To save a cookie-authenticated webpage as a PDF with Playwright, add the cookies to a browser context before navigating, wait for the page’s actual content to appear, then call page.pdf(). If the site’s login depends on more than cookies, restore authenticated browser state instead. Playwright generates PDFs using print media by default.
Convert a webpage to PDF with cookies
This runnable JavaScript example uses Chromium and an illustrative session cookie. Replace the cookie name, value, URL, and readiness signal with the values and page behavior required by the site you are authorized to access.
const { chromium } = require('playwright');
(async () => {
const browser = await chromium.launch();
const context = await browser.newContext();
await context.addCookies([
{
name: 'session',
value: process.env.SESSION_COOKIE,
url: 'https://example.com',
httpOnly: true,
secure: true,
sameSite: 'Lax',
},
]);
const page = await context.newPage();
await page.goto('https://example.com/account', { waitUntil: 'domcontentloaded' });
// Replace this with a locator that confirms the desired page content is ready.
await page.getByRole('heading', { name: 'Account' }).waitFor();
await page.pdf({ path: 'page.pdf', format: 'A4', printBackground: true });
await context.close();
await browser.close();
})();Install Playwright and its browser binaries according to the official installation guide. This example expects SESSION_COOKIE to be set in the process environment; keep session values out of source code and logs.
How cookie scope and browser contexts work
Cookies belong to a browser context, and pages created in that context share its browser state. Add cookies with context.addCookies([...]) before navigating. A cookie can be scoped using a url, or by supplying both domain and path. Its domain, path, expiry, and security attributes must match what the site expects; otherwise the browser may not send it. See the Playwright BrowserContext API.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall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.
Use the cookie values from an authorized session or test environment. A site may require multiple cookies or other browser storage in addition to a session cookie, so successful injection alone does not guarantee that the page will be authenticated.
Wait for the page state you need
page.goto() reaching a navigation milestone does not necessarily mean a modern application has finished rendering personalized data. Prefer waiting for a page-specific signal, such as a heading, account detail, or other element that only appears when the desired content is ready. Playwright’s Pages guide covers navigation and waiting for page states; choose a condition appropriate to the target.
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.
If no stable locator exists, use a deliberate readiness condition that reflects the application’s behavior. A fixed delay can be a fallback, but it may waste time on fast runs and still be too short on slow ones.
Reuse login state for later runs
For a permitted login flow, save the authenticated browser state and load it into a later context. The stored state can include cookies and local storage; Playwright’s authentication guide also describes requesting IndexedDB state for apps that keep authentication data there.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- 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.
// After completing a permitted login flow:
await page.context().storageState({ path: 'playwright/.auth/state.json' });
// In a later run:
const context = await browser.newContext({
storageState: 'playwright/.auth/state.json',
});Treat the state file as a credential: it may contain cookies and headers that could let someone impersonate the account. Keep it out of source control and restrict access. Standard storage state does not persist sessionStorage; sites that depend on it need a site-specific approach. Confirm support and option availability against the Playwright version installed in your project. See the Playwright authentication guide.
Choose PDF output and print behavior
page.pdf() writes a file when given a path; without one, it returns a PDF buffer. PDF generation uses print media by default. The API supports paper formats or dimensions, margins, page ranges, scale, background printing, and CSS page-size preference. Consult the Page API reference for the installed version’s exact options.
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
- Set
printBackground: truewhen the output needs colored backgrounds or background images; its default is false. - Set
preferCSSPageSize: truewhen the site’s CSS@pagesize should take priority over supplied paper dimensions. - For a screen-style layout, call
await page.emulateMedia({ media: 'screen' })beforepage.pdf(). Otherwise the print stylesheet is used. - For exact printed colors, the API notes the CSS property
-webkit-print-color-adjust.
Troubleshoot common failures
The PDF shows a signed-out page
- Check the cookie’s domain or URL, path, expiry, and secure setting against the target site.
- Confirm the cookie was added to the same context that owns the page, before navigation.
- Check whether authentication also depends on local storage, IndexedDB, session storage, or additional cookies; use saved state where appropriate.
Personalized content is missing
Navigation may have completed before client-side content rendered. Wait for a locator or another signal tied to the exact content you need rather than relying only on navigation completion.
The PDF layout differs from the browser
Check whether the page’s print CSS is changing layout. Use screen media before generating the PDF if that is the intended output, and review background printing and page-size settings.
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.
Authentication works once but not on later runs
Save the authenticated state after a permitted login and load it when creating subsequent contexts. Protect the file because it can contain reusable account credentials.
Or skip the browser setup
If you need a screenshot or PDF without managing Playwright contexts, ScreenshotNeo provides a one-request website screenshot API and an MCP server for AI agents. For a PDF, request the PDF output option described in the ScreenshotNeo 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 and consent banners 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 are not billed, and response headers identify the page verdict and billing status. Its MCP tools include take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf. The Free plan includes 1,000 shots per month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots. Sign up for ScreenshotNeo and get 1,000 free screenshots a month with no card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Playwright’s page.pdf() return a file or data?
With a path option it writes the PDF to that path; without one, it returns a PDF buffer.
Can I reuse cookies across Playwright runs?
Save authenticated storage state after a permitted login and load it when creating a later browser context. Protect that state file as a credential.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
