set
formator page dimensions to control the paper size. - Use margins and page ranges to shape the document and select which pages to include.
- Consider
preferCSSPageSizeif the page’s CSS defines a paper size; its default isfalse. - Set
printBackground: trueif background graphics must appear. - Print color handling is adjusted by default. For closer color fidelity, use the documented
-webkit-print-color-adjustCSS property where appropriate.
Common problems and fixes
The PDF looks different from the browser
PDF generation uses print CSS by default, and print color handling can alter the appearance. If the intended output should use screen styles, call page.emulateMedia({ media: 'screen' }) before page.pdf(). If backgrounds are missing, enable printBackground. For exact print colors, review the page’s print CSS and the documented -webkit-print-color-adjust behavior.
The long-page capture has no page breaks
fullPage: true creates a tall image, not a paginated document. Use page.pdf() when paper dimensions and page breaks matter.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The PDF uses an unexpected paper layout
Check the selected format, width and height, margins, page ranges, and preferCSSPageSize. The API reference documents these controls and defaults.
The output differs between runs or environments
Page appearance can depend on CSS, fonts, assets, browser, and runtime environment. For repeatable comparisons, keep the browser and environment consistent and inspect the generated output against the target page. This comparison does not establish cross-browser equivalence.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Use ScreenshotNeo when you want a screenshot without setting up browser capture
For a one-call website screenshot, ScreenshotNeo is a screenshot API and MCP server for developers. It is an alternative to try first when you want an image capture rather than a Playwright-generated PDF.
Or skip the browser setup:
ScreenshotNeo API documentation
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpScreenshotNeo accepts cookie or consent banners like a visitor and removes more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; each step can be turned off. Bot checks or CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits cost nothing, and the response identifies the page verdict and billing status in headers. Its MCP server provides take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf for Claude, Cursor, and other MCP clients. The Free plan includes 1,000 screenshots per month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 screenshots.
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Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
How to decide
Choose the output your reader or downstream system needs: an image for visual review or comparison, a PDF for a paper-sized, paginated document. If print layout matters, tune the PDF’s media, paper, margins, backgrounds, and colors; if the whole page should be one image, use full-page screenshot capture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does page.screenshot({ fullPage: true }) create a PDF?
No. It creates an image of the full scrollable page. Use page.pdf() for a paginated PDF.
Can Playwright generate a PDF with screen CSS?
Yes. Call page.emulateMedia({ media: 'screen' }) before page.pdf().
Quick Recap
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