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To test a local or private website with BrowserStack Screenshots, start BrowserStack Local on a computer that can reach the site, confirm the Local connection is enabled, then enter the site’s URL in the Screenshots page and choose the browser configurations to capture. For a directory of local HTML files, use Folder Testing and the generated folder URL instead. BrowserStack Local creates a route from the remote browser to your reachable environment; it does not publish your site to the public internet.
When to use BrowserStack Local
Use Local Testing when BrowserStack’s remote browsers cannot reach the site directly. Common cases include a development server on localhost, a staging site, an internal hostname, or a site accessible only through a proxy, firewall, or VPN. The BrowserStack Local agent runs on a machine that can access the site and establishes a persistent connection to BrowserStack, allowing remote browsers to reach it through that connection.
See BrowserStack’s Local Testing overview and description of how Local Testing works for network and connection details. Local Testing does not make a private site public; it provides BrowserStack with a route through the machine running the agent.
Test a running local or private website in Screenshots
- Make sure the site is running and reachable. Start your local web server, or verify that the computer you will use for BrowserStack Local can open the private or staging URL. For example, a development server might be available at
http://localhost:3000. - Start BrowserStack Local and enable Local Testing. Use the current BrowserStack Local app or binary and authenticate as directed by BrowserStack. If using a binary, keep the account access key private; do not put real credentials in public code, logs, or shared configuration.
- Confirm the connection is enabled. BrowserStack’s Local guide describes a green status indicator as enabled and red as disabled. Check the Local status in the relevant BrowserStack context before troubleshooting the site itself.
- Open BrowserStack Screenshots. Enter the local URL, such as
http://localhostorhttp://localhost:3000, select the browser configurations you want to check, and generate the screenshots. See the BrowserStack Screenshots page for the webpage workflow.
The remote browser uses the active Local connection, so the machine running the Local agent must remain connected and able to reach the target for the duration of the test.
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- 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.
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Test local HTML files with Folder Testing
A directory of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files is not the same as a website served from localhost. For local files, BrowserStack Live’s Folder Testing workflow makes a selected directory available through a generated BrowserStack folder URL.
- In the BrowserStack Local Console, enable Folder Testing and provide the directory’s absolute path, or start the binary with the
--folderflag followed by that absolute path. - Copy the generated local folder URL.
- Start a BrowserStack Live session and navigate to that generated URL in the remote browser.
Follow BrowserStack’s instructions for testing local folders containing HTML files. Do not substitute the folder URL with a localhost address: the folder workflow uses the generated URL for the selected directory.
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Use the Screenshots API for automated captures
For repeatable or programmatically initiated captures, BrowserStack documents a Screenshots API with a local option for a local page. Establish Local Testing first, then make the API request with that option and the required URL and browser/platform settings. The API documentation lists options for browser and device, resolution, quality, and wait time; consult it for the current request format and account requirements.
BrowserStack says the Screenshots API is available on Automate plans that include browsers. Live-only subscribers can use the Screenshots webpage workflow. Check the Screenshots API documentation for current availability and parameters before building an integration or making a plan decision.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Route | Best fit | Local access setup | Configuration | Availability noted by BrowserStack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screenshots webpage | One-off visual checks and manual configuration selection | Enable Local Testing and enter the local URL | Select browser configurations in the product UI | BrowserStack documents a webpage workflow; Live-only users can use Screenshots |
| Screenshots API | Repeatable or programmatically initiated jobs | Establish Local Testing and set local for the local page |
API parameters include OS, browser, device, orientation, resolution, quality, and wait time | Automate plan must include browsers, according to the API documentation |
This is a comparison of the documented interfaces, not a claim about which route is faster.
Force local routing only when needed
Most tests need only an active Local connection and a target URL the Local machine can access. Use BrowserStack’s force-local setting when routing requires it—for example, when requests must resolve through your network to reach restricted hostnames or local DNS mappings. The BrowserStack Local guide covers the setting and connection checks. If a network policy, proxy, firewall, or VPN is involved, your organization may require additional configuration; consult BrowserStack’s current network guidance and your network administrator.
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- 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
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- 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
Troubleshoot a local capture that fails
- The local URL does not load remotely: Confirm the site opens from the machine running BrowserStack Local, that the Local app or binary is running, and that the status shows the connection enabled. Also check the Local dashboard’s connectivity settings.
- A private hostname or local mapping does not resolve: If the routing requires requests to resolve through your own network, try force-local as described in BrowserStack’s Local guide. Confirm the hostname resolves correctly from the Local machine.
- The site is behind a proxy, firewall, or VPN: Local Testing is intended for private environments, but the exact setup depends on the network. Check BrowserStack’s current requirements and flag guides, then verify any organization-specific proxy or firewall rules.
- You have a directory of files rather than a running web server: Use Folder Testing, supply an absolute path, and navigate to the generated folder URL in Live. A folder URL and a local web-server URL are different workflows.
- An API request cannot reach the local page: Ensure Local Testing is already established and that the request sets the API’s
localoption. Verify the plan has Automate access with browsers and check the documented request parameters.
Or skip the browser setup
ScreenshotNeo offers a screenshot API and MCP server if you need captures without setting up remote browser infrastructure. One GET request accepts a URL and returns an image or PDF. For a public URL, a cURL example is:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo documentation for API options and local/private-site support details; the example above uses a public URL and does not establish a tunnel to a developer’s localhost. ScreenshotNeo accepts cookie and consent banners and removes more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture, with each step configurable. Bot checks, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed, and responses report the page verdict and billing status. Its MCP server provides take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf tools for AI agents. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000.
Sign up free for 1,000 screenshots a month, with no card required.
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- 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.
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