To schedule a daily Screenshotlayer capture, put the API request in a script that saves a dated image and reports errors, then run that script from cron. Before relying on it, check Screenshotlayer’s current endpoint and account terms: its available API specification and free-plan figure come from a repository archived on June 20, 2024, so they may not match the current service.
What you need before scheduling a capture
- A Screenshotlayer account and access key.
- A Linux or other Unix-like host with cron running, and a user account that can run the script daily.
- The target page’s complete URL, including its protocol, such as
https://example.com/. - A writable directory for images and logs.
The archived Screenshotlayer specification describes the capture endpoint as http://api.screenshotlayer.com/api/capture, with HTTPS access at the corresponding https:// endpoint for paid customers. Because the specification is archived and current live documentation was not verified, confirm the endpoint and your plan’s HTTPS availability before copying the example below. The API request requires an access key and target URL. Screenshotlayer API specification and README.
Choose how each daily capture gets refreshed
A cron schedule triggers a request; it does not guarantee that the returned image is newly rendered. The archived specification gives ttl a default of 2,592,000 seconds (30 days) and documents force=1 to request a fresh capture. For daily updates, verify the current parameter behavior and either set a suitable shorter TTL or use the documented force option.
The specification also documents controls for full-page capture, viewport, format, and delay. Set only options you need, and confirm which formats your current account supports. The archived project README lists PNG, JPEG, and GIF; the specification exposes output-format configuration.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- FULL HD IPS DISPLAY - Enjoy vibrant, crystal-clear images with 178-degree wide-viewing angles
- AMD RYZEN 3 30 PROCESSOR - Everyday performance you can count on; Multitask, stream, game casually, and edit photos smoothly with responsive power and vibrant HDR visuals
- ENJOY UP TO 14 HOURS AND 15 MINUTES OF BATTERY LIFE - HP Fast Charge restores battery from 0 to 50% in approximately 45 minutes
- AMD RADEON 610M GRAPHICS - Experience smooth entertainment; Built for streaming and multitasking, enjoy realistic visuals and efficient performance for work and play
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD offers fast speed and efficient storage; and 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM memory boosts performance with higher bandwidth
Write a script that saves a dated image
This Bash example uses the archived HTTP endpoint and parameters. Replace the endpoint if current Screenshotlayer documentation specifies another one. It requires curl, date, and a JSON parser such as jq. Store the key in an environment variable available to the scheduled user rather than in a public script or repository.
#!/bin/bash
set -u
CURL=/usr/bin/curl
JQ=/usr/bin/jq
DATE=/usr/bin/date
MKDIR=/usr/bin/mkdir
OUT_DIR=/absolute/path/to/screenshots
LOG=/absolute/path/to/screenshot-script.log
API_URL=https://api.screenshotlayer.com/api/capture
TARGET_URL=https://example.com/
log() {
printf '%s %sn' "$($DATE -Is)" "$*" >> "$LOG"
}
if [ -z "${SCREENSHOTLAYER_ACCESS_KEY:-}" ]; then
log "ERROR: SCREENSHOTLAYER_ACCESS_KEY is not set"
exit 1
fi
if ! "$MKDIR" -p "$OUT_DIR"; then
log "ERROR: cannot create output directory: $OUT_DIR"
exit 1
fi
OUTPUT="$OUT_DIR/site-$($DATE +%F).png"
TMP="$OUTPUT.tmp"
RESPONSE="$OUTPUT.response.json"
if ! "$CURL" --fail --silent --show-error --get "$API_URL"
--data-urlencode "access_key=$SCREENSHOTLAYER_ACCESS_KEY"
--data-urlencode "url=$TARGET_URL"
--data-urlencode "format=PNG"
--data-urlencode "ttl=86400"
--output "$TMP"
--write-out '%{http_code}' > "$RESPONSE"; then
rm -f "$TMP" "$RESPONSE"
log "ERROR: request failed; check network, endpoint, key, and API response"
exit 1
fi
HTTP_CODE=$(cat "$RESPONSE")
rm -f "$RESPONSE"
if [ "$HTTP_CODE" -lt 200 ] || [ "$HTTP_CODE" -ge 300 ]; then
rm -f "$TMP"
log "ERROR: Screenshotlayer returned HTTP $HTTP_CODE"
exit 1
fi
if "$JQ" -e 'type == "object" and has("error")' "$TMP" > /dev/null 2>&1; then
ERROR_MESSAGE=$("$JQ" -r '.error.info // .error.message // "API error"' "$TMP")
rm -f "$TMP"
log "ERROR: $ERROR_MESSAGE"
exit 1
fi
if ! "$JQ" -e 'type == "object"' "$TMP" > /dev/null 2>&1; then
mv "$TMP" "$OUTPUT"
log "OK: saved $OUTPUT"
exit 0
fi
rm -f "$TMP"
log "ERROR: response was JSON, not an image"
exit 1Save it as /absolute/path/to/script.sh, then make it executable with chmod 700 /absolute/path/to/script.sh. The paths to utilities in the example are typical but can differ by system; check them with command -v curl jq date mkdir and update the script if necessary. The script creates a file named for the run date and writes concise status messages to its own log.
