To generate an Open Graph image from HTML with HTML/CSS to Image (HCTI), either send your markup to its image API or configure automatic path-based cards for your site. Then put the resulting public, absolute image URL in server-rendered og:image and twitter:image tags. Rendering the image is only half the job: social platforms must be able to read the metadata, and their preview caches may keep showing an earlier card.
Choose direct rendering or automatic cards
Use the direct API when your application or build process already has the HTML or public page URL and needs to request an image. Use an OG Image Config when you want HCTI to map paths on a site you administer to corresponding pages and generate cards for those routes.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Workflow | Best fit | Input and URL behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Direct image API | Application-driven, one-off, or build-time rendering | Send HTML, or a fully qualified public URL, to the image endpoint. The response includes an image URL and ID. (HTML/CSS to Image API documentation) |
| OG Image Config | Cards generated from pages across a website | Configure your public site origin and use a path-based HCTI image URL that maps to the corresponding page. (OG Image Config guide) |
Generate an image with the direct API
The endpoint is POST https://hcti.io/v1/image. Authenticate with HTTP Basic: use your API ID as the username and API key as the password. Supply either html or url, not both; css is optional. Use HTML and CSS for custom markup, or url to capture an existing public webpage. The API documents PNG, JPG, WebP, and PDF output options; choose an output format using the supported request options in the API documentation. (API documentation)
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
cURL
Replace the credentials with your server-side API ID and key. This request renders markup and saves the returned image response as a file:
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- Auto-Light Balance: RightLight boosts brightness by up to 50%, reducing shadows so you look your best—compared to previous-generation Logitech webcams (1)
- Privacy with a Slide: The integrated webcam cover makes it easy to get total, reliable privacy when you're not on a video call
- Built-In Mic: The built-in microphone lets others hear you clearly during video calls
- Easy Plug-And-Play: The Brio 101 works with most video calling platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet—no hassle; it just works
curl -X POST "https://hcti.io/v1/image"
-u "YOUR_API_ID:YOUR_API_KEY"
-H "Content-Type: application/json"
-d '{"html":"<div class="card"><h1>Hello world</h1></div>","css":".card { width: 1200px; height: 630px; display: grid; place-items: center; background: #f2f5f8; color: #17202a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; } h1 { font-size: 64px; }"}'The API returns JSON containing an image URL and an ID. Open the returned image URL or download it separately; the POST response itself is not necessarily raw image bytes.
Python
import requests
response = requests.post(
"https://hcti.io/v1/image",
auth=("YOUR_API_ID", "YOUR_API_KEY"),
json={
"html": '<div class="card"><h1>Hello world</h1></div>',
"css": ".card { width: 1200px; height: 630px; display: grid; place-items: center; background: #f2f5f8; color: #17202a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; } h1 { font-size: 64px; }"
},
timeout=90,
)
response.raise_for_status()
data = response.json()
print(data["url"])
print(data["id"])Install the dependency with python -m pip install requests. The returned URL is the generated asset to use in your page metadata.
Node.js
const credentials = Buffer.from('YOUR_API_ID:YOUR_API_KEY').toString('base64');
const response = await fetch('https://hcti.io/v1/image', {
method: 'POST',
headers: {
'Authorization': `Basic ${credentials}`,
'Content-Type': 'application/json'
},
body: JSON.stringify({
html: '<div class="card"><h1>Hello world</h1></div>',
css: '.card { width: 1200px; height: 630px; display: grid; place-items: center; background: #f2f5f8; color: #17202a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; } h1 { font-size: 64px; }'
})
});
if (!response.ok) throw new Error(`HCTI returned HTTP ${response.status}`);
const result = await response.json();
console.log(result.url, result.id);Render a public page instead of custom markup
For an existing page, replace the HTML input with a public, fully qualified URL, for example "url":"https://example.com/article". Do not send both html and url: when supplied, the URL takes precedence. The page must be reachable by HCTI; an internal-only or login-protected page will not serve as a public URL input. Consult the API documentation for current request parameters, formats, and response details.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Set the social metadata to the generated image
Use the absolute public image URL returned by the API in the page’s server-rendered <head>. A typical setup is:
Rank #2
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- Crisp HD 720p/30 fps video calls with diagonal 55° field of view and auto light correction. Compatible with popular platforms including Skype and Zoom.
- The built-in noise-reducing mic makes sure your voice comes across clearly up to 1.5 meters away, even if you’re in busy surroundings.
- C270’s RightLight 2 feature adjusts to lighting conditions, producing brighter, contrasted images to help you look good in all your conference calls.
- The adjustable universal clip lets you attach the camera securely to your screen or laptop, or fold the clip and set the webcam on a shelf. You’re always ready for your next video call.
