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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →First decide what “record” means: reusable test code, a video of a browser session, or a debugging trace. These are different outputs. Playwright’s Codegen can capture your interactions as test code, but its documented recorder opens a visible browser and Inspector; use the generated or hand-written script afterward to replay the workflow headlessly. For a video or trace, configure that output in the automation run itself.
Choose what you need to record
| Output | Best for | How it is made |
|---|---|---|
| Test code | Replaying clicks, form entry, and assertions | Capture interactions with Playwright Codegen, then run or refine the generated script. |
| Video | Watching what a browser session did | Configure video recording in Playwright Test or a browser context. |
| Trace | Investigating a failure in detail | Record a Playwright trace and inspect its snapshots, screenshots, network activity, and console logs in Trace Viewer. |
These artifacts are not interchangeable. A video shows a session, a trace adds structured debugging context, and test code describes actions that can be run again.
Generate test code with Playwright Codegen
Codegen is an interactive recording workflow, not a headless recording process. Its documented flow opens a browser window for interaction and the Playwright Inspector for reviewing and copying generated tests. The documentation’s custom pause example likewise says to run headed. To use the resulting workflow headlessly, generate or write the code first, then execute it in your normal automation setup.
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From a project with Playwright available, run:
npx playwright codegen demo.playwright.dev/todomvc -
Interact with the website in the opened browser: click controls, fill fields, and perform the actions the test should repeat.
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Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter- 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.
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Review the generated code in the Inspector, copy it into your test, and stop recording when you have captured the intended workflow.
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Run the resulting test in your chosen environment, including headless mode where appropriate for that test runner and setup.
Codegen analyzes the rendered page and recommends locators, prioritizing role, text, and test ID locators. It can record basic actions such as clicking and filling, along with assertions about visibility, text, or values. Treat the output as a useful starting point: review locator stability, test setup, and assertions before relying on it in a suite.
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.
Codegen can also be configured for viewport and device emulation, color scheme, geolocation, language, timezone, and authenticated state. Use those settings when they are part of the behavior you need to reproduce, rather than assuming the default recording represents every user or environment.
Record a video of a Playwright run
With Playwright Test
Configure the Playwright Test video option. Its documented modes are off, on, retain-on-failure, and on-first-retry. Choose based on what you need to keep: every run, only failed runs, or a recording of the first retry. Video files are saved when the browser context closes.
Use the current Playwright Test configuration format for your installed version; the video mode names above are the documented choices, not a guarantee that every surrounding configuration example applies unchanged across versions.
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.
With a manually created browser context
When creating a context manually, enable recording on the context and close it after the page work is complete. The video object is available on a page whose context was created with recordVideo, and Playwright documents that the video is guaranteed to be written on context close. If a script exits while the context is still open, the recording may not yet be finalized.
Playwright video-recording CLI
Playwright also documents a video-recording CLI workflow with start and stop commands for WebM session recording; the documentation covers optional sizing and chapter markers. Consult the CLI documentation for the exact invocation matching your installed release and desired options.
Puppeteer caution
Puppeteer’s cited Page.record() documentation is for the next-version docs and labels the API experimental; it describes MP4 output. Verify that the API exists in your installed Puppeteer release before building a workflow around it.
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
Capture a trace to debug what happened
Use a trace when a video alone would not explain a failure. Playwright tracing can capture DOM snapshots, screenshots, network activity, and console logs at steps. Open the resulting trace in Trace Viewer to inspect the recorded execution. Puppeteer also documents a tracing interface and page screenshots, but the specific behavior and available options depend on its own version and setup.
Before enabling trace capture broadly, decide where artifacts will be stored and how long they should be retained. Traces can contain page content and request details, so handle them according to the sensitivity of the site and test data.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Run the workflow headlessly without confusing it with live recording
The practical sequence is: use an interactive recorder if you need help discovering actions, save and review the generated test code, then run that test in your automation environment with the desired headless setting. For scripted video or trace output, configure recording directly in the run rather than expecting Codegen to capture a hidden browser session.
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.
- Need a repeatable test? Capture or write the actions and assertions, then run the test.
- Need a visual replay? Configure video and ensure the context closes so the file is finalized.
- Need to diagnose a failure? Capture a trace and inspect its richer execution evidence.
Or skip the browser setup
If all you need is a website screenshot rather than a replayable test, video, or debugging trace, ScreenshotNeo returns a screenshot or PDF from one GET request. For example, using cURL:
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 request options. It removes cookie banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; bot checks, blank pages, and failed loads are never billed. Its MCP server lets AI agents take screenshots, and 1,000 screenshots a month are free with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000. Sign up for the free plan.
Troubleshooting recording problems
Codegen did not run headlessly
That is expected for the documented interactive recorder: it opens a browser and Inspector so you can interact with the page and inspect generated code. Use it to bootstrap the workflow, then run the saved test separately in the desired headless environment.
The video file is missing or incomplete
For manually created contexts, await context closure; Playwright documents that the video is guaranteed written when the context closes. For Playwright Test, check that the selected video mode retains a recording for the outcome you are examining. A failure-only mode will not keep every successful run.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe generated test is brittle
Review the locators and assertions Codegen produced. Its preference for role, text, and test ID locators is a recommendation, not a guarantee that the page’s labels or content are stable. Replace ambiguous selectors and add assertions that express the behavior the test must verify.
Puppeteer does not recognize Page.record()
The cited API is in Puppeteer’s next-version documentation and is marked experimental. Check the docs for the release actually installed; do not infer availability in a stable release from the next-version page.
Choosing an approach
Choose by artifact and workflow, not by the word “record.” Codegen is useful when a person needs to demonstrate interactions and seed a test. Playwright video modes address retention needs such as every run or failures only. Traces are the better fit when diagnosis requires more than a visual playback. Exact operating-system requirements and cross-version feature compatibility are not established here, so verify the official documentation for the browser automation version you install.
Quick Recap
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