Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Apify can capture a website screenshot in two practical ways: run a ready-made screenshot Actor with a URL list, or write a custom Apify Actor using Puppeteer or Playwright. The ready-made route is fastest for ordinary public pages; custom code gives you control over navigation, selectors, authentication logic, and storage.
This guide shows both workflows, including full-page images, API calls, output retrieval, common failures, and a no-browser-setup alternative.
Choose the right Apify approach
| Approach | Best for | What you control | Typical output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-made screenshot Actor | One-off captures, scheduled jobs, and batches without maintaining browser code | URLs, full-page mode, viewport or device settings, format, color scheme, and hidden selectors exposed by the selected Actor | PNG or JPEG, often with a file URL or Actor storage output |
| Custom Puppeteer or Playwright Actor | Special navigation, login flows, waiting conditions, custom selectors, and application-specific logic | Browser launch, page actions, waits, screenshot options, naming, and storage | Bytes saved to Apify Key-Value Store or another destination you implement |
Both methods render a page in headless Chromium. The ready-made Website Screenshot Capture Actor is documented as taking a list of URLs and capturing each with Playwright. Custom Actors let you call page.screenshot() yourself.
Run a ready-made screenshot Actor
1. Create an Apify account and token
- Create or sign in to your Apify account.
- Open the Console’s integrations or API-token settings and copy an API token.
- Open the screenshot Actor you intend to use and read its current input and output schema. Actor interfaces can change, so do not assume that two similarly named Actors return identical fields.
The token authenticates API requests. Treat it like a password: keep it in an environment variable or secret store, not in a public repository or a URL you share.
#1 Best Overall
- 16MP Sensor: Captures detailed photos with a CMOS sensor for everyday shooting
- Optical Zoom: 4x optical zoom with a 27mm wide angle lens for flexible framing indoors or outdoors
- Full HD Video: Records 1080p video for travel clips, family moments, or simple vlogging
- Memory Support: Works with Class 10 SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards up to 512GB
- LCD Screen and Battery: 2.7in LCD screen with 2 AA alkaline batteries for convenient on-the-go use
2. Prepare the input
A minimal input is a JSON object containing a URL list:
{"urls":["https://example.com"]}Current screenshot Actors may also expose options named fullPage, format, device or viewport settings, color scheme, and selectors to hide. Use the exact names shown on the selected Actor’s page. A typical conceptual input might look like this:
{
"urls": ["https://example.com", "https://example.org"],
"fullPage": true,
"format": "png"
}If an option is not listed in that Actor’s schema, remove it rather than guessing. A schema mismatch can make the run fail before any browser opens.
Recommended Free Tools
3. Start the run in the Console
- Paste the URL list and options into the Actor’s Input tab.
- Start the run.
- Watch the run log for navigation errors, blocked requests, or invalid input.
- Open the run’s output tab when it finishes.
For a single test URL, the Console is useful because you can inspect logs and output without writing an HTTP client. Test one page before submitting a large list.
4. Start the run through the API
Every Actor has an Actor Run endpoint shown on its API page. The endpoint contains the Actor’s owner and name, so copy it from the selected Actor rather than reconstructing it. Send your JSON input and token as documented by Apify. For synchronous integrations, use the documented run-sync-get-dataset-items endpoint when that Actor supports it; otherwise, start the run, poll its status, and retrieve the finished output.
A generic request pattern is:
curl -X POST "ACTOR_RUN_ENDPOINT?token=$APIFY_TOKEN"
-H "Content-Type: application/json"
-d '{"urls":["https://example.com"],"fullPage":true,"format":"png"}'Replace ACTOR_RUN_ENDPOINT with the exact URL displayed by Apify. Do not copy this placeholder literally. The response and output shape depend on the Actor. Some current Actors return a fileUrl for each page; others expose files through run storage. Check the selected Actor’s output schema before writing a production downloader.
5. Retrieve the image
There are three common destinations:
- A
fileUrlreturned in the Actor’s dataset or result object. - The Actor run’s Key-Value Store, where a binary image is stored under a key.
- A dataset item containing metadata for each URL and a link to the stored file.
Download the image immediately if the URL is temporary, and save the URL, source page, capture time, viewport, and format alongside it. That metadata makes later comparisons reproducible.
Rank #2
- 16MP Sensor: Captures detailed photos with a CMOS sensor for everyday shooting
- Optical Zoom: 5x optical zoom with a 28mm wide angle lens for flexible framing indoors or outdoors
- Full HD Video: Records 1080p video for travel clips, family moments, or simple vlogging
- Memory Support: Works with Class 10 SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards up to 512GB
- LCD Screen and Battery: 2.7in LCD screen and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for on-the-go use
Capture a full page
Viewport capture records only the visible browser area. Full-page capture asks the browser to expand the page and stitch the complete document into one image. In a ready-made Actor, enable its documented full-page option, commonly fullPage: true.
Full-page images can become extremely tall. Long dashboards, infinite-scroll pages, sticky headers, animated content, and lazy-loaded images need special care:
- Use the Actor’s wait or delay settings if images appear after initial navigation.
