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First find out whether Selenium captured any PNG bytes or whether the image was lost while saving. Check the return value of save_screenshot(), inspect get_screenshot_as_png(), and verify the file size. A headless Chrome session can take screenshots; headless mode alone does not identify the cause of an empty file.
Diagnose capture separately from file writing
Run these checks after the browser has navigated to the page you intend to capture. Use a full path to an existing, writable directory and a filename ending in .png.
from pathlib import Path
path = Path("/absolute/path/screenshot.png")
png = driver.get_screenshot_as_png()
print("PNG bytes:", len(png))
saved = driver.save_screenshot(str(path))
print("save_screenshot returned:", saved)
print("File exists:", path.exists())
print("File bytes:", path.stat().st_size if path.exists() else "missing")This is a diagnostic pattern, not a claim that it has been executed. Interpret the results in this order:
len(png)is zero: the problem is before file writing. Check that the session is active, navigation has completed sufficiently for capture, and the browser window has positive dimensions.- PNG bytes are present, but
savedis false: investigate the destination path and write permissions. Selenium’s Python API documentsFalseas an I/O error result. - PNG bytes are present and
savedis true, but the file is empty: check the path you inspected and whether another process, test cleanup step, or teardown later overwrites or truncates the file.
Selenium’s documented implementation obtains screenshot bytes and then opens the target filename for binary writing. This makes the byte count a useful way to distinguish capture problems from save problems. A successful boolean reports that the file-writing call completed; it does not itself guarantee a nonempty image payload. Selenium Chromium WebDriver API, version 4.50.0; Selenium Python WebDriver source.
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- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- Auto-Light Balance: RightLight boosts brightness by up to 50%, reducing shadows so you look your best—compared to previous-generation Logitech webcams (1)
- Privacy with a Slide: The integrated webcam cover makes it easy to get total, reliable privacy when you're not on a video call
- Built-In Mic: The built-in microphone lets others hear you clearly during video calls
- Easy Plug-And-Play: The Brio 101 works with most video calling platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet—no hassle; it just works
Check the filename, browser session, and viewport
Use an existing writable destination
Pass an absolute path to a directory the process can write to, and use the .png extension. Selenium documents PNG output and recommends a full path; the current Python implementation also warns if the filename does not end in .png. Make sure the process running the test has permission to write there, particularly in a container or CI job where the filesystem and working directory may differ from your local setup. Selenium Chromium WebDriver API, version 4.50.0; Selenium Python WebDriver source.
Confirm the driver is still usable and the target page has loaded
Capture only after the driver has started successfully and navigated to the intended URL. If capture raises an exception, or the browser has closed, treat that as a session or lifecycle failure rather than a file-writing problem. Do not assume that a fixed delay is the universal solution: the official documentation does not establish a required wait time for all pages or a single root cause for empty screenshot files.
Rank #2
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- Crisp HD 720p/30 fps video calls with diagonal 55° field of view and auto light correction. Compatible with popular platforms including Skype and Zoom.
- The built-in noise-reducing mic makes sure your voice comes across clearly up to 1.5 meters away, even if you’re in busy surroundings.
- C270’s RightLight 2 feature adjusts to lighting conditions, producing brighter, contrasted images to help you look good in all your conference calls.
- The adjustable universal clip lets you attach the camera securely to your screen or laptop, or fold the clip and set the webcam on a shelf. You’re always ready for your next video call.
Give headless Chrome a positive window size
Check the active window dimensions before capture; a zero-width or zero-height viewport is a reason to investigate. Chrome’s headless screenshot documentation shows an explicit --window-size argument. For example, include a suitable size when configuring Chrome:
from selenium import webdriver
options = webdriver.ChromeOptions()
options.add_argument("--headless")
options.add_argument("--window-size=1440,900")
driver = webdriver.Chrome(options=options)The example demonstrates setting a viewport; it does not mean a zero-size window explains every empty-file case. Selenium’s official browser examples also demonstrate screenshot capture with headless Chrome. Selenium WebDriver browser examples; Chrome Developers: New Headless in Selenium-WebDriver.
Rank #3
- 【Full HD 1080P Webcam】Powered by a 1080p FHD two-MP CMOS, the NexiGo N60 Webcam produces exceptionally sharp and clear videos at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 with 30fps. The 3.6mm glass lens provides a crisp image at fixed distances and is optimized between 19.6 inches to 13 feet, making it ideal for almost any indoor use.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with USB 2.0/3.0, no additional drivers required. Ready to use in approximately one minute or less on any compatible device. Compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 and higher / Windows 7, 8, 10 & 11 / Android 4.0 or higher / Linux 2.6.24 / Chrome OS 29.0.1547 / Ubuntu Version 10.04 or above. Not compatible with XBOX/PS4/PS5.
- 【Built-in Noise-Cancelling Microphone】The built-in noise-canceling microphone reduces ambient noise to enhance the sound quality of your video. Great for Zoom / Facetime / Video Calling / OBS / Twitch / Facebook / YouTube / Conferencing / Gaming / Streaming / Recording / Online School.
