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The examples below use Playwright’s regular Node.js API, so you do not need Playwright Test just to save screenshots.
Capture a website screenshot with Playwright
Install Playwright in a Node.js project and install its Chromium browser. From the project directory, run:
npm install playwright
npx playwright install chromiumSave this as capture.js. It creates the output directory, takes a full-page PNG, and closes the browser even if navigation or capture fails:
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const { chromium } = require('playwright');
const fs = require('node:fs/promises');
const path = require('node:path');
async function capture() {
const outputDir = path.join(__dirname, 'screenshots');
await fs.mkdir(outputDir, { recursive: true });
const browser = await chromium.launch();
try {
const page = await browser.newPage();
await page.goto('https://example.com', { waitUntil: 'load' });
const filename = `capture-${new Date().toISOString().replace(/[:.]/g, '-')}.png`;
await page.screenshot({
path: path.join(outputDir, filename),
fullPage: true,
});
console.log(`Saved ${filename} at ${new Date().toISOString()}`);
} finally {
await browser.close();
}
}
capture().catch((error) => {
console.error('Screenshot capture failed:', error);
process.exitCode = 1;
});Change the URL to the page you are authorized to capture. The timestamped name keeps later runs from overwriting earlier images. page.goto() waits for a navigation milestone, but it cannot establish that every application-specific or delayed element is ready. If the page renders content asynchronously, wait for a meaningful locator or application state before taking the screenshot rather than assuming one fixed delay suits every site. See the Playwright Page API and Playwright screenshots documentation.
Run captures repeatedly inside Node.js
For a simple worker that remains running, use a timer and await each capture before starting another. Handling an error inside each scheduled run lets later attempts continue:
const INTERVAL_MS = 60 * 60 * 1000; // approximately every hour
async function runScheduledCapture() {
try {
await capture();
} catch (error) {
console.error('Scheduled screenshot failed:', error);
}
}
// Start with a capture now, then schedule later captures.
void runScheduledCapture();
const timer = setInterval(() => {
void runScheduledCapture();
}, INTERVAL_MS);
// If your application needs to stop the schedule:
// clearInterval(timer);Put this scheduling code in the same file after the capture function, or import that function from a module. The first call starts immediately; subsequent calls are scheduled at the interval. Since each callback awaits its own capture, a slow capture can still overlap a later timer tick if it takes longer than the interval. To prevent overlap, use a self-scheduling timeout that is set only after the current run finishes:
const INTERVAL_MS = 60 * 60 * 1000;
async function runAndScheduleNext() {
try {
await capture();
} catch (error) {
console.error('Scheduled screenshot failed:', error);
} finally {
setTimeout(() => {
void runAndScheduleNext();
}, INTERVAL_MS);
}
}
void runAndScheduleNext();This self-scheduling version waits the full interval after a run completes, so long captures shift the next run later. A setInterval timer instead targets recurring timer ticks, but does not promise exact timing. Node.js describes setInterval(callback, delay) as scheduling repeated execution; actual callback timing depends on event-loop work. A process-local timer also stops when its process exits. Consult the Node.js Timers API.
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Choose a scheduling method
| Approach | Use it when | Important trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Node.js timer | A long-running worker is already available and an approximate interval is acceptable. | The process must stay alive; event-loop work affects timing. Add error logging and prevent overlapping captures if runs may take longer than the interval. |
| External scheduler or CI runner | Runs should be launched independently of a particular Node.js process, or a calendar cadence is more suitable. | You must configure the scheduler, persistence, and failure handling for your deployment. Scheduler-specific syntax and guarantees vary, so consult the service you use. |
For an external schedule, make the Node.js script perform one capture and exit, then configure your chosen scheduler to invoke it. Ensure the output location persists beyond a temporary job environment if you need an archive. Decide how the scheduler reports failed jobs and whether it retries them; those behaviors are not provided by the capture function itself.
Choose what to capture and how to save it
Capture the viewport or the full page
For the visible viewport, use await page.screenshot({ path: 'screenshot.png' }). Add fullPage: true to capture the full scrollable page, as in the main example. Full-page capture can produce much taller images than a viewport capture.