- Expect sticky navigation bars to repeat or overlap in some browser implementations.
- For very long pages, consider several viewport captures or a PDF if the image is impractical to display.
- Disable animations or wait for a stable selector when visual consistency matters.
The selected Actor may support hidden selectors, allowing cookie notices or fixed widgets to be removed before capture. Confirm that those controls exist in its current schema.
Build a custom Apify Actor with Puppeteer
Custom code is appropriate when the screenshot depends on application logic rather than a simple URL list. Apify’s JavaScript example launches Puppeteer, opens a page, navigates, takes a screenshot, and writes the bytes to the default Key-Value Store with an image content type.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Minimal one-page Actor
const Apify = require('apify');
Apify.main(async () => {
const browser = await Apify.launchPuppeteer();
const page = await browser.newPage();
await page.goto('https://example.com/', {
waitUntil: 'networkidle2',
});
const screenshot = await page.screenshot();
await Apify.setValue('my-key', screenshot, {
contentType: 'image/png',
});
await browser.close();
});This saves the binary image under my-key in the Actor’s default Key-Value Store. In a real Actor, read the URL and options from input, validate them, and close the browser in a finally block so a navigation failure does not leave resources running.
Full-page variant
const screenshot = await page.screenshot({ fullPage: true });
await Apify.setValue('full-page.png', screenshot, {
contentType: 'image/png',
});The resulting screen appears in the Actor Console’s Key-Value Store. You can also use Apify’s puppeteerUtils.saveSnapshot utility when you want a screenshot and HTML snapshot together, with the utility’s quality controls.
Multiple URLs
For a batch Actor, accept an input object containing sources, create a request list, and process each URL in turn. Derive safe storage keys from the URL, but avoid putting untrusted characters directly into a key. A simplified processing loop is:
for (const source of sources) {
const page = await browser.newPage();
await page.goto(source.url, { waitUntil: 'networkidle2' });
const buffer = await page.screenshot({ fullPage: Boolean(source.fullPage) });
const key = `shot-${source.id}.png`;
await Apify.setValue(key, buffer, { contentType: 'image/png' });
await page.close();
}The multi-URL example can receive cloud input through the UI or as the POST payload to the Run Actor API call. Add per-page error handling so one unreachable URL is recorded as a failure instead of aborting the entire batch.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- Latest Digital Camera Built-in Fill Light : This compact digital camera is paired with a powerful CMOS processor and image stabilization to help you take & record the most exciting moments in 44 MP quality images & FHD 1080P quality videos anywhere, anytime. Plus, there is also a built-in fill light to help you take high quality pictures even in low light&dark settings, making this the perfect camera for all indoors/outdoors situations.
- Long-Lasting Battery Life & 16X Digital Zoom :This point and shoot camera will retain its battery charge even after long use. The controls and functions are easy to operate making this the perfect choice for children, teens and younger. This kids camera supports 16x digital zoom, you can zoom in or out the subject by pressing the W/T button for taking still photos to zoom in or out on distant objects and capture all the details you need.
- Multifunctional & Portable Digital Camera: This cheap digital camera is slim enough to fit in your pocket. You'll easily be able to take it with you on all your indoor/outdoor activities and adventures and ideal for beginners, children and teenagers. This kids digital camera is equipped with 20 filters, anti-shaking, self-timer, continuous shooting, date stamp, time-lapse recording, smile capture, internal MIC and speaker (recording sound videos), great for your daily photography needs.
- WEBCAM & PAUSE FUNCTION : More than just a FHD 1080p digital camera, it also works as a webcam for video calls and vlogging. Connect the camera to the computer, press shutter and power button at the same time and the camera will automatically turn on webcam mode for all your video calling and live streaming needs. The pause function allows you to pause when seeing playback videos.
- A Must Have Photography Device : This digital camera with SD card made from high-quality materials, this retro camera is safe and durable. Perfect for all ages to develop & improve their photographic abilities and observation skills. Our dedicated and experienced 24/7 support team is available for all after purchase troubleshooting, questions and technical help.
Control rendering in custom code
Viewport and device emulation
Set the viewport before navigation when the screenshot must represent a particular layout:
await page.setViewport({ width: 1440, height: 900, deviceScaleFactor: 1 });For mobile layouts, use the device settings supported by your Puppeteer or Playwright version. Record the viewport with the output because responsive pages can change substantially between widths.
Wait for a reliable visual state
networkidle2 is useful, but it is not a guarantee that a single-page application has finished rendering. Prefer an application-specific readiness signal when possible:
await page.goto(url, { waitUntil: 'domcontentloaded' });
await page.waitForSelector('[data-screenshot-ready]', { timeout: 30000 });A fixed delay can help with third-party images, but it makes runs slower and remains less precise than waiting for a selector. Avoid waiting forever: set a timeout and log the URL and failing condition.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Hide or remove page elements
Use page logic to hide a selector before capture:
await page.addStyleTag({
content: '.cookie-banner, .chat-widget { display: none !important; }',
});Only hide elements you are certain should not appear. Removing a consent banner can change page layout, so compare the resulting image with the visitor-visible version when accuracy is important.
