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Use IMGKit when you want a Ruby API to pass HTML, a URL, or a file to wkhtmltoimage and handle options or image output in Ruby. Call wkhtmltoimage directly when you want your application to construct and manage the command itself. Either way, you still need a compatible wkhtmltoimage executable installed and configured.
What you are choosing between
wkhtmltoimage is the renderer
wkhtmltoimage is a headless command-line utility that renders HTML to image formats using Qt WebKit; it does not require a display or display service. Its general invocation is wkhtmltoimage [OPTIONS]... <input file> <output file>. The Ubuntu Noble manual describes its options and identifies that distribution’s package as version 0.12.6-2build2. Project documentation · Ubuntu Noble manual
IMGKit is a Ruby wrapper
IMGKit gives Ruby code an interface to the renderer. Its README documents creating an instance from HTML, a URL, or a file, passing options accepted by wkhtmltoimage, retrieving image data, and writing the result to a file. It does not replace the renderer executable. IMGKit README
Choose based on who should manage the command
| Approach | Best fit | What your application manages | Dependency to deploy |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMGKit | Ruby applications that benefit from a Ruby-facing API for input, options, and image output. | Ruby-level integration and IMGKit configuration, including the executable path where needed. | IMGKit plus a compatible wkhtmltoimage executable. |
| Direct command-line invocation | Applications that already manage subprocesses or need to own command construction directly. | Building and invoking the command and handling its input and output. | A compatible wkhtmltoimage executable. |
The cited documentation establishes an integration trade-off, not a performance winner. There is no documented comparative benchmark here that shows either approach is faster, more reliable, or more secure.
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Using IMGKit in a Ruby application
Install and configure both pieces
Install the imgkit gem, then provide the renderer separately—through a binary package, a manual installation, or a configured executable path. IMGKit’s README documents configuring that path with IMGKit.configure. The exact executable location depends on how and where you install it; use the path present in your deployment environment.
RubyGems lists wkhtmltoimage-binary version 0.12.5 as released on 15 August 2018 and describes Linux and Mac binaries. Ubuntu Noble’s documented package is version 0.12.6-2build2. These are distinct packaging contexts, not proof that the builds are interchangeable. Confirm the package, architecture, operating system, and Ruby runtime you will deploy. RubyGems package details · Ubuntu Noble package information
Render and save an image
The README documents constructing an IMGKit instance from HTML or a URL and using its output methods. This example shows the documented API shape; it assumes the gem and executable are installed and discoverable by IMGKit.
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require "imgkit"
kit = IMGKit.new("<html><body><h1>Hello</h1></body></html>")
File.binwrite("shot.png", kit.to_img(:png))For a URL, supply the URL to IMGKit.new instead of the HTML string. Renderer options can also be passed through IMGKit; use option names supported by the installed wkhtmltoimage version. Consult the IMGKit README for its documented API and configuration details.
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Direct invocation avoids the Ruby wrapper, but your code must own subprocess execution and the command arguments. The renderer’s documented command shape is:
wkhtmltoimage [OPTIONS]... input.html output.pngFor example, to render an existing local HTML file with defaults:
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wkhtmltoimage input.html output.pngUse options supported by the version installed on the target machine. The Ubuntu Noble manual lists the options for its documented package; other packages or versions may differ. When invoking the command from Ruby, treat it as a subprocess: pass arguments safely rather than concatenating untrusted input into a shell command, and handle its exit status and generated output in your own application.
Deployment and compatibility checks
- Verify the executable exists in the runtime environment. A working gem installation alone does not supply
wkhtmltoimage. - Configure the path where necessary. If the binary is not on the process’s executable path, set IMGKit’s executable location or use its documented platform-specific configuration.
- Match package to deployment target. The available documentation describes Linux and Mac support for the binary gem and gives Linux and macOS x86_64 path examples in IMGKit’s README; these examples do not establish support for every current OS, CPU architecture, or Ruby runtime.
- Keep packaging contexts distinct. The 2018 RubyGems binary package and Ubuntu Noble’s 0.12.6-2build2 package have different version identifiers; test the exact build you intend to deploy.
- Validate output in the deployed environment. Confirm that the renderer can read the selected HTML or URL and write to the intended output location under the application’s runtime permissions.
Troubleshooting common failures
IMGKit cannot find wkhtmltoimage
The executable may be absent, outside the process’s executable path, or installed at a different location from the one configured. Install a compatible binary and set IMGKit’s configured path to its actual location, then retry in the same environment and user context as the application.
Rendering works locally but not after deployment
The development and deployment environments may have different operating systems, architectures, package versions, or executable paths. Check the target runtime rather than assuming a locally installed binary package applies to it; the documented Linux and macOS examples do not guarantee compatibility with every deployment target.
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The command rejects an option
Options are interpreted by the installed renderer, not invented by the Ruby wrapper. Check the manual for that build and pass only options it supports. IMGKit accepts renderer options, so using the wrapper does not make an unsupported command-line option valid.
No image appears at the requested destination
Check the input and output paths, write permissions, and command result. With direct invocation, your application is responsible for handling process completion and output. With IMGKit, verify that the selected output method is being called and that the configured executable can run.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does IMGKit install wkhtmltoimage for me?
No. IMGKit is a Ruby wrapper; you must supply a compatible executable separately or configure its location.
Is IMGKit faster than calling wkhtmltoimage directly?
The cited documentation does not establish a performance difference between the wrapper and direct invocation.
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