<meta property="og:image" content="https://example.com/images/article-card.png">
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image">
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://example.com/images/article-card.png">Replace the example URL with your actual image URL. Ensure the image can be fetched publicly. Server-render these tags in the HTML response rather than relying on client-side JavaScript to insert them later; crawlers may not execute that code. If your theme or SEO plugin already generates image metadata, update its value or use its supported setting or filter instead of emitting competing tags. (HCTI’s OG Image Config guide)
Automate site-wide cards with an OG Image Config
An OG Image Config connects a public site origin you own or administer with a path-based HCTI image URL. HCTI uses the path to request the corresponding page, read metadata, and screenshot that page or render a configured template. Page title, description, Open Graph values, and explicit template variables can supply image content. This avoids manually requesting a separate direct render for every route when the configured mapping fits your site. (OG Image Config guide)
- Configure the public origin. In HCTI, set the exact HTTPS origin for the site you administer.
- Use the generated path-based URL. Replace
DOMAIN_IDbelow with the ID provided by your configuration, and use the route path for the page:
<meta property="og:image" content="https://hcti.io/v1/og/DOMAIN_ID/articles/my-post">
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image">
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://hcti.io/v1/og/DOMAIN_ID/articles/my-post">- Publish the tags in the page head. The absolute URL must be present in the server-rendered HTML for that route.
- Keep paths unique for distinct pages. The guide says query strings are ignored in this mapping, so adding a query parameter is not a way to give changed content a new image identity.
- Version changed content at the same path. For a changed page that retains its path, the guide documents the integer metadata value
hcti:content_version; increment it monotonically to identify the new content version.
Choose dimensions and output behavior
HCTI’s general fallback recommendation is 1200 × 630 pixels. Its current social-card guidance lists these platform-specific recommendations; they are service guidance, not a guarantee that platform requirements never change. (Social-card size guide)
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
| Platform | Recommended dimensions in HCTI’s guide |
|---|---|
| General fallback | 1200 × 630 px |
| 1200 × 600 px | |
| 1200 × 630 px | |
| 1200 × 627 px | |
| Slack | 1200 × 630 px |
For an OG Image Config, the guide describes three approaches: use one image everywhere, render once and adapt the image to platform bounds, or generate separate renders for recognized viewports. One shared fallback is simplest. Adaptation can avoid stretching but may leave unused space; separate renders can better match responsive compositions but require multiple renders. (OG Image Config guide)
Rank #3
- 【Full HD 1080P Webcam】Powered by a 1080p FHD two-MP CMOS, the NexiGo N60 Webcam produces exceptionally sharp and clear videos at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 with 30fps. The 3.6mm glass lens provides a crisp image at fixed distances and is optimized between 19.6 inches to 13 feet, making it ideal for almost any indoor use.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with USB 2.0/3.0, no additional drivers required. Ready to use in approximately one minute or less on any compatible device. Compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 and higher / Windows 7, 8, 10 & 11 / Android 4.0 or higher / Linux 2.6.24 / Chrome OS 29.0.1547 / Ubuntu Version 10.04 or above. Not compatible with XBOX/PS4/PS5.
- 【Built-in Noise-Cancelling Microphone】The built-in noise-canceling microphone reduces ambient noise to enhance the sound quality of your video. Great for Zoom / Facetime / Video Calling / OBS / Twitch / Facebook / YouTube / Conferencing / Gaming / Streaming / Recording / Online School.
- 【USB Webcam with Privacy Protection Cover】The privacy cover blocks the lens when the webcam is not in use. It's perfect to help provide security and peace of mind to anyone, from individuals to large companies. 【Note:】Please contact our support for firmware update if you have noticed any audio delays.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with USB 2.0/3.0, no additional drivers required. Ready to use in approximately one minute or less on any compatible device. Compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 and higher / Windows 7, 10 & 11, Pro / Android 4.0 or higher / Linux 2.6.24 / Chrome OS 29.0.1547 / Ubuntu Version 10.04 or above. Not compatible with XBOX/PS4/PS5.
For direct HTML snippets, HCTI says it auto-crops to the outermost HTML element and renders HTML/CSS images at 2× by default. A 400 CSS-pixel width can therefore produce an 800-pixel-wide output. Keep CSS layout dimensions distinct from returned pixel dimensions when checking a result. (Dimensions guidance)
Protect credentials and public image access
Keep the API key on a trusted server. HCTI’s API documentation says, “Treat your API Key like a password.” Do not place it in browser JavaScript, a public repository, or page source. (API authentication documentation)
The signed-URL workflow can produce a URL that is safe to embed without exposing the key, but the server must create its HMAC SHA256 signature using the secret API key. Anyone with the resulting signed URL can request the image it authorizes, so only sign inputs and access appropriate for public use. For a site whose pages fit the origin-and-path mapping, OG Image Config provides public image URLs without exposing a key or generating an HMAC for each page. (Signed URL guide; OG Image Config guide)
Recommended Free Tools
Why is my social preview still showing the old image?
