October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
World desk4 min

How to Install Playwright Browser Dependencies for Screenshots on Ubuntu

Install Playwright browser binaries and Linux dependencies on Ubuntu, with a Chromium-only option and troubleshooting for screenshot scripts.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

From your Node.js project directory, run npx playwright install --with-deps to install Playwright’s browser binaries and the Linux system packages they need. To install only Chromium, use npx playwright install --with-deps chromium. These are Playwright CLI commands, not screenshot-specific commands; the same setup applies whether you launch a browser for a screenshot script or a test.

Install Playwright browsers and Ubuntu system dependencies

  1. Open a terminal in your project directory and install the JavaScript dependencies using the project’s lockfile workflow. For an npm project with a lockfile, run npm ci.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  2. Install browsers and required Ubuntu packages. To install the default browsers, run:

    Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

    npx playwright install --with-deps

  3. If the screenshot script uses Chromium only, limit installation to that browser:

    #1 Best Overall
    CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit PRO - Turbine Black (128GB Edition) (8GB RAM)
    • Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
    • Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
    • CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
    • CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
    • Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized

    npx playwright install --with-deps chromium

  4. Run your screenshot script. If the browser does not launch, check that the installed Playwright package and browser binaries match; Playwright releases require specific browser revisions.

Use the CLI from the project’s installed Playwright version. When you upgrade Playwright, install its corresponding browsers again. See the Playwright browser installation documentation.

Rank #2
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter PRO Kit - 4GB RAM
  • Includes Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Model B with 1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB RAM)
  • Includes Pre-Loaded 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card (Class 10), USB MicroSD Card Reader
  • CanaKit Premium High-Gloss Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Integrated Fan Mount, CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
  • CanaKit 3.5A USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (US Plug) with Noise Filter, Set of Heat Sinks, Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K60p)
  • CanaKit USB-C PiSwitch (On/Off Power Switch for Raspberry Pi 4)

Choose the right installation command

Need Command What it installs
Default browsers and their Ubuntu system dependencies npx playwright install --with-deps Browser binaries and required operating-system packages
Chromium and its Ubuntu system dependencies npx playwright install --with-deps chromium Chromium and required operating-system packages
System dependencies for Chromium only npx playwright install-deps chromium Operating-system packages, not the browser binary
Chromium binary only npx playwright install chromium Browser binary, not the operating-system packages

The browser binary and Ubuntu system packages are separate requirements. Use --with-deps when you want Playwright to install both in one step. The command-line documentation also describes --dry-run for checking planned installation actions; on Linux, its apt-get simulation exits with a non-zero status if required packages are missing. See Playwright’s CLI documentation.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Check Ubuntu and architecture support

Playwright’s current installation requirements list Ubuntu 22.04, 24.04, and 26.04 on x86-64 and arm64. Supported releases can change, so check the requirements for the Playwright version installed in your project: Playwright installation requirements.

Rank #3
RasTech Raspberry Pi 5 8GB Kit with Active Cooler and Pi5 Case
  • 【What you Get】You will get 1*Pi 5 8GB Single Board,1*RasTech Case,1*Active Cooler,1*Screwdriver,1*Installation instructions,12-month free warranty, lifetime service, 24-hour prompt and friendly response.
  • 【More Connectors】There are two USB 3.0 ports(5Gbps simultaneously) and two USB 2.0 ports, which triple total bandwidth ,support any combination of up to two cameras or displays. Peak SD card performance is doubled through support for the SDR104 high-speed mode. It provides a smooth desktop experience for you. Offer Gigabit Ethernet and a PCIe interface, along with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0/BLE wireless capability. The RasTech Pi 5 Kit use the new 27W 5.1V 5A USB-C power connector.
  • 【 Support Dual 4Kp60 Display 】Each of the two microHDMI sockets can control a 4K display at 60 Hertz, now support HDR, offering super HD video for media streaming projects. RPi 5 is the first RPi model that comes with a PCI Express port (PCIe 2.0 x1 with 500 MB/s) to attach SSDs (requires separate M.2 HAT).
  • 【 Excellent Chips And Applications】Pi 5 is a full-size Pi computer using silicon built in-house at Pi. The RP1 “southbridge” provides the bulk of the I/O capabilities for Pi 5. Pi 5 is more friendly and convenient in the development of Internet of Things, Web development, machine identification, automatic control and other electronic equipment applications and network.
  • 【 Faster CPU, Better GPU 】 Pi 5 features a Broadcom BCM2712 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz, it delivers a 2–3× increase in CPU performance relative to RaspberryPi 4. The 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU is compatible to OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, substantial uplift in graphics performance. Pi 5 Offers lightning-fast CPU speed, a PCI Express interface, a Real Time Clock (RTC) and a power button and runs significantly cooler than Pi 4.

Use the same setup in CI

Playwright’s documented CI sequence is to install project packages, install browsers and operating-system dependencies with npx playwright install --with-deps, then run the tests. Adapt that sequence to the runtime that launches your screenshot script. Playwright notes that Linux operating-system dependencies are not cacheable; if you cache browser downloads, key the cache to the Playwright version so it does not reuse binaries for a different release. See Playwright’s CI guidance.

