Use Playwright’s async Python API to connect to BrowserCat, open a website, and save a screenshot with page.screenshot(). BrowserCat’s documented WebSocket endpoint is wss://api.browsercat.com/connect; authenticate with an API key in the Api-Key header. The example below captures the full page and closes the remote browser even if navigation or capture fails.
Capture a website screenshot with BrowserCat and Python
BrowserCat’s official guide documents connecting from Python with Playwright, while its Quick Start demonstrates screenshots using JavaScript. The Python screenshot call below is the equivalent Playwright page API. See BrowserCat’s Playwright connection guide and its Quick Start.
1. Install Playwright and set your API key
Install the Python package:
pip install playwrightObtain a BrowserCat API key from BrowserCat, then store it in an environment variable instead of putting the secret in your script. For example, in a POSIX-compatible shell:
export BROWSERCAT_API_KEY="your_api_key"2. Save and run this script
import asyncio
import os
from playwright.async_api import async_playwright
async def main():
api_key = os.environ.get("BROWSERCAT_API_KEY")
if not api_key:
raise RuntimeError("Set the BROWSERCAT_API_KEY environment variable")
async with async_playwright() as p:
browser = await p.chromium.connect(
"wss://api.browsercat.com/connect",
headers={"Api-Key": api_key},
)
try:
page = await browser.new_page()
await page.goto("https://example.com", wait_until="load")
await page.screenshot(path="screenshot.png", full_page=True)
finally:
await browser.close()
if __name__ == "__main__":
asyncio.run(main())Run it with python screenshot.py. On success, screenshot.png is written to the script’s current working directory. The example uses p.chromium.connect; BrowserCat’s Python guide imports async_playwright and binds it as p, so using pw.chromium.connect there would be a variable-name error.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#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.
Choose the right wait and screenshot scope
Viewport or full page
full_page=True asks Playwright to capture the full scrollable page. Remove that argument, or set it to False, to capture only the current viewport. Full-page output can be very tall on long pages; if you need a specific region instead, Playwright also supports element screenshots through a locator’s screenshot method.
Wait for the content your task needs
wait_until="load" waits for the page load event, but it does not guarantee that every dynamically rendered element, delayed image, or single-page-app update is ready. If the screenshot depends on a particular element, wait for it explicitly before capture:
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.goto("https://example.com", wait_until="domcontentloaded")
await page.locator("main h1").wait_for(state="visible")
await page.screenshot(path="screenshot.png", full_page=True)Use a selector that exists on the target page. For pages that finish rendering after a known application state, wait for that state or element rather than relying on an arbitrary sleep. A fixed delay may be useful for a known delayed animation or widget, but it can make runs slower and still fail when rendering takes longer than expected.
Keep credentials and connection settings secure
The example sends the API key as an Api-Key header and connects over secure WebSocket using wss. BrowserCat’s configuration guide also describes query-parameter authentication, but advises secure https/wss transport to protect private keys. Avoid placing a key in source control, logs, or a URL that may be recorded. Read the vendor’s BrowserCat browser configuration overview before adding optional settings.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #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.
BrowserCat documents query parameters and a BrowserCat-Opts JSON header for configuration, with header keys taking precedence over query parameters. It also documents proxy settings and browser or launch options. Keep the first connection minimal; add configuration only for a requirement such as a proxy or a specific browser launch setting, and validate option names against the current guide.
Local Playwright or a BrowserCat cloud session?
With local Playwright, the browser runs in your own environment. With BrowserCat, the connection is to a managed cloud browser, reducing the need for you to host browser infrastructure. BrowserCat recommends local development until browser automation becomes a bottleneck. Choose based on where you need the browser to run and what infrastructure you want to manage, not on an assumed speed, success rate, or cost advantage: the vendor documentation cited here does not establish independent performance results.
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
BrowserCat’s current overview describes Chromium and Chrome as available, with Firefox and WebKit on the roadmap and explicit region routing also on the roadmap. These availability statements can change; check the current configuration overview before designing around a browser or region requirement. BrowserCat also maintains a separate Pyppeteer guide, which warns that Pyppeteer can lag behind JavaScript Puppeteer features; this tutorial follows the vendor’s recommended Playwright path.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting
- Missing API key: If the script raises “Set the BROWSERCAT_API_KEY environment variable,” set the variable in the same shell or runtime that launches Python. Check for a misspelled variable name.
- Authentication or connection failure: Confirm the key is valid, the header is spelled
Api-Key, and the endpoint iswss://api.browsercat.com/connect. Do not share the key in error reports. NameErrorforpworp: Use one name consistently. In the complete example, the async Playwright context is bound top.- Screenshot lacks content: Navigation completion and application rendering are different conditions. Wait for the relevant selector or application state before taking the screenshot.
- Image is only the visible area: Set
full_page=Truefor a full-page capture. Omit it for a viewport screenshot. - Browser not cleaned up after an error: Keep screenshot and navigation operations inside the
tryblock andawait browser.close()infinally, as shown.
Or skip the browser setup
For a one-request screenshot API, ScreenshotNeo returns an image or PDF from a URL. Its API accepts cookie and consent banners and removes 60+ known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; each step can be turned off. Bot checks or CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed, and responses identify the page verdict and billing status. It also offers an MCP server with screenshot, page-info, and PDF tools for AI agents.
Recommended Free Tools
Install the Python dependency with pip install requests, then use this runnable example. Create an API key and consult the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for request options.
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.
import requests
r = requests.get("https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot", params={"access_key": "YOUR_API_KEY", "url": "https://stripe.com"}, timeout=90)
open("shot.webp", "wb").write(r.content)ScreenshotNeo includes 1,000 screenshots per month free with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 screenshots. Sign up for ScreenshotNeo’s free plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BrowserCat’s Python example itself show how to take a screenshot?
No. Its Python guide demonstrates a Playwright connection and page interaction; the screenshot line here uses Playwright’s page screenshot API, whose concept is shown in BrowserCat’s JavaScript Quick Start.
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.
