ScreenshotsCloud

Screenshot API for developers

ScreenshotsCloud is a cloud service that captures screenshots of web pages for developers. Its API takes a request, renders the page in a real browser and returns the capture as a JPEG, PNG or PDF. The service is backed by a content delivery network and is described as queueless, so teams do not have to build and maintain their own screenshot infrastructure.

Installing the package and making a request

Developers install the package through npm or GitHub, or with yarn, and then generate a screenshot URL using a key and secret issued from the service's website. The documentation includes an example that downloads the image with a standard HTTP client and saves it to disk. Screenshots can be downloaded directly or delivered through the company's Google Cloud powered content delivery network.

Rendering in Chrome and Firefox

Each request is served by default to both a Google Chrome and a Mozilla Firefox instance, and the faster result is delivered. The company says users can restrict requests to Chrome or to Firefox if they prefer. This lets developers check that a site looks right in both browsers before it goes into production, using one API.

Scale and infrastructure

The service runs on Google Kubernetes Engine on Google Cloud Platform, with a worker-queue infrastructure that the company says allows it to scale to bursts of demand as well as sustained load. The company says large businesses use the API for millions of screenshots, and that the same API runs across its own other products, including Brushd, so that the company relies on the tool it sells.

Other uses and integrations

Beyond website previews and visual testing, the company describes several further uses. Developers can show users alternate versions of a page in a website builder. They can rasterize complex vector images, including SVG, inside a real browser and add HTML elements to them. They can also convert a web page or HTML document into a PDF. A Slack integration was recently added so that screenshots can be shared directly in a Slack workspace, and the company says more integrations are planned.

Support and service levels

The company says service level agreements are available for larger customers, and that knowledgeable support is available by web chat or email.