Troubleshoot browser installation and launch failures

The browser still fails to launch after installation

Confirm that the browser binaries were installed using the same project Playwright version that launches them. Playwright ties browser revisions to its releases; reinstall the browsers after changing the package version.

Rank #4
SANOOV Raspberry Pi 5 4GB Kit, 4GB RAM Single Board Computer with Active Cooler and ABS Case, Complete Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit for IoT Robotics Retro Gaming
  • All-in-One Complete Kit: This SANOOV RPi 5 bundle comes with Raspberry Pi 5 4GB RAM single board, active cooler, durable ABS case and screwdriver. No extra parts needed, ready to use right out of the box for beginners and hobbyists
  • Powerful Single Board Computer: Equipped with 4GB RAM and high-performance processor, delivers fast running speed for 4K playback, AI projects, programming and daily computing tasks. SANOOV for raspberry pi 5 4GB is equipped with broadcom 64 quad-core Arm Cortex A76 processor with gigabit ethernet and upgraded with IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 dual-band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz and Power Over Ethernet (POE). Upgrading delivers 2-3 x speed vs Pi 4, redefining the experience
  • Efficient Active Cooler: Effectively lowers operating temperature and prevents performance throttling. Runs quietly even under long-time heavy load, ensures stable operation all day long. SANOOV RPi 5 4GB kit offer an active cooler, which combines an aluminium heatsink with a high-performance PWM fan. Active cooler is fully compatible with the Pi OS, which can effectively reduce the temperature of RPi5 and ensure its good performance during long-term high load operation
  • Sturdy ABS Protective Case: Well-fitted for Raspberry Pi 5 board, can be secured with 4 screws to effectively protect the Pi 5 motherboard from damage, reserves full access to all ports and buttons. SANOOV uses ABS material to produce the case, which has a softer texture and feel. Meanwhile, SANOOV case adopts a layered design for easy disassembly and installation. (Tip: The Case cannot install M.2 HAT Add on Board and Solid State Drive!)
  • Wide Application & Full Compatibility: Seamlessly compatible with official OS and mainstream peripheral accessories for Raspberry Pi 5. Whether you are a beginner, student, electronics hobbyist or professional developer, this all-in-one kit meets your diverse needs. It excels in IoT projects, robotics design, retro gaming devices, home media servers and other DIY creations. Backed by a large global community, you can easily find guides, technical support and shared projects online

Installation reports missing packages or permission problems

On Linux, Playwright’s dependency installation uses apt-get. A restricted account, package policy, or network proxy may prevent package installation. Check the dry run with npx playwright install --dry-run and resolve the reported missing requirements or environment restrictions with the system administrator. The dry run can identify missing packages, but it does not install them.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

You installed dependencies but still have no browser binary

npx playwright install-deps chromium installs operating-system dependencies only. Install the browser as well with npx playwright install chromium, or use npx playwright install --with-deps chromium to do both.

Best Value
ELECROW CrowPi Case Kit for Raspberry Pi 5, 9-Inch Display
  • Not including the Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB), the Crowpi advanced version comes with the Raspberry Pi 5
  • ELECROW Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5, CrowPi is equipped with a 9-inch HD touchscreen along with a camera; All the regular components used in DIY electronics are packed into the CrowPi development board, such as LCD, LED matrix, buzzer, light sensor, PIR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, IR sensor, etc
  • Raspberry Pi Sensors: The Crowpi raspberry pi 5 programming kit is jam-packed with lots of buttons such as 19 different sensors in a tidy easy to use package; You don't have to wait and wire things
  • Build Quality: Solid ABS shell and well made components in one place make it strong and convenient to travel
  • Programming Lessons: This raspberry pi 5 learning kit ships with step by step instructions and provides 21 lessons to take you through identifying components reading code and running it in the terminal

The project runs locally but fails in CI

Make sure the CI job installs both the project packages and the browser/system dependencies before running screenshot code. If browser binaries are cached, invalidate or version the cache when Playwright changes; Linux system dependencies themselves are not cacheable according to Playwright’s CI guidance.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Or skip the browser setup

ScreenshotNeo is a website screenshot API and MCP server for developers. A single GET request can return an image or PDF, without installing Playwright on the machine that makes the request. Its clean-shot steps can accept cookie banners and remove known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets; each step can be turned off. Bot checks, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits cost nothing, and response headers indicate the page verdict and whether it was billed. AI agents can use its MCP server and the take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf tools. The free plan includes 1,000 shots a month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots. See ScreenshotNeo and its API documentation.

Example cURL request:

curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webp

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Sign up for ScreenshotNeo: get 1,000 screenshots a month free, with no card required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Playwright’s test runner to take screenshots?

No. These installation commands install browser binaries and system dependencies for Playwright; they are not limited to the test runner.

Can I use these commands on a different Linux distribution?

This guide covers Ubuntu. Check Playwright’s requirements for the specific distribution and Playwright version you use.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit PRO - Turbine Black (128GB Edition) (8GB RAM)
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit PRO - Turbine Black (128GB Edition) (8GB RAM)
Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM); CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
$259.95
Bestseller No. 2
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter PRO Kit - 4GB RAM
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter PRO Kit - 4GB RAM
Includes Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Model B with 1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB RAM); Includes Pre-Loaded 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card (Class 10), USB MicroSD Card Reader
$159.99

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.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.