Pass a destination in Playwright’s page.screenshot() call: await page.screenshot({ path: 'screenshots/page.png' });. The path is relative to the Node.js process’s current working directory, and the screenshots directory must exist before Playwright can write the file.
Save a screenshot to a folder
Install Playwright in your Node.js project, then create the output directory and pass the file path to page.screenshot(). This runnable CommonJS example captures a page and a full-page image:
const fs = require('node:fs/promises');
const path = require('node:path');
const { chromium } = require('playwright');
(async () => {
const outputDir = path.resolve('screenshots');
await fs.mkdir(outputDir, { recursive: true });
const browser = await chromium.launch();
try {
const page = await browser.newPage();
await page.goto('https://example.com');
await page.screenshot({ path: path.join(outputDir, 'example.png') });
await page.screenshot({
path: path.join(outputDir, 'example-full.png'),
fullPage: true,
});
} finally {
await browser.close();
}
})();Save the code as a JavaScript file in your project and run it with Node. path.resolve('screenshots') anchors the output directory to the current working directory; fs.mkdir(..., { recursive: true }) creates it if it does not exist. Playwright’s path option tells the screenshot method where to save the image. See the Page screenshot API and Playwright screenshot guide.
Choose what to capture
Visible viewport
Without additional capture options, Playwright captures the page’s current viewport. Set path to choose the output file:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#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.
await page.screenshot({ path: 'screenshots/viewport.png' });Full scrollable page
Set fullPage: true to capture the full scrollable page rather than only the visible viewport:
await page.screenshot({
path: 'screenshots/full-page.png',
fullPage: true,
});One element
Use a locator’s screenshot method to save just the matching element:
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.locator('.header').screenshot({
path: 'screenshots/header.png',
});The locator must identify an element on the page. The screenshot guide covers page and element screenshots.
Save image bytes instead of a file
If you omit path, the screenshot method returns image data as a Node.js Buffer. You can then process it or send it elsewhere rather than writing it directly to disk:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
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 imageBuffer = await page.screenshot();Use a path when you want Playwright to write the image file; use the returned buffer when another part of your program handles storage or processing. Both approaches are documented in the Page screenshot API.
Set the image format and capture options
Playwright can infer the image type from the filename extension. The Page API documents options including type, quality, scale, clip, animations, caret, omitBackground, and mask, in addition to path and fullPage. For example, use a JPEG extension and a quality value:
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
await page.screenshot({
path: 'screenshots/page.jpg',
type: 'jpeg',
quality: 80,
});The quality option applies to JPEG and WebP, not PNG. Check the live API reference for exact option behavior and version annotations, which may change.
Use Playwright Test for visual regression
If the goal is to detect visual changes against a baseline, use Playwright Test’s toHaveScreenshot() assertion rather than treating a regular screenshot as a comparison:
Recommended Free Tools
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.
await expect(page).toHaveScreenshot();Playwright Test creates or compares reference screenshots and supports configuring snapshot paths. Rendering can differ with the operating system, browser version, settings, hardware, power source, and headless mode. Keep the baseline and comparison environment consistent to improve repeatability. See the visual comparisons guide.
Troubleshoot missing or failed screenshot files
- The file is not in the expected folder: a relative path resolves from the process’s current working directory, which may differ from the directory containing the script. Use
path.resolve()and check the resulting path. - The write fails because the folder is absent: create the directory before capture with
await fs.mkdir(outputDir, { recursive: true }). - The image shows only part of the page: viewport capture is the default. Add
fullPage: truefor the full scrollable page. - The image format or size is unexpected: align the filename extension and
type, and rememberqualitydoes not apply to PNG. Verify current option details in the API reference. - Visual comparisons vary between runs: keep the operating system, browser version, settings, hardware, power source, and headless mode consistent between baseline creation and comparison.
Or skip the browser setup
If you need a screenshot from a URL without launching and managing a local browser, ScreenshotNeo provides a website screenshot API. One GET request returns an image or PDF; its Node.js request pattern is:
Quick Recap
const q = new URLSearchParams({ access_key: 'YOUR_API_KEY', url: 'https://stripe.com' });
const res = await fetch(`https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot?${q}`);See the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for request details. Cookie banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets are removed before capture; bot checks, blank pages, and failed loads are never billed. An 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 free.
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.
