For a quick PHP screenshot, Browshot’s Simple API makes one call and returns the image when processing finishes. For more control, create a screenshot with the full API, poll its status, then download it. Both routes require a Browshot API key; the full API also requires an instance ID.
Install Browshot’s PHP library
Browshot documents two installation methods: Composer or loading the library file directly. Its PHP documentation says the library requires PHP 5.1.6 or later. The documentation shows this Composer command, but uses a dev-master constraint rather than a pinned release; check the package’s current guidance before using it in a production dependency set.
composer require browshot-php/browshot=dev-masterThen load Composer’s autoloader in your PHP script:
require_once __DIR__ . '/vendor/autoload.php';Alternatively, download and include Browshot.php directly, as described in the Browshot PHP library documentation. That page lists version 1.16.1 as available from Browshot’s website and directs readers to Packagist for the latest version, so do not assume 1.16.1 is the newest release.
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Create an API key through your Browshot account and pass it to the client. Keep the key outside source control; use an environment variable or secret manager rather than committing it to a public repository.
Use the Simple API for a straightforward screenshot
The Simple API is the shortest path when you want one screenshot without managing a separate job. Browshot describes it as easier but slower than the full API. In the official PHP example, the call waits until capture completes or fails, then the returned image can be saved to a PNG file.
<?php
require_once __DIR__ . '/vendor/autoload.php';
$apiKey = getenv('BROWSHOT_API_KEY');
if (!$apiKey) {
throw new RuntimeException('Set BROWSHOT_API_KEY before running this script.');
}
$browshot = new Browshot($apiKey);
$result = $browshot->simple(
'https://example.com',
array('format' => 'png')
);
if (!is_array($result) || !isset($result['code']) || $result['code'] !== 200) {
$detail = is_array($result) ? json_encode($result) : (string) $result;
throw new RuntimeException('Browshot screenshot failed: ' . $detail);
}
if (file_put_contents(__DIR__ . '/screenshot.png', $result['image']) === false) {
throw new RuntimeException('Could not write screenshot.png');
}
echo "Saved screenshot.pngn";The precise response shape can depend on the library method and version; align the success check with the current PHP library documentation if it differs. Browshot documents a file helper as another way to save output. Do not write an error body to an image file: inspect the response code or status first.
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The Simple API can redirect while the screenshot is being processed. Follow HTTP 302 or 307 redirects; Browshot says a page may take up to two minutes, and redirects are used to work around HTTP timeouts. The documentation describes HTTP 200 as a successful PNG response, 400 as an invalid request, 404 as a screenshot failure, and 302 as a screenshot still in progress.
Use the full API when you need control or asynchronous jobs
The full workflow creates a screenshot job with the target URL and instance ID, checks its state, and retrieves the image after completion. It is useful when you need configurable capture options or want your application to manage processing separately from the initial request.
<?php
require_once __DIR__ . '/vendor/autoload.php';
$apiKey = getenv('BROWSHOT_API_KEY');
$instanceId = getenv('BROWSHOT_INSTANCE_ID');
if (!$apiKey || !$instanceId) {
throw new RuntimeException('Set BROWSHOT_API_KEY and BROWSHOT_INSTANCE_ID.');
}
$browshot = new Browshot($apiKey);
$screenshot = $browshot->screenshot_create(
'https://example.com',
array('instance_id' => (int) $instanceId)
);
if (!is_array($screenshot) || empty($screenshot['id'])) {
throw new RuntimeException('Browshot did not return a screenshot job ID.');
}
$id = $screenshot['id'];
$deadline = time() + 180;
while (time() < $deadline) {
$info = $browshot->screenshot_info($id);
if (!is_array($info) || !isset($info['status'])) {
throw new RuntimeException('Could not read screenshot job status.');
}
if ($info['status'] === 'finished') {
// Retrieve the image using the image method documented for your library version.
$image = $browshot->screenshot_download($id);
if (!is_string($image) || $image === '') {
throw new RuntimeException('Screenshot finished, but image retrieval failed.');
}
if (file_put_contents(__DIR__ . '/screenshot.png', $image) === false) {
throw new RuntimeException('Could not write screenshot.png');
}
echo "Saved screenshot.pngn";
exit(0);
}
if ($info['status'] === 'error') {
throw new RuntimeException('Browshot reported a screenshot error: ' . json_encode($info));
}
if ($info['status'] !== 'in_process') {
throw new RuntimeException('Unexpected Browshot status: ' . $info['status']);
}
sleep(5);
}
throw new RuntimeException('Timed out waiting for the Browshot screenshot job.');The code illustrates bounded polling and distinct handling for in_process, finished, and error. Confirm the image retrieval method and exact return structure in the version of the PHP library you install; Browshot’s documentation describes retrieving the image or a thumbnail after checking job information. Its sample waits ten seconds between checks, but that interval is illustrative, not a universal optimal setting. In production, use a deadline and backoff appropriate to your application rather than polling indefinitely.
