Install Spatie Browsershot and its Node.js, Puppeteer, and Chrome runtime, then call Browsershot::url($url)->save($path). Add fullPage() for the entire vertical page, or use a viewport, crop, or element selector when you need a specific region. Browsershot drives headless Chrome through Puppeteer, so PHP alone is not the whole runtime.
Install Browsershot and its browser runtime
Install the PHP package with Composer:
composer require spatie/browsershotBrowsershot v4 requires Node.js 22.0 or higher and Puppeteer 23.0 or higher. Chrome must also be available to Puppeteer. See Spatie’s v4 requirements for environment-specific installation steps. Its Ubuntu 24.04 Forge example installs Puppeteer globally, installs Chrome with npx puppeteer browsers install chrome, and adds Linux system libraries; do not copy that system package list blindly to another distribution. Spatie notes that some package names differ on Ubuntu 22.04.
If the PHP process cannot find Node, npm, Chrome, or Puppeteer’s modules, configure their locations using documented methods such as setNodeBinary(), setNpmBinary(), setIncludePath(), setNodeModulePath(), and setChromePath(). The requirements guide also covers Node environment variables and a custom script path.
Capture a website URL
This is the basic URL-to-image flow. Use an absolute writable output path:
#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.
<?php
use SpatieBrowsershotBrowsershot;
$url = 'https://example.com';
$output = '/absolute/path/to/screenshot.png';
Browsershot::url($url)
->save($output);PNG is the default screenshot format. To save a JPEG and set its quality, pass the format and quality to setScreenshotType() and use a matching file extension:
Browsershot::url('https://example.com')
->setScreenshotType('jpeg', 90)
->save('/absolute/path/to/screenshot.jpg');For HTML already held by your application, use Browsershot::html($html) rather than navigating to a URL. Browsershot can also create a PDF: the introductory documentation says a .pdf save destination produces PDF output. See Spatie’s image usage guide for screenshot methods and options, and the introduction for the package overview.
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.
Choose the capture area and presentation
Pick the capture scope based on what the output needs to show:
| Goal | Browsershot option | What it captures |
|---|---|---|
| Full vertical page | fullPage() |
The page’s full length rather than only the current viewport. |
| Fixed viewport | windowSize($width, $height) |
A browser viewport with the dimensions you specify. |
| Rectangular region | clip($x, $y, $width, $height) |
A crop at the specified coordinates and dimensions. |
| One page element | select($selector) |
The element matched by the CSS selector. |
For example, capture the full page after waiting for the page’s network activity to settle:
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Rank #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.
Browsershot::url('https://example.com')
->waitUntilNetworkIdle()
->fullPage()
->save('/absolute/path/to/full-page.png');Use device scale factor, mobile emulation, or a device preset when the output should resemble a particular device. The image guide documents these presentation controls as well as viewport and clipping options. A device preset is not a substitute for checking that the selected viewport, user agent, scale factor, and touch behavior fit your target.
Wait for the page to be ready before capturing
Modern pages may load images lazily, render content asynchronously, or load fonts after navigation. Choose a readiness condition that matches the page rather than adding an arbitrary delay by default.
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
waitUntilNetworkIdle()waits for 500 ms without network activity by default.waitUntilNetworkIdle(false)is less strict and tolerates two network connections during that interval.waitForSelector()waits for a known element to appear.waitForFunction()waits until a JavaScript condition is true.setDelay()adds a fixed wait when the page has a known, intentional delay.
Network idle can be a poor signal for pages with persistent requests; in that case, wait for the specific element or application state that indicates the content you need is ready. These options are documented in the image usage guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Pass HTML instead of navigating to a URL
When PHP already has the markup, supply it directly:
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- 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.
<?php
use SpatieBrowsershotBrowsershot;
$html = '<h1>Report</h1><p>Generated by my application.</p>';
Browsershot::html($html)
->save('/absolute/path/to/report.png');For output that depends on external stylesheets, fonts, images, or scripts, ensure the rendering environment can reach those resources and that the chosen readiness condition allows them to load.
Troubleshoot common failures
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Node or Chrome executable not found | The PHP process environment cannot discover the executable, or its path differs from the interactive shell. | Check the runtime PATH and configure setNodeBinary() or setChromePath() with the installed locations. See the requirements guide. |
| Puppeteer or browser launch fails | The installed runtime does not meet the documented requirements, Chrome was not installed for Puppeteer, or required operating-system libraries are missing. | Verify Node 22.0+ and Puppeteer 23.0+, install Chrome for Puppeteer, and follow the system-library instructions for the server’s distribution. |
| Output is blank or missing late content | The screenshot ran before asynchronous content, lazy-loaded images, or fonts were ready. | Wait for network idle, a relevant selector, or a JavaScript condition; use a deliberate delay only when appropriate. |
| Screenshot dimensions or device appearance are wrong | The default viewport or scale does not match the intended output. | Set the viewport with windowSize(), use the appropriate device scale or mobile settings, and confirm whether you need full-page, cropped, or element-only capture. |
| Save operation fails | The destination path may be invalid or unwritable by the process running PHP. | Use an absolute path and check that the PHP process can write to the destination directory. |
Or skip the browser setup
If you would rather call a hosted screenshot API than install and maintain Puppeteer and Chrome, ScreenshotNeo returns a screenshot or PDF from one GET request. For example, using cURL:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://example.com -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for request options. Cookie and consent banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets are removed before capture; each step can be turned off. Bot checks, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed, and responses identify the page verdict and billing status in headers. An MCP server provides take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf tools for AI agents and MCP clients. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots per month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots. Create a free ScreenshotNeo account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Browsershot capture a PDF instead of an image?
Yes. Browsershot supports PDF output; its introductory documentation says the save destination extension determines PDF output when the path ends in .pdf.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCan I capture only one element on the page?
Yes. Use select($selector) with a CSS selector for the element you want.
Does Browsershot work without Node.js and Chrome?
No. Browsershot uses Puppeteer to control headless Chrome, so the PHP package needs the documented Node, Puppeteer, browser, and system runtime dependencies.
Quick Recap
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