Rank #2
- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
- 14" HD Display: 14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, anti-glare. See your digital world in a whole new way. Enjoy movies and photos with the great image quality and high-definition detail of 1 million pixels.
- Memory & Storage: 4 GB LPDDR4x & 64 GB eMMC Storage. Adequate high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. An embedded multimedia card provides reliable flash-based storage.
- Ports:2 x USB 3.0 Type-A，1 x USB 3.0 Type-C，1 x HDMI，1 x Headphone Jack
- Chrome OS: Chromebook is a computer for the way the modern world works, with thousands of apps. Enjoy the seamless simplicity that comes with Google Chrome and Android apps, all integrated into one laptop. It’s fast, simple, and secure.
To provide the key to cron without hard-coding it in the script, put an export in a configuration file readable only by the job’s user, for example:
export SCREENSHOTLAYER_ACCESS_KEY='your_real_key'Restrict that file’s permissions, then source it from a small wrapper script that runs the capture script. Do not write the complete request URL to logs: the archived API places the key in query parameters. Protect logs and configuration files as credentials.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- Stunning 15.6" FHD IPS Display: Experience crisp 1920x1080 resolution on this 15.6 inch laptop with an IPS panel that delivers wide viewing angles and vivid colors. The narrow-bezel design maximizes screen real estate for comfortable viewing on this Win 11 laptop, whether you're studying or working.
- Celeron J4105 Processor & 256GB SSD: Powered by a reliable Celeron J4105 processor paired with 12GB DDR4 memory and a fast 256GB M.2 SSD. This laptop computer supports SSD expansion up to 2TB and TF card expansion up to 1TB, so your storage grows with your needs. Delivers smooth multitasking for daily productivity.
- AI-Powered Win 11 Laptop: Built-in AI features enhance your productivity with smart assistance for writing, summarizing, and task management. Pre-installed with Win 11 and includes Office 365 subscription. This student laptop is backed by 1-year warranty and 24/7 customer support.
- All-Day 7000mAh Battery & 180° Hinge: The high-capacity 7000mAh battery keeps this laptop powered through long classes or meetings. The 180-degree lay-flat hinge lets you share your screen effortlessly during presentations. This durable laptop computer adapts to your dynamic workflow.
- Versatile Connectivity Hub: Equipped with USB 3.2, Type-C, Mini HDMI, and 3.5mm audio jack to connect all your peripherals. Stay online anywhere with high-speed 5G WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2. This college laptop keeps you connected at home, in the library, or on the go.
Install and verify the cron schedule
- As the user who should own the job, run
crontab -e. - Add a daily schedule, changing paths and time as needed:
30 2 * * * /absolute/path/to/run-screenshot.sh >> /absolute/path/to/screenshot-cron.log 2>&1 - Save the crontab, then run
crontab -lto confirm the entry is installed. - Run the wrapper manually as that same user. Confirm that it exits successfully, writes the dated image, and records an appropriate log entry.
- After the next scheduled run, inspect the log and output directory. Set up monitoring or an alert on nonzero failures if a missed capture matters.
Cron’s five time/date fields are minute, hour, day of month, month, and day of week. Thus 30 2 * * * means daily at 02:30 according to the host’s cron time basis, not necessarily a timezone you selected in the script. The time is illustrative. See Canonical’s Ubuntu Server guide to cron.
Understand request volume, storage, and reliability
Estimate usage from the work scheduled
One site captured once per day makes about one request per day; each additional site or viewport variant adds requests. Screenshotlayer’s archived README reports a free allowance of 100 snapshots per month, but this is a historical figure, not a verified current quota. Check your account dashboard for current limits before setting a schedule.
Rank #4
- Efficient Performance for Everyday Computing: Powered by Intel N150 processor with up to 3.6 GHz Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 cache, 4 cores, and 4 threads, this HP laptop delivers responsive performance for web browsing, streaming, document editing, and multitasking. Paired with 4GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB UFS storage, it handles daily tasks smoothly. Includes 1-year Microsoft 365 Personal subscription for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and cloud storage to maximize your productivity.
