Await page.screenshot() and keep its return value: in Playwright’s Node.js API, it resolves to a Buffer. Omit the path option to keep the screenshot in memory instead of saving it to disk.
Get a screenshot as a Buffer
After navigating to a page, call page.screenshot() and await it:
const screenshotBuffer = await page.screenshot();
screenshotBuffer contains the screenshot’s image bytes. You can pass those bytes to code that accepts a Node.js Buffer, such as an upload or image-processing function. With no path, Playwright does not save the image to disk.
Here is a runnable example using Playwright’s Chromium browser:
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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.
- 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 page = await browser.newPage();
await page.goto('https://example.com');
const screenshotBuffer = await page.screenshot();
console.log(Buffer.isBuffer(screenshotBuffer)); // true
console.log(screenshotBuffer.length); // image size in bytes
} finally {
await browser.close();
}
})();
This example assumes Playwright is installed and the Chromium browser it uses is available. See the official Playwright Page API for the current Page.screenshot() reference.
Save the same screenshot to a file
Keeping a Buffer in memory and writing an image file are separate needs. To ask Playwright to write the screenshot as well, provide a path:
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.
const screenshotBuffer = await page.screenshot({ path: 'screenshot.png' });
When you supply a path, Playwright uses its file extension to determine the image type. If your goal is only to receive the bytes in memory, leave out path.
Choose the format, capture area, and pixel scale
The screenshot options let you control the image format and what the capture includes. Use the following settings when they match your output requirements:
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.
| Need | Option | Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| PNG output | type: 'png' |
PNG is the documented default. |
| JPEG or WebP output | type: 'jpeg' or type: 'webp' |
Choose the image format explicitly. |
| Adjust JPEG or WebP quality | quality: 0 through quality: 100 |
Quality applies to JPEG and WebP, not PNG. JPEG defaults to 80; WebP defaults to 100, which the reference describes as lossless. Lower WebP quality values are lossy. |
| Capture the whole scrollable page | fullPage: true |
Captures the full page rather than only the current viewport. |
| Capture a specific rectangle | clip |
Specifies a rectangular capture area. |
| Use CSS-pixel dimensions | scale: 'css' |
Produces one image pixel per CSS pixel. |
| Use device-pixel dimensions | scale: 'device' |
Uses device pixels; this is the documented default and can produce larger images on high-DPI devices. |
For example, request a full-page WebP screenshot at a chosen quality and keep the result in memory:
const screenshotBuffer = await page.screenshot({
type: 'webp',
quality: 85,
fullPage: true,
scale: 'css'
});
The quality setting in that example applies because the selected type is WebP. For PNG, omit quality; it does not apply to PNG.
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
Handle screenshot errors and unexpected results
- No file appears: If you omitted
path, that is expected: the screenshot is returned in memory. Add a path if you also need a file. - The variable is not a Buffer: Make sure you are calling Playwright’s Node.js
page.screenshot()and awaiting it. The API returns a promise that resolves to a Buffer. - The image is not the full page: Set
fullPage: trueto capture the full scrollable page. Without it, the capture is limited to the current viewport. - The output is larger than expected: Device-pixel scaling is the documented default and can create larger captures on high-DPI devices. Try
scale: 'css'if one image pixel per CSS pixel suits your use case. - Quality has no effect: The quality option applies to JPEG and WebP, not PNG. Select one of those formats if you need to set quality.
- An option is unavailable in your installed version: The current reference includes options added in different Playwright versions. Check your installed version against the documentation for the specific option you need; option availability can differ in older versions.
Or skip the browser setup
If you need a screenshot from a URL without setting up Playwright and a browser, ScreenshotNeo returns a screenshot through one GET request. The response is image bytes; request PNG, JPEG, or WebP as needed.
ScreenshotNeo API documentation
const q = new URLSearchParams({ access_key: 'YOUR_API_KEY', url: 'https://stripe.com' });
const res = await fetch(`https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot?${q}`);
ScreenshotNeo accepts cookie and consent banners like a visitor and removes more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; each of those steps can be turned off. Bot checks, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed, and response headers say which page verdict applied and whether the shot was billed. Its MCP server provides screenshot tools for AI agents, including Claude, Cursor, and other MCP clients. The free plan includes 1,000 shots a month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots.
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Quick Recap
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.
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.