Access restrictions and what Apify cannot guarantee
Screenshot Actors generally capture what an anonymous visitor sees. A public URL is not the same as an unrestricted URL: bot protection, CAPTCHAs, login requirements, geo restrictions, and rate limits can prevent a useful render. A current screenshot Actor warns that bot-protected pages may return an error or a block page. Credentials embedded in URLs, localhost, private networks, and unsupported web schemes are refused.
For private applications, implement authentication inside a custom Actor only when you are authorized to access the site. Do not place passwords in input that may be retained in logs. For bot-protected sites, a screenshot service cannot ethically or reliably promise access; use an approved integration or an authenticated test environment instead.
Troubleshoot failed screenshots
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Input validation error | Option names or value types do not match the selected Actor | Copy the current input schema, remove unsupported fields, and test with one URL. |
| Blank image | The page needs more time, JavaScript failed, or content is behind a consent flow | Check logs, wait for a readiness selector, and inspect the page in a normal browser. |
| CAPTCHA or block page | Bot protection detected the headless browser | Do not treat the block page as the requested screenshot; use an authorized route or accept that the URL is unavailable. |
| Images missing | Lazy loading has not been triggered or requests failed | Wait for the image selector, scroll when appropriate, and verify image requests in logs. |
| Run succeeds but no image is visible | The file is in Key-Value Store rather than the dataset, or the Actor returned a different field | Open run storage and confirm the Actor’s output schema; handle its documented file URL or key. |
| Very tall or oversized file | Full-page mode captured a long document at a large scale | Use a narrower viewport, lower device scale, a viewport shot, or a PDF. |
| Navigation timeout | Slow origin, blocked resource, or unstable network | Set a justified timeout, capture diagnostics, and retry selectively rather than blindly rerunning every URL. |
Performance, reliability, and cost planning
- Batching: Submit a URL list when the Actor supports it, but keep batches small enough to diagnose failures and avoid resource spikes.
- Browser reuse: In custom code, reuse one browser and create or close pages per URL. This is generally lighter than launching a new browser for every page.
- Determinism: Fix viewport, color scheme, timezone, wait conditions, and format. Dynamic advertising and live data can still change the pixels.
- Retries: Retry transient navigation failures with a limit and backoff. Do not retry a consistent CAPTCHA or unsupported private URL.
- Storage: Keep the image key, source URL, run ID, and capture settings together so a later user can identify exactly what was captured.
- Pricing: The screenshot Actor page displayed a community pricing example of $5.00 per 1,000 results when accessed in 2026. Apify pricing and Actor limits are volatile; verify the live Actor and platform pages before budgeting.
Or skip the browser setup
ScreenshotNeo is a website screenshot API and MCP server. One request returns a PNG, JPEG, WebP, or PDF. It accepts cookie and consent banners as a visitor and removes more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; each cleanup step can be turned off. Bot checks or CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed, and response headers identify the page verdict and billing status.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated 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 matchIt also supports full-page and selector captures, device presets and custom viewports, retina scale, dark mode, PDF settings, custom CSS and JavaScript, clicks, waits, blocking rules, headers, cookies, user agents, Authorization, timezone, geolocation, transparent backgrounds, resizing, chosen cache TTLs, signed image links, asynchronous webhooks, bulk capture of up to 100 URLs per call, a usage API, and an OpenAPI specification. Its MCP server exposes take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf to Claude, Cursor, and other MCP clients.
Rank #4
- 16MP Sensor: Captures detailed photos with a CMOS sensor for everyday shooting
- Optical Zoom: 5x optical zoom with a 28mm wide angle lens for flexible framing indoors or outdoors
- Full HD Video: Records 1080p video for travel clips, family moments, or simple vlogging
- Memory Support: Works with Class 10 SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards up to 512GB
- LCD Screen and Battery: 2.7in LCD screen and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for on-the-go use
Use the API details in the ScreenshotNeo documentation. cURL:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpPython:
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)Node.js:
const q = new URLSearchParams({ access_key: 'YOUR_API_KEY', url: 'https://stripe.com' });
const res = await fetch(`https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot?${q}`);The Free plan includes 1,000 screenshots per month with no card. Paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots; every feature is on every plan. Create a free ScreenshotNeo account to try the 1,000 monthly screenshots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apify save screenshots automatically to my computer?
No. A run places files in the Actor’s documented output, such as a Key-Value Store or returned file URL. Download or copy the file to your own storage if you need a local archive.
Can I capture a page that requires a login?
A ready-made Actor normally captures anonymous access. An authorized custom Actor can implement a login flow, but credentials must be handled as secrets and the target must permit automated access.
Should I use PNG or JPEG?
Use PNG for sharp text, interfaces, and lossless comparison. Use JPEG when smaller files matter and slight compression is acceptable.
The Bottom Line
Use a ready-made Apify screenshot Actor for a quick URL-list workflow. Choose a custom Puppeteer or Playwright Actor when you need application-specific waits, selectors, authentication, or storage logic.
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.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
