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How to Run ScreenshotMachine in GitHub Actions (Using curl)

A practical GitHub Actions workflow for calling ScreenshotMachine’s API with curl, protecting the customer key and saving the returned screenshot.
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You can call ScreenshotMachine from a GitHub Actions workflow with a shell step that sends a GET request to its screenshot API using curl. The official material cited here documents an HTTP API and a curl example, not a separate ScreenshotMachine CLI executable. The workflow below keeps the customer key in a GitHub Actions secret and writes the returned image to a file.

What this workflow does

ScreenshotMachine’s documented terminal pattern sends a request to its screenshot API at https://api.screenshotmachine.com, passing a customer key and target page URL, then redirects the response into an image file. In Actions, the same request can run in a hosted Ubuntu job. Treat the YAML below as an adapted example, not a vendor-confirmed or repository-tested workflow.

It uses url and key, which the API example identifies as required, plus sample capture options for dimensions, device, format, cache, delay and zoom. Check the current API reference for accepted values before changing them.

Set up the API key as an Actions secret

  1. In your GitHub repository, open Settings → Secrets and variables → Actions.
  2. Select New repository secret, name it SCREENSHOTMACHINE_KEY, and enter the customer key from your ScreenshotMachine account.
  3. Save the workflow below as .github/workflows/screenshot.yml. GitHub documents workflow variables and environment configuration in its Actions variables guide.

The secret is mapped only to the request step’s environment. Do not put the key directly in checked-in YAML or print it in a command or log. GitHub’s workflow structure and syntax are documented here.

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Workflow: request and save a screenshot

name: Capture website screenshot
on:
  workflow_dispatch:
jobs:
  screenshot:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - name: Request screenshot
        env:
          SCREENSHOTMACHINE_KEY: ${{ secrets.SCREENSHOTMACHINE_KEY }}
        run: |
          curl -fGs "https://api.screenshotmachine.com" 
            --data-urlencode "key=$SCREENSHOTMACHINE_KEY" 
            --data-urlencode "url=https://example.com" 
            --data-urlencode "dimension=1366x768" 
            --data-urlencode "device=desktop" 
            --data-urlencode "format=png" 
            --data-urlencode "cacheLimit=0" 
            --data-urlencode "delay=2000" 
            --data-urlencode "zoom=100" 
            > screenshot.png

Run it from the repository’s Actions tab by selecting Capture website screenshot, then Run workflow. This example writes screenshot.png on the runner. It does not persist the file after the job ends; add an artifact-upload step if you need to download or retain it. The sample does not pin an action version because the request itself needs no third-party action.

Why these curl flags matter

  • -G sends the parameters as a GET request, matching the API example.
  • -s suppresses curl’s progress meter in workflow logs.
  • -f makes curl return a failure status for an HTTP error rather than treating an error response as a successful transfer. It does not by itself verify that a successful response contains a valid image.
  • --data-urlencode safely encodes parameter values such as the page URL.
  • The shell redirection saves response bytes to the named file.

Adjust the capture options

The API example includes the following optional parameters. Their exact accepted values can depend on the current API, so use the vendor reference rather than assuming every value shown here is exhaustive.

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Parameter Example value Purpose
dimension 1366x768 Sets the requested screenshot dimensions. The vendor example also shows a full-height form such as 1366xfull; confirm current accepted values before relying on it.
device desktop Selects a device rendering profile.
format png Requests the output image format.
cacheLimit 0 Sets the cache limit option in the request. Confirm the API’s current semantics for this value.
delay 2000 Sets a capture delay in the request; confirm the expected unit and allowed range in the current API reference.
zoom 100 Sets the requested zoom value.

To capture a page after it has rendered more content, adjust the relevant supported options rather than assuming a longer delay fixes every page. Dynamic pages can depend on scripts, authentication, network conditions or bot protections that this sample does not configure.

Keep the output after the job

A runner’s local files are not a durable repository artifact. To make the generated file available after a successful run, add an artifact-upload action after the request step and configure it to include screenshot.png. Consult GitHub’s current action documentation for the action name, version and retention settings you choose; this API example alone does not define them.

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  • 【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.

curl step or language SDK?

The direct curl approach keeps setup small: the runner makes one HTTP request, and the shell controls the output path and failure behavior. A language SDK or custom script can be a better fit if the surrounding job already uses that language or needs application-specific request construction and file processing. ScreenshotMachine’s official materials include API examples and language-specific sample repositories, but the sources cited here do not establish current SDK package versions or a vendor-provided GitHub Action; see its GitHub organization for its repositories.

Troubleshooting

Request fails because the key is empty or rejected

  • Check that the repository secret is named exactly SCREENSHOTMACHINE_KEY and that the workflow maps that same name into the step environment.
  • Confirm the stored value is the account’s customer key. Keep it secret; do not add diagnostic commands that echo it.

Workflow reports success but the file is missing afterward

The example saves the image on the runner, not in GitHub’s artifact store. Add an artifact-upload step if you need a downloadable output, and confirm that its path matches screenshot.png.

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curl exits successfully but the output is not a usable image

-f fails on HTTP error status codes, but it does not inspect the response body for image validity. Check the response and the API’s current error behavior, then verify the file type before using it downstream. Do not assume a created file is a valid capture merely because the shell step completed.

The capture has the wrong dimensions or misses page content

Review the requested dimension, device, delay and zoom against the current API reference. The vendor example includes those options but does not establish every accepted value or guarantee that a fixed delay will handle a particular site’s rendering behavior.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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The YAML does not start or the trigger is unavailable

Confirm the file is under .github/workflows/, uses valid YAML indentation, and that the workflow trigger is enabled for the repository. This example uses workflow_dispatch, which is intended for manual runs from the Actions interface.

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Or skip the browser setup

ScreenshotNeo is a website screenshot API and MCP server; a single GET request can return an image or PDF. It can accept cookie or consent banners before capture and remove more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups and chat widgets; each of those steps can be turned off. Bot checks, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads and cache hits are not billed, with response headers reporting the page verdict and billing status. Its MCP server exposes screenshot tools for AI agents, including Claude, Cursor and other MCP clients. The Free plan includes 1,000 shots per month without a card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots. See the ScreenshotNeo API documentation.

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

Sign up for ScreenshotNeo’s free plan: 1,000 screenshots a month, no card required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ScreenshotMachine provide an official GitHub Action for this workflow?

The official material cited here documents the HTTP API and curl request pattern; it does not establish a vendor-provided GitHub Action.

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

Can I run the capture automatically instead of manually?

Yes. Change the workflow trigger to an appropriate supported GitHub Actions event or schedule; this example uses a manual workflow-dispatch trigger.

Quick Recap

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Logitech Brio 101 Full HD 1080p Webcam for Streaming and Meetings - Black
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Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode; Built-In Mic: The built-in microphone lets others hear you clearly during video calls
$24.99
SaleBestseller No. 2
Logitech C270 720p Webcam Plug-and-Play Wide Screen Video Calling - Black
Logitech C270 720p Webcam Plug-and-Play Wide Screen Video Calling - Black
Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
$16.04
SaleBestseller No. 5
Logitech C920x HD Pro PC Webcam Full 1080p/30fps Video - Black
Logitech C920x HD Pro PC Webcam Full 1080p/30fps Video - Black
Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode; Fully compatible with Windows 11
$54.99

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.

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