There may be several independent cache layers: source-page metadata, HCTI’s rendered image, and the social platform’s preview. HCTI documents a 24-hour default refresh interval for a config in its current documentation accessed in 2026; plan-dependent minimum intervals and source-page Cache-Control freshness or Expires headers can affect when metadata is checked again. The first request after metadata becomes stale may return the existing image while a background refresh runs, so a later request may be needed to see changed input. A successful HCTI refresh does not itself clear the social platform’s own cache. (HCTI caching guide)
Rank #4
- 1080P Webcam with Cover for Video Calls - EMEET computer webcam provides design and Optimization for professional video streaming. Realistic 1920 x 1080p video, 5-layer anti-glare lens, providing smooth video. C960 computer camera delivers 1920x1080 video with fixed focus (11.8–118.1 inches), so as to provide a clearer image. C960 USB webcam has a cover and can be removed automatically to meet your needs for privacy. For optimal image performance, use the webcam in a well-lit environment.
- Built-in 2 Omnidirectional Mics - EMEET webcam with microphone for desktop features 2 built-in omnidirectional microphones, picking up your voice to create clear audio for communication. When installing the webcam, select EMEET C960 as the default microphone input device in your computer and video applications and select C960 as the default device in Zoom/Teams and ensure microphone permissions are enabled for proper use. Please note that C960 does not include built-in speakers.
- Automatic Light Adjustment - Automatic exposure adjustment is applied in EMEET HD webcam 1080p so that the streaming webcam can deliver stable image performance. EMEET C960 camera for computer also features color adjustment and exposure optimization to help you look your best. For optimal video quality, it is recommended to use the webcam in normal or well-lit environments and select suitable video settings in your application. Proper lighting helps achieve a clearer and more balanced image.
- Plug-and-Play & Upgraded USB Connectivity - New C960 webcam features both USB Type-A & A-to-C adapter connections for wider compatibility. For stable performance, connect the webcam directly to the computer's main USB port and ensure the device is recognized correctly. If a hub or docking station is used, please ensure it provides sufficient power and stable data transmission, as limited ports may affect performance. 90° wide-angle lens captures more participants without frequent adjustments.
- High Compatibility & Multi Application - C960 webcam for laptop is compatible with Windows 10/11, macOS 10.14+, and Android TV 7.0+. Not supported: Windows Hello, TVs, tablets, or game consoles. It works with Zoom, Teams, Facetime, Google Meet, YouTube and more. Please select C960 webcam as the default camera and microphone device in your application and ensure camera/microphone permissions are enabled, especially on macOS. (Tips: Incompatible with Windows Hello)
- Check the source page’s current metadata and cache headers.
- Follow HCTI’s dashboard guidance to allow or trigger the config refresh.
- If the image is current at HCTI but not in the social app, use that platform’s rescrape or inspection tool if available.
- If the page’s pixels changed but extracted metadata did not, increment
hcti:content_versionfor the config URL’s path.
Do not try to bust the HCTI config cache by adding a random query string; its guide says query strings on that image URL are ignored. (Caching guide; OG Image Config guide)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Verify the card before sharing
- Publish the page, then use View Source to confirm that the final
<head>contains the intended singleog:imageandtwitter:imagevalues. - Open the HCTI image URL directly and confirm that it returns an image.
- Use HCTI’s Social Card Previewer to inspect metadata and platform-specific shapes.
- If the image is correct at HCTI but old in a social app, account for that app’s separate preview cache.
These are documentation-recommended checks; results depend on the actual page, image URL, and platform cache state. (OG Image Config guide; Caching guide)
Or skip the browser setup
If you need a clean screenshot of a page rather than an HCTI-specific OG Image Config, ScreenshotNeo is a website screenshot API and MCP server. Its one-call API returns an image or PDF; this cURL example captures a page as WebP:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for request options. It accepts cookie or consent banners before capture and removes 60+ known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets; those steps can each be turned off. Bot checks and CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed, and the response says which outcome occurred. Its MCP server provides take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf for AI agents. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots per month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000.
Sign up for ScreenshotNeo’s free plan: 1,000 screenshots a month, no card required.
Best Value
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- HD lighting adjustment and autofocus: The Logitech webcam automatically fine-tunes the lighting, producing bright, razor-sharp images even in low-light settings. This makes it a great webcam for streaming and an ideal web camera for laptop use
- Advanced capture software: Easily create and share video content with this Logitech camera that is suitable for use as a desktop computer camera or a monitor webcam
- Stereo audio with dual mics: Capture natural sound during calls and recorded videos with this 1080p webcam, great as a video conference camera or a computer webcam
- Full HD 1080p video calling and recording at 30 fps. You'll make a strong impression with this PC webcam that features crisp, clearly detailed, and vibrantly colored video
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an HCTI image URL directly as og:image?
Yes, provided it is an absolute, publicly reachable URL and appears in the page’s server-rendered metadata.
Does changing the pixels at the same OG Image Config path create a fresh card?
For changed content at the same path, HCTI documents incrementing the integer hcti:content_version value; query strings are ignored.
Can I put the HCTI API key in frontend code?
No. Keep the key server-side; a signed URL can be embedded only after its signature is generated securely on the server.
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.