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Choose capture settings for the page you need
The full screenshot API accepts a target URL and instance ID. Add options only when they solve a specific capture requirement:
- Capture size:
size=screenis the default viewport screenshot;size=pagerequests a full-page capture. - Freshness and cache: the documented default may use a prior screenshot within the cache window. Set
cache=0when you need a fresh capture; this can affect credit use. - JavaScript-heavy pages: use
delayto wait additional time after page load for scripts or dynamic content. - Browser dimensions: viewport width and height control the browser dimensions used for capture.
- Targeted output: the API documents JavaScript execution, hiding popups, selecting a CSS target, and saving rendered HTML as optional capabilities.
- Resized output: use the thumbnail endpoint or options when you need a smaller image instead of the original screenshot.
Check the API documentation for accepted parameter names and ranges before relying on a particular setting. Cache behavior, delay and full-page capture can change both what appears in the image and how long a job takes.
Use the free instance carefully and account for billing
Browshot’s API documentation identifies instance 12 as the default free instance for Simple API requests when no instance ID is supplied and states an allowance of up to 100 free screenshots per month. The PHP page warns that running sample code can consume credits. Private and shared instances require a positive balance. These are vendor-stated limits in undated documentation and may change, so check the current account and service terms before building around them.
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- High Compatibility & Multi Application - C960 webcam for laptop is compatible with Windows 10/11, macOS 10.14+, and Android TV 7.0+. Not supported: Windows Hello, TVs, tablets, or game consoles. It works with Zoom, Teams, Facetime, Google Meet, YouTube and more. Please select C960 webcam as the default camera and microphone device in your application and ensure camera/microphone permissions are enabled, especially on macOS. (Tips: Incompatible with Windows Hello)
Cached results may avoid a fresh capture, while cache=0 requests a new one. Whether a particular request consumes credits depends on your instance and current Browshot terms; verify the account’s usage and pricing rather than assuming every test is free.
Submit authorized form data or cookies cautiously
Browshot documents custom POST data for form submissions and custom referrer and cookie settings for paid screenshots. The API documentation marks these custom-request features as paid-only. Use them only when you are authorized to access the target page, and do not place passwords, session cookies or personal data in source code, logs, or shared examples. Treat screenshot files and rendered HTML as potentially sensitive too.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common failures
- HTTP 400 or invalid request: check that the URL is valid and required parameters are present. The full API requires an instance ID; review parameter names and supported values in the API docs.
- HTTP 302 or 307 from Simple API: the capture is still processing. Follow the redirect instead of treating it as an image response.
- HTTP 404 or full-API status
error: Browshot reports a screenshot failure. Inspect response details and try the target URL in a browser; the page may be unavailable or block capture. - A blank or incomplete image: dynamic content may need additional
delay, a different viewport, or a full-page capture. Check whether your selected size isscreenorpage. - The job remains
in_process: keep polling only until a reasonable deadline, then report a timeout or schedule another check. Do not download until the state isfinished. - Image file contains text or JSON: the response was likely an error or status response. Check the HTTP status or library response before writing bytes to a PNG path.
- API key or instance configuration fails: verify the key is present and that the selected instance is available to the account. Keep private keys out of client-side code.
Or skip the browser setup
ScreenshotNeo offers a one-request screenshot API and an MCP server for AI agents. Its clean-capture steps accept cookie or consent banners and remove 60+ known consent platforms, newsletter popups and chat widgets before capture; each step can be turned off. Only clean shots are billed: bot checks or CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads and cache hits cost nothing, and responses identify the page verdict and billing status in headers.
cURL example, saving a WebP screenshot:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpFor the API’s other options and response details, see the ScreenshotNeo documentation. It also provides take_screenshot, get_page_info and capture_pdf tools through its MCP server for Claude, Cursor and other MCP clients. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000, and every feature is on every plan. Sign up for ScreenshotNeo’s free plan.
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- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- HD lighting adjustment and autofocus: The Logitech webcam automatically fine-tunes the lighting, producing bright, razor-sharp images even in low-light settings. This makes it a great webcam for streaming and an ideal web camera for laptop use
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save a Browshot screenshot as JPEG instead of PNG?
The PHP example here saves PNG output. Check Browshot’s current API and library documentation for the supported output format and corresponding file handling before changing the extension.
Can I use Browshot to capture a full webpage rather than just the visible screen?
Yes. The full screenshot API documents size=page for a full-page capture; size=screen is the default viewport capture.
Quick Recap
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