You can try capturing a password-protected app with ScreenshotMachine by passing a valid session cookie in its documented cookies parameter. The ScreenshotMachine API key only authorizes your capture request; it does not log in to the target app. The vendor documents cookie-based access, but does not establish interactive form login or HTTP Basic authentication support.
What you need before you start
- A ScreenshotMachine customer key for its API.
- A current session cookie for the target app, obtained through an authorized login.
- The exact URL of the protected page you want to capture.
Keep the credentials separate: the API key is sent as key, while the target app’s session cookie is sent as cookies. Treat the cookie like a password. Do not commit it to source control, publish it, or leave it in shared shell history or logs.
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Capture the page with ScreenshotMachine and curl
- Log in to the app through its normal authorized process. Obtain the session cookie from a permitted browser or application workflow. Make sure it is still valid for the target page.
- Build the API request. ScreenshotMachine’s API uses HTTP GET at
https://api.screenshotmachine.com/. The request needs yourkeyand targeturl. Its documentedcookiesvalue is a semicolon-separated list ofname=valuepairs and must be percent-encoded. - Send the request and save its image response. Use
curl -Gand--data-urlencodeso the target URL and cookie value are encoded as query parameters. - Inspect both the response and the saved image. An image response can be an error image or a login screen rather than the authenticated page.
Replace the example values with your own. The cookie below is a placeholder, not a working credential:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotmachine.com/"
--data-urlencode "key=YOUR_SCREENSHOTMACHINE_KEY"
--data-urlencode "url=https://app.example.com/account"
--data-urlencode "cookies=session%3DYOUR_SESSION_VALUE"
--data-urlencode "dimension=1280x900"
--data-urlencode "format=png"
-D response-headers.txt
-o output.pngHere, session%3DYOUR_SESSION_VALUE represents the percent-encoded form of session=YOUR_SESSION_VALUE. For multiple cookies, provide a semicolon-separated list such as session=VALUE; preference=VALUE, percent-encoded as the parameter value. Avoid putting a real session token directly into a command that may be retained in shell history.
#1 Best Overall
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
The vendor recommends encoding the target URL. The command above also writes response headers to response-headers.txt; check for X-Screenshotmachine-Response when the image is unexpected. A zero cache limit can be added with --data-urlencode "cacheLimit=0" when you want to request a fresh screenshot.
Choose capture settings for the target page
| Parameter | Documented use | When it helps |
|---|---|---|
dimension |
[width]x[height], or full; listed width range is 100–1920 and height range is 100–9999. |
Set the visible viewport, or use full for a full-length capture. |
format |
jpg, png, or gif. |
Choose the returned image format and use a matching file extension. |
device |
desktop, phone, or tablet. |
Request a device category instead of relying only on a custom viewport. |
delay |
A delay in milliseconds. | The vendor suggests a longer delay, such as 2000 ms or more, for long pages where images or animations need time to load. |
cacheLimit |
0 to 14 days; 0 requests a fresh screenshot. | Set to 0 when stale cached content would undermine the capture. |
For example, add --data-urlencode "dimension=full" for a full-length capture or --data-urlencode "delay=2000" to allow more time for page content. A longer delay can increase waiting time; it does not fix an expired cookie or an authentication method the service does not support.
Rank #2
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
What authentication does—and does not—mean here
ScreenshotMachine’s documentation supports sending target cookies. It does not document a sequence for filling in and submitting a login form, nor a target-site HTTP Basic Authorization field. Its API documentation also identifies authorization-required targets as a possible invalid_url error. Cookie-based access is therefore the documented method to try; do not assume the service can perform an interactive sign-in or handle Basic authentication.
The cookie must be accepted by the app for the requested page and any resources needed to render it. The reviewed documentation does not specify how cookies behave across redirects, subdomains, or multi-origin app resources, or whether ScreenshotMachine can refresh an expired session. Those details depend on the target app and should be checked with a controlled capture.
Rank #3
- 4K60 Capture: Record in cinematic quality with crisp detail and vivid colors
- HFR Support: Play and capture in 1440p120 or 1080p240
- HDR10 Support: Capture brilliant HDR content with tone mapping on Windows
- Cross-Platform Compatible: Works with PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and more
- Analog Audio In: Capture in-game chat or commentary with 3.5mm input
Diagnose an error image or login screen
ScreenshotMachine may return errors as images. Read the X-Screenshotmachine-Response header and inspect the output rather than treating a downloaded image as proof of success.
| What you see | What to check |
|---|---|
invalid_url or a login/error image |
The vendor documents invalid_url for an invalid URL or one that requires HTTP 401 authorization. Confirm the target URL and cookie-based access; the API key does not authenticate you to the app. |
| The app’s login screen | Check that the cookie is current, correctly named and encoded, and accepted by the target app. Verify its scope for the requested page and any redirects or resources involved. |
invalid_key or missing_key |
Check that the ScreenshotMachine customer key is present and valid. |
missing_url |
Supply the target page using the url parameter and encode it as a query value. |
no_credits |
Check the account’s available API credits. |
invalid_selector or invalid_crop |
Review any selector or crop settings in the request; these codes concern capture options, not the target login. |
invalid_hash or system_error |
These are documented response codes. Check the request and response details; if the issue persists, consult ScreenshotMachine’s current API documentation. |
Or skip the browser setup
ScreenshotNeo offers a one-call screenshot API with cookie and authentication options. Its clean-shot workflow accepts cookie and consent banners and removes more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; each of those steps can be turned off. Bot checks and CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed, and response headers identify the page verdict and billing status. Its MCP server provides take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf tools for Claude, Cursor, and other MCP clients. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000.
API docs: https://screenshotneo.com/docs/.
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://app.example.com/account -o shot.webpSign up for ScreenshotNeo’s free 1,000 screenshots a month—no card required.
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Rank #4
- High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
- Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
- Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
- Low-Latency Performance for Smooth Streaming: This capture card for streaming minimizes delay between gameplay and broadcast, so you get reliable, low-latency capture that works well for competitive gaming, live broadcasts, and podcast sessions. Suitable for those building their channel with high-quality, engaging content
- Compact & Portable Design for Content Creators: Lightweight and portable, this USB 3.0 capture card works well for creators who travel or switch gaming setups often. Throw it in your bag and stream or record wherever you are, at home, events, LAN parties, streaming or studio sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ScreenshotMachine API key unlock the protected app?
No. It authorizes the ScreenshotMachine API request. The target app needs its own accepted authentication, such as a valid session cookie.
Can ScreenshotMachine fill in a login form or use HTTP Basic authentication?
Its reviewed API documentation does not establish either capability. It documents a cookies parameter, so cookie-based access is the evidence-backed approach to try.
How can I tell whether ScreenshotMachine captured the authenticated page?
Inspect the image itself and check the X-Screenshotmachine-Response header; image output can represent an error or login page.
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