- 【USB Webcam with Privacy Protection Cover】The privacy cover blocks the lens when the webcam is not in use. It's perfect to help provide security and peace of mind to anyone, from individuals to large companies. 【Note:】Please contact our support for firmware update if you have noticed any audio delays.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with USB 2.0/3.0, no additional drivers required. Ready to use in approximately one minute or less on any compatible device. Compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 and higher / Windows 7, 10 & 11, Pro / Android 4.0 or higher / Linux 2.6.24 / Chrome OS 29.0.1547 / Ubuntu Version 10.04 or above. Not compatible with XBOX/PS4/PS5.
Localize a save problem with an in-memory write
If Selenium returns nonempty PNG bytes, write those exact bytes yourself to a known destination. This can reveal whether the capture succeeded but the original save path or file lifecycle caused the empty output.
from pathlib import Path
path = Path("/absolute/path/screenshot.png")
png = driver.get_screenshot_as_png()
if not png:
raise RuntimeError("Selenium returned no screenshot bytes")
path.write_bytes(png)
print("Wrote", len(png), "bytes to", path)If this direct write works, compare its destination and timing with the original save_screenshot() call. If it does not, verify the path, permissions, and whether a later step alters the file. Selenium also exposes base64 screenshot data, but the PNG-bytes method is generally simpler for this diagnosis. Selenium Remote WebDriver API, version 4.50.0.
Rank #4
- 1080P Webcam with Cover for Video Calls - EMEET computer webcam provides design and Optimization for professional video streaming. Realistic 1920 x 1080p video, 5-layer anti-glare lens, providing smooth video. C960 computer camera delivers 1920x1080 video with fixed focus (11.8–118.1 inches), so as to provide a clearer image. C960 USB webcam has a cover and can be removed automatically to meet your needs for privacy. For optimal image performance, use the webcam in a well-lit environment.
- Built-in 2 Omnidirectional Mics - EMEET webcam with microphone for desktop features 2 built-in omnidirectional microphones, picking up your voice to create clear audio for communication. When installing the webcam, select EMEET C960 as the default microphone input device in your computer and video applications and select C960 as the default device in Zoom/Teams and ensure microphone permissions are enabled for proper use. Please note that C960 does not include built-in speakers.
- Automatic Light Adjustment - Automatic exposure adjustment is applied in EMEET HD webcam 1080p so that the streaming webcam can deliver stable image performance. EMEET C960 camera for computer also features color adjustment and exposure optimization to help you look your best. For optimal video quality, it is recommended to use the webcam in normal or well-lit environments and select suitable video settings in your application. Proper lighting helps achieve a clearer and more balanced image.
- Plug-and-Play & Upgraded USB Connectivity - New C960 webcam features both USB Type-A & A-to-C adapter connections for wider compatibility. For stable performance, connect the webcam directly to the computer's main USB port and ensure the device is recognized correctly. If a hub or docking station is used, please ensure it provides sufficient power and stable data transmission, as limited ports may affect performance. 90° wide-angle lens captures more participants without frequent adjustments.
- 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)
Troubleshoot by symptom
| Symptom | Likely area to inspect | Next step |
|---|---|---|
save_screenshot() returns False |
File I/O | Use an absolute path, confirm the parent directory exists, check permissions, and ensure the filename ends in .png. |
get_screenshot_as_png() returns no bytes |
Capture or browser state | Confirm the driver session is live, the intended page has been reached, and the window has positive dimensions. |
| Bytes are nonzero, but the saved output is empty | Path mismatch or later file modification | Check the exact path being inspected and search test teardown, cleanup, or other processes for a later overwrite or truncation. |
| Capture fails only in headless runs | Headless configuration or session setup | Set an explicit positive --window-size and verify the browser session and navigation before capturing. Headless mode itself is supported in Selenium’s examples. |
The Selenium and Chrome documentation cited here does not identify a universal cause, a universal delay, or a version-specific fix that applies to every empty screenshot. Use the returned values and observed browser state to narrow down the actual failure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or skip the browser setup
If you need a screenshot from a URL rather than a Selenium-controlled browser session, ScreenshotNeo provides a screenshot API and MCP server. One GET request can return PNG, JPEG, WebP, or PDF; the API also reports whether a page was captured, not billable, or served from cache in response headers. For example, using cURL:
Best Value
- 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
- Advanced capture software: Easily create and share video content with this Logitech camera that is suitable for use as a desktop computer camera or a monitor webcam
- Stereo audio with dual mics: Capture natural sound during calls and recorded videos with this 1080p webcam, great as a video conference camera or a computer webcam
- Full HD 1080p video calling and recording at 30 fps. You'll make a strong impression with this PC webcam that features crisp, clearly detailed, and vibrantly colored video
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 API documentation for request options. It removes supported cookie and consent banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; bot checks, blank pages, and failed loads are not billed. Its MCP server lets AI agents use screenshot tools, and the free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card required; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots. Sign up for ScreenshotNeo’s free plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Selenium support screenshots in headless Chrome?
Yes. Selenium’s official browser examples demonstrate screenshot capture with headless Chrome.
Does a true result from save_screenshot() prove the PNG contains an image?
No. It indicates the file-writing call completed, but check the PNG byte count and file size to confirm that image data was captured and retained.
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.
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