BrowserCat can run the browser session for a daily screenshot, but the reviewed BrowserCat quick start does not document a built-in daily scheduler. Write a Playwright script that connects to BrowserCat, captures the page, and saves or delivers the image; then configure a separate scheduler to run that script each day.
What you need to schedule a daily capture
- A BrowserCat account and API key for its cloud browser connection.
- A JavaScript runtime with
playwright-coreinstalled. - A daily scheduler that can run your script, such as a cron-capable host or a dedicated scheduling service.
- A destination and retention policy for the resulting image files.
BrowserCat’s quick start documents connecting a Playwright script to its cloud browser and taking a screenshot. It does not show a BrowserCat cron or schedule setting. Treat the browser, recurring trigger, and archive as separate parts of the workflow.
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Build a Playwright script that connects to BrowserCat
The example below follows the documented cloud connection pattern. It uses environment variables for the API key and target URL, and gives each file a UTC date in its name. It is an illustrative adaptation, not a tested recipe.
import * as pw from 'playwright-core';
async function run() {
const browser = await pw.chromium.connect(
'wss://api.browsercat.com/connect',
{ headers: { 'Api-Key': process.env.BROWSERCAT_API_KEY } }
);
try {
const page = await browser.newPage();
await page.goto(process.env.TARGET_URL);
await page.waitForLoadState();
await page.screenshot({ path: `screenshots/site-${new Date().toISOString().slice(0, 10)}.png`, fullPage: true });
} finally {
await browser.close();
}
}
run().catch(error => { console.error(error); process.exitCode = 1; });Install the dependency in your project with npm install playwright-core. Set BROWSERCAT_API_KEY and TARGET_URL in the runtime’s environment or secret store before running the script. Do not commit the API key to a public repository.
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Choose capture scope intentionally: fullPage: true captures the whole document; omit it or set it to false for a viewport capture. Keep the viewport and other capture settings consistent if you plan to compare images over time. If the page is dynamic, wait for the specific content you need rather than assuming navigation completion means every component is ready.
Configure a daily trigger separately
For a conventional five-field cron parser, 0 6 * * * means minute 0 of hour 6 every day. Cron syntax and timezone behavior vary by scheduler, so check the host’s documentation, configured timezone, and displayed next run before enabling it. Account for daylight-saving changes if the capture must occur at a particular local time.
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- Deploy the script to a runtime that can reach BrowserCat’s WebSocket endpoint and can write to your chosen destination.
- Configure its API key and target URL as runtime secrets or environment settings.
- Create a daily job that invokes the script. Set the intended timezone and inspect the next scheduled execution.
- Run one manual capture, verify the output, then enable the recurring trigger.
Choose a destination and stable naming scheme
A local file is sufficient for a small job, but a recurring archive needs a durable destination and an access policy. The sample writes to a local screenshots directory; create that directory before running it, or modify the script to write to your configured storage destination. Use a predictable path containing a page identifier and capture date, and decide how long to retain files.
If captures include authenticated or otherwise sensitive content, restrict access to the output and review whether storing or capturing that page is permitted. For evidence or compliance workflows, preserve the capture time and region in the folder structure or metadata so later reviewers can interpret the image.
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Keep screenshots useful for comparison
- Use the same capture scope each day: viewport, full page, or a specific element.
- Keep viewport and relevant browser settings fixed.
- Wait for the content that matters, especially when it loads after navigation.
- Expect some variation: page content, ads, timestamps, and other dynamic elements can change between runs.
- Record enough date and region information to make the archive interpretable.
BrowserCat plus a scheduler or a hosted scheduled service?
| Workflow | What it provides | Trade-off to consider |
|---|---|---|
| BrowserCat plus a scheduler you operate | A custom Playwright script runs in BrowserCat’s managed cloud browser; the scheduler and archive are configured separately. | You control capture logic, but are responsible for maintaining the script, scheduler timezone, and storage. |
| A hosted scheduled screenshot service, such as Add Screenshots | Its guide documents daily or custom cron schedules, reusable capture settings, and delivery options including S3, Azure, Google Cloud Storage, Cloudflare R2, FTP, webhooks, and email. | Compare setup effort, capture settings, timezone controls, destinations, and current pricing and terms. These are service capabilities, not BrowserCat features. |
The Add Screenshots guide describes scheduled capture and delivery; BrowserCat’s homepage describes managed cloud browser execution and usage-based pricing. The available information does not establish a neutral price or performance comparison between them.
Troubleshooting scheduled captures
The script cannot connect
Check that the scheduler supplies BROWSERCAT_API_KEY, that the value is valid, and that the runtime can connect to wss://api.browsercat.com/connect. Keep the key in the scheduler’s secret or configuration facility rather than embedding it in source code.
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The screenshot is blank or missing page content
Confirm the target URL is correct and that navigation completes. If important content appears asynchronously, wait for a selector associated with that content or add an appropriate wait before capture. A generic load-state wait may not cover every page’s dynamic behavior.
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The scheduled time is wrong
Inspect the scheduler’s timezone setting and next-run display. Do not assume the cron expression is interpreted in your local timezone; implementations differ, and daylight-saving transitions can shift local-time expectations.
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The image is overwritten or the archive is incomplete
Use a dated filename and verify the destination is writable by the scheduled runtime. If the script runs in an ephemeral environment, move the output to durable storage rather than assuming a local file will persist.
The image changes from day to day
First check whether the website itself changed. Then confirm the capture scope, viewport, waits, and other relevant settings are stable. A scheduled screenshot records each run; it cannot guarantee identical page content.
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