Capture one element
Use a locator screenshot when you only need a chart, card, or other page region:
await page.locator('.report-panel').screenshot({ path: 'report-panel.png' });Replace .report-panel with a selector that identifies the intended element. If the selector is not present or the element is not ready, the capture may fail; wait for the relevant locator or state before taking the screenshot.
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Return image bytes instead of writing a file
Omit path to receive a buffer, for example when passing the image to an upload or processing step:
const imageBuffer = await page.screenshot({ fullPage: true });
// Pass imageBuffer to your storage or image-processing code.Choose a naming and retention policy that matches your use: timestamps preserve each run, while a fixed filename keeps only the most recent image. Neither policy automatically removes old files; implement cleanup or storage retention separately.
Keep recurring captures useful and comparable
- Choose a readiness condition. Wait for a meaningful selector or page state when a site loads content after navigation. There is no universal wait policy for every site.
- Keep the capture environment stable for comparisons. Playwright notes that rendering can vary with host operating system, browser version, settings, hardware, power source, and headless mode. Pin or otherwise control the browser and operating-system environment when visual differences need to be meaningful. See Playwright visual comparisons.
- Log each run. Record the target, time, and error so a missing image can be distinguished from a failed navigation or a stopped process.
- Manage storage. Recurring full-page images accumulate. Decide whether to keep every run, rotate files, or move captures to persistent storage.
- Choose a reasonable frequency. Check that repeated requests are permitted by the target site’s terms and appropriate for its service; the right cadence depends on the site.
Recurring image archive or visual regression test?
If the goal is to keep a sequence of images over time, use page.screenshot() and manage filenames and retention. If the goal is to detect changes against reviewed baseline images, use Playwright Test’s toHaveScreenshot(); that assertion is part of the Playwright test runner rather than the standalone screenshot API. A scheduled capture is not itself a baseline comparison.
Playwright Test retries rerun failed tests during a test run; they do not schedule new runs at a recurring cadence. Retries are off by default unless configured. See Playwright test retries.
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Troubleshooting recurring screenshots
The browser fails to launch
Confirm that the Playwright package and browser binaries are installed in the environment that runs the script. Run npx playwright install chromium in that environment, and check the runtime’s error output for any additional system requirements.
The page is blank or missing content
Check that navigation succeeded and the page reached the state your capture requires. Client-rendered or delayed content may need a locator or application-state wait after page.goto(). Avoid treating a generic sleep as proof that the page is ready.
Each scheduled run overwrites the previous image
Use a unique filename, such as the ISO timestamp in the example, or deliberately choose a fixed name if only the latest image should remain.
Captures overlap or drift from the intended cadence
If a capture can take longer than the interval, schedule the next run after the current one completes, or move execution to a scheduler suited to the cadence. Node.js timer callbacks are affected by event-loop work and should not be treated as exact wall-clock alarms.
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The screenshots differ even when the page appears unchanged
Keep the browser version, operating system, viewport, and other capture settings consistent. Differences in the host environment or rendering mode can change pixels; Playwright lists these among factors affecting browser rendering in its visual comparison guidance.
Or skip the browser setup
ScreenshotNeo is a website screenshot API and MCP server. For one capture, call its API with a URL and save the returned image:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://example.com -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for request options. To make captures recurring, invoke this request from your existing scheduler or worker. ScreenshotNeo removes cookie banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before the shot; bot checks, blank pages, and failed loads are never billed. Its MCP server lets AI agents take screenshots, and the free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000. Sign up for ScreenshotNeo and get 1,000 free screenshots a month with no card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Playwright timer keep running after Node.js exits?
No. A timer created inside a Node.js process is process-local; use a running worker or an external scheduler to launch later captures.
Do I need Playwright Test to save a recurring screenshot?
No. The regular Playwright Page API can save screenshots from a standalone Node.js script. Playwright Test is relevant when you want test-runner features such as screenshot assertions.
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