- 14-Inch HD Micro-Edge Display:Enjoy clear visuals on the 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) anti-glare screen with 250-nit brightness and 62.5% sRGB coverage. The micro-edge bezel delivers a 79% screen-to-body ratio in a compact design. An HP True Vision 720p HD camera with noise reduction and dual-array microphones supports clear video calls, remote work, and online learning.
- Modern Connectivity and Wireless Technology: Stay connected with Wi-Fi 6 (2x2) for faster wireless speeds and Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless pairing with accessories. Versatile port selection includes 1 USB Type-C 10Gbps with DisplayPort 1.2 for external displays, 2 USB Type-A 5Gbps ports for peripherals, 1 HDMI 1.4b port, 1 headphone/microphone combo jack, and 1 multi-format SD media card reader. Connect monitors, transfer files quickly, and expand your workspace with ease.
- All-Day Battery Life and Portable Design: Enjoy up to 11 hours of video playback, 7.5 hours of mixed usage, or 7.5 hours of wireless streaming on a single charge, perfect for students and professionals on the go. Weighing just 3.24 lb and measuring 12.76" x 8.86" x 0.71", this lightweight laptop fits easily in backpacks and bags. The stylish willow green top cover with matte finish and natural silver keyboard deck with vertical brushing pattern offer a modern, professional look.
- AI-Enhanced Productivity: Access Microsoft Copilot instantly with the dedicated Copilot key for faster assistance. AI Noise Reduction filters background sounds and improves voice clarity during calls. Dual speakers provide clear audio, while the full-size natural silver keyboard and HP Imagepad support comfortable typing and navigation.
Choose where images go
The example stores images locally with a date-based filename, which avoids overwriting the preceding day’s capture. The archived Screenshotlayer documentation also describes optional S3 or FTP export. Choose storage based on your access, retention, and backup needs; the cited documentation does not compare their cost or reliability.
Make failures visible
The archived API specification documents missing or invalid keys, invalid URLs, and usage-limit errors. A scheduled job should log failures and return a nonzero exit status so they can be detected. A cron entry alone does not alert you when an API request fails.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- Designed for mobility with a slim 0.71-inch profile and lightweight, making it easy to carry between home, office
- 【Versatile Connectivity】Stay connected with multiple ports including USB 3.0 Type-C, USB 3.0 Type-A, HDMI, and a headphone/mic combo jack, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless wireless networking.
Troubleshooting common failures
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Missing or invalid access key | The key is absent, misspelled, unavailable in cron’s environment, or no longer valid. | Check the protected configuration used by the scheduled user and confirm the key in the account. Do not print it or the full query URL to logs. |
| Invalid URL error | The target URL is incomplete or malformed. | Include http:// or https://, and use --data-urlencode for the URL parameter. |
| Usage limit reached | The account has exhausted its current allowance. | Check the live account limit and reduce capture frequency or the number of pages and variants if appropriate. |
| HTTP request fails | Wrong endpoint, network problem, TLS/plan mismatch, or service-side failure. | Verify the current endpoint and HTTPS access for your plan; run the script manually and inspect the HTTP status and error response without exposing credentials. |
| JSON appears where an image is expected | The API returned a structured error response rather than image bytes. | Inspect the error message safely, correct the underlying key, URL, quota, or request issue, then retry. |
| Old image appears each day | The request may be returning a cached result under its TTL. | Verify the current ttl and force semantics and use a daily-appropriate cache strategy. |
| No file from cron, although manual run works | Cron may have a different environment, user, working directory, PATH, or permissions. | Use absolute paths, ensure the cron user can read configuration and write the destination, and inspect redirected cron output. |
Or skip the browser setup
ScreenshotNeo offers a one-request screenshot API and an MCP server for AI agents. Its capture flow accepts cookie and consent banners before capture and removes more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets; each cleanup step can be turned off. Bot checks/CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed. Responses identify page verdict and billing status in headers.
For a daily cron job, the same pattern is a dated file and scheduled request; keep your API key out of source control and check the HTTP response in your script. The API also supports cache controls and other capture options. See the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for the current parameters.
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://example.com -o shot.webpScreenshotNeo includes an MCP server with take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf tools for Claude, Cursor, and other MCP clients. The Free plan includes 1,000 screenshots per month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000. Learn about ScreenshotNeo or sign up free for 1,000 screenshots a month with no card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will cron run if my computer is asleep?
A cron job requires its host to be running with cron available at the scheduled time. Use an always-on host for an unattended daily job.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Does a date-based filename keep old captures forever?
No. It prevents each run from overwriting the preceding date’s file, but retention and cleanup are separate policies you must choose.
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.
