Catch the Selenium error, save a driver-level screenshot while the WebDriver session is still alive, and then re-raise the original exception. That preserves both the visual state and the failure details needed to diagnose the test.
Capture the browser before the session closes
For most Selenium errors, a driver-level screenshot is the most useful first artifact: it shows the browser state around the failure, including visible overlays and dialogs. Put the screenshot attempt inside the exception handler and before driver.quit(). If screenshot capture fails too, record that separate failure rather than replacing the original Selenium exception.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Python failure handler
This example uses Selenium’s Python binding. Replace the example URL and test steps with your own. The browser is always closed in finally, and a bare raise preserves the original exception and traceback.
from selenium import webdriver
from selenium.common.exceptions import WebDriverException
driver = webdriver.Chrome()
try:
driver.get("https://example.com")
# Run test steps here. A Selenium command may raise an error.
except WebDriverException as exc:
try:
driver.save_screenshot("selenium-error.png")
except WebDriverException as screenshot_exc:
print(f"Could not capture screenshot: {screenshot_exc}")
# Exception-carried screenshot data is optional.
if getattr(exc, "screen", None):
print("The exception also contains screenshot data in exc.screen.")
raise
finally:
driver.quit()Remove the leading space before driver = webdriver.Chrome() when copying: it must begin at the left margin. Selenium’s Python exception includes message and stack-trace fields and may include screen, but not every exception carries screenshot data. Treat exc.screen as optional and check the representation for the Selenium version in use before attempting to decode it; the exception reference does not prescribe a decoding recipe. See the Selenium Python exception reference.
#1 Best Overall
- 【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
Choose the right capture scope
Use a driver screenshot when the surrounding page context matters. If the failure concerns one particular element and you only need that element, Selenium also supports element-level screenshots. The official WebDriver screenshot examples show Python, Java, and JavaScript approaches; available methods and returned image formats vary by binding.
In Java, the documented driver approach uses TakesScreenshot and getScreenshotAs(OutputType.FILE), then copies the returned file where you want the artifact stored. In JavaScript, driver.takeScreenshot() resolves to a base64-encoded PNG that can be written as a base64 file. The JavaScript API describes capture as best effort: it prefers the whole page, then the current window, the visible part of the current frame, and finally the display containing the browser. See the Selenium JavaScript WebDriver API.
Rank #2
- 【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.
Keep the screenshot useful for diagnosis
A screenshot records what was visible at capture time; it does not by itself establish why the test failed. Store it alongside the exception message and stack trace, the current URL, browser/session metadata, and the test step being run. Use a distinct filename per run or test if artifacts might otherwise overwrite one another.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
When an element cannot be found
For NoSuchElementException, check that the locator is correct and that the page or target content has had time to load. Selenium’s Python error reference notes that an element may not yet be on screen while a page is loading and points to WebDriverWait as an appropriate way to wait for an element. A screenshot can show the visible state at failure time, but it does not correct a bad selector or missing wait. See the Selenium Python error reference.
Rank #3
- AV TO USB Converter: Capture videos and audios from VHS, VCR, Hi8, DV tapes to a PC, with the help of our USB Video Converter. Save room while digitizing your favorite old memories
- Quality Capture Card: Our USB Video Capture Card converting anolog RCA composite input into HD 720P USB output and capturing audio without any sound card. Advanced signal processing technology provides you with great precision, colors, resolutions, and details.
- Plug and Play: Automatically install the driver once you hook up this RCA to USB Converter to a PC. No external power is needed. User-friendly and easy to operate
- Wide Compatibility: The Video Capture Card can work with video devices with RCA connector or S-Video connector, such as VHS, VCR, Hi8, camcorder, compatible with Windows and Mac OS. Support video formats like NTSC, PAL, and support brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation control
- Note: The Video Converter is used with acquisition software. We recommend OBS Studio or PotPlayer for Windows, and QuickTime Player for Mac. They can be downloaded for free online. Please operate according to the steps in User Manual or contact us if you have any questions
Troubleshoot screenshot capture failures
- No image was saved: Confirm the screenshot call runs before
driver.quit()and while the session is still usable. Preserve the original exception even if the capture attempt raises another error. - The screenshot does not show the expected error: It reflects the browser at the instant of capture. Check that the failure handler runs immediately after the relevant command and before navigation or cleanup changes the page.
exc.screenis empty: Exception-carried image data is optional. Use the driver-level screenshot method rather than assuming every exception includes an image.- The image alone does not explain the failure: Retain the message, stack trace, URL, browser/session details, and test step with the screenshot.
Or skip the browser setup
If you need a screenshot from a URL without managing a Selenium browser session, ScreenshotNeo is a website screenshot API and MCP server for developers. Its API returns an image or PDF from one GET request. For example, this cURL request captures a page as WebP; see the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for options and response details.
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://example.com -o shot.webp- Cookie and consent banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets are removed before capture; each of those steps can be turned off.
- Bot checks/CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed. Responses identify the page verdict and billing status in headers.
- An MCP server provides
take_screenshot,get_page_info, andcapture_pdftools for AI agents and MCP clients. - The Free plan includes 1,000 screenshots per month without a card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots.
Sign up for ScreenshotNeo’s free plan to get 1,000 screenshots a month with no card.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】Built with a premium aluminum alloy shell and advanced chipset for stable heat dissipation, ensuring ultra-low latency transmission. Capture high-quality video and dual-channel audio in real time—no lag, no frame drop—ideal for Twitch, YouTube, or OBS streaming.
- 【Easy Plug and Play, Compact & Portable】No driver or external power required—just plug and play via USB 3.0 or Type-C connection to your Windows or macOS computer. Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry for outdoor streaming, live shows, or mobile recording setups.
- 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
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.
