For a repeatable website screenshot, use Playwright’s browser API: open a page, navigate to the URL, then call page.screenshot(). To test whether a page has visually changed, use Playwright Test’s toHaveScreenshot() instead; it captures and compares against a saved baseline. The first creates an image artifact, while the second is a visual assertion.
Choose an image capture or a visual test
Use page.screenshot() when you need an image for documentation, a bug report, or another workflow. It can save an image to a file or return image data for your code to handle.
Use Playwright Test’s toHaveScreenshot() when you want an automated test to compare the current page with an expected image. The test runner creates a baseline on its initial run; later runs compare new captures with that reference. Screenshot assertions require Playwright Test, not just the Page API.
Capture a website screenshot with Playwright
The basic workflow is to launch a browser, create a context and page, navigate, capture, then close the browser. This Node.js example writes a PNG file:
Recommended Free Tools
#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.
const { chromium } = require('playwright');
(async () => {
const browser = await chromium.launch();
try {
const context = await browser.newContext();
const page = await context.newPage();
await page.goto('https://example.com');
await page.screenshot({ path: 'screenshot.png' });
} finally {
await browser.close();
}
})();Replace https://example.com with the page you want to capture. The path determines where Playwright saves the image. If you omit the path option, page.screenshot() returns a buffer instead, which you can pass to code that stores or processes image data.
Screenshot options vary with the Playwright version installed in your project. Check the Page API reference and screenshot guide for supported options, including image format, quality, cropping and full-page capture.
Pick the right capture area and format
Viewport screenshot
The default capture is the visible page area. Use it when the artifact should represent what a user sees in the current viewport, and set the browser context’s viewport to the dimensions you need before navigating or capturing.
Full-page screenshot
Set fullPage: true to capture the page’s scrollable content beyond the current viewport:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →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.
await page.screenshot({ path: 'full-page.png', fullPage: true });This is useful for documentation or reviewing a long page in one image. A full-page capture can be much taller than a viewport image; use a clip or a target-element capture when you need only one region. Confirm option availability in the API reference for your installed Playwright version.
Clip or element screenshot
For a specific region, use the screenshot API’s clip option where supported. If the goal is a particular element, use the element screenshot method available in your installed version rather than capturing the whole page and cropping afterward. Check the API reference for the exact supported method and option names.
Image format
Playwright supports screenshot format options documented in its API reference. Choose a lossless format when exact detail matters; use a lossy format when smaller files are more important and the documented quality setting meets your needs. Format and quality options are version-dependent.
Use screenshots in a visual regression test
For an automated comparison, write a Playwright Test rather than saving an image and comparing it yourself. A minimal test looks like this:
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 →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →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.
const { test, expect } = require('@playwright/test');
test('homepage visual baseline', async ({ page }) => {
await page.goto('https://example.com');
await expect(page).toHaveScreenshot();
});On the initial run, the assertion generates the expected reference image. On subsequent runs, Playwright captures the page and compares it with that baseline. The assertion waits for two consecutive screenshots to match before comparing the last capture, which helps avoid treating an intermediate changing frame as the final page.
Review generated reference images and commit them with the tests so that intentional design changes are visible in version control. When a design update is expected, run the test runner with its update-snapshots option, then inspect the changed images before accepting them. See Playwright’s visual comparisons guide and assertions reference for the current runner workflow and assertion options.
Make visual comparisons repeatable
A screenshot difference is not automatically a user-visible defect. Playwright warns: “Browser rendering can vary based on the host OS, version, settings, hardware, power source (battery vs. power adapter), headless mode, and other factors.” Generate baselines and run comparisons in the same environment wherever possible, including a consistent browser and host setup.
Control animation and changing content
Animations, clocks, rotating content, personalized data and other volatile elements can make otherwise identical pages produce different captures. Playwright’s screenshot assertions provide ways to disable animations and apply a stylesheet to filter dynamic elements. Use these controls selectively: hiding a changing element is useful only if that element is outside what the test is meant to verify.
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
Keep capture conditions aligned
- Use the same viewport and capture scope for baseline generation and later runs.
- Keep the browser and host environment consistent between runs.
- Wait for the page’s relevant content to be ready before capturing; navigation alone may not mean that asynchronous content has settled.
- Review baseline changes as code changes, rather than automatically accepting every regenerated image.
Troubleshoot common screenshot problems
The screenshot file is missing
Check that the call includes a writable path and that the process has permission to write to its destination. If no path is supplied, the method returns a buffer instead of creating a file.
The screenshot is blank or incomplete
Verify that navigation reached the intended page and that the content you expect is present before capturing. Pages that populate content asynchronously may need an explicit wait for a meaningful selector or other readiness condition. Avoid relying on an arbitrary delay when a page-state check is available.
Full-page capture is unexpectedly large
fullPage: true captures scrollable content, not just the visible viewport. For a smaller artifact, capture the viewport or use a clip or element-specific capture supported by your Playwright version.
A visual test fails on an unchanged page
Check whether the baseline and current run use different operating systems, browser versions, settings, hardware or headless modes. Then check for animations and volatile page content. Stabilize the relevant inputs and regenerate a baseline only when the visual change is intentional.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
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.
The screenshot assertion is unavailable
toHaveScreenshot() belongs to Playwright Test. Use the test runner and its test and expect APIs for visual assertions; use page.screenshot() when you only need an image from a Page API script.
Or skip the browser setup
ScreenshotNeo offers a one-request screenshot API. A cURL example:
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 the API options. It can remove cookie banners, newsletter popups and chat widgets before capture. Bot checks, blank pages and failed loads are not billed; an MCP server lets AI agents take screenshots. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots per month with no card, and paid plans start at $5 for 3,000.
ScreenshotNeo is worth considering when you want screenshots without setting up and managing the browser workflow. Sign up free for 1,000 screenshots a month with no card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does page.screenshot() compare the image with an earlier capture?
No. It captures an image. Use Playwright Test’s toHaveScreenshot() for baseline comparison.
Can I use toHaveScreenshot() without Playwright Test?
No. Screenshot assertions require the Playwright Test runner.
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.
