What is screenshotlayer?
Screenshotlayer is a lighweight REST API built to deliver high quality PNG, JPEG & GIF website screenshots at unparalleled speeds and through a simple interface. Its architecture is focused on ease of use and integration, making for a high level of compatibility with any application, framework and programming language.
Who runs the screenshotlayer API?
The screenshotlayer API is a product built and maintained by apilayer, a technology company aiming to build a variety of reliable and essential data interfaces (APIs) and make them affordable for both startups and larger companies. apilayer GmbH is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
How does the screenshotlayer rendering engine work?
In order to ensure the highest possible level of image resolution, our API relies on a powerful rendering engine capable of processing, storing and returning all sorts of website content within just a few seconds. Each screenshot is assigned to a separate and unique server entity, allowing us to provide an unparalleled level of image quality and speed for each API request, even when capturing the full height and width of a website.
Does the API support Graphs, Canvas, Webfonts or CSS3?
Yes, our rendering engine is capable of processing all of the above. You can simply try it out by capturing a screenshot of a website using webfonts, a site using CSS3, and so on.
What are "dedicated workers"?
Pricing is based on a subscription plan's monthly screenshot request volume, supported features and the number of "dedicated workers" provided. A "dedicated worker" refers to a unique server entity being assigned the task of capturing one screenshot only. Subsequently, if your subscription plan features 10 dedicated workers, our API enables you to capture, process and store 10 concurrent website snapshots at the same time.
Each of the mentioned server entities works independently, allowing us to provide you with the highest possible processing speed for each API request you make.
How do I get an API Access Key?
Every registered user is assigned a personal Access Key, a unique "password" that can be used to access and query the screenshotlayer API. If you are logged in, you can find it in your Account Dashboard and in all interactive links contained in the API's Documentation.
In your Account Dashboard you can reset your Access Key at any given time.
In order to make an API Request, you are required to attach your Access Key to the API's base URL, e.g: http://api.screenshotlayer.com/api/capture?access_key=YOUR_ACCESS_KEY
What happens if I exceed my API Request volume?
Users will be automatically notified via e-mail and on their Account Dashboard once at least 75%, 90%, and 100% of their monthly API Request allowance has been reached. After reaching 100% of the allowance, overages fees will apply so we make sure you won’t experience any disruptions and your website/application will keep running smoothly. You can learn more about overages billing here.
What is the API's uptime?
The screenshotlayer API's system status is being closely monitored around the clock. Since every effort is made to ensure the highest possible level of consistency, we are happy to announce that our API's uptime is at around 99.9%. At the current stage we are not offering any public statistics, but we will be happy to provide you with recent uptime reports - ask us »
Which image output formats are supported?
Using the API's format parameter, you may request the screenshotlayer API to output your snapshot in three different file formats: PNG (default), JPEG or GIF.
See the API's Documentation for details.
Can I set custom HTTP headers?
Yes. You may request both HTTP User-Agent and Accept-Language headers.
Are there any direct options to export my snapshots?
Yes. You may request the API to pass your snapshots on to an AWS S3 Bucket or to a custom FTP path of your choice.
See the API's Documentation for details.
Can I request thumbnails?
Yes. Using the API's width parameter, you may generate a thumbnail of the target URL using a custom width (in pixels).
See the API's Documentation for details.
Can I set a custom period for my snapshots to be cached?
Yes. By default, website screenshots are cached for 2,592,000 seconds (30 days). Using the API's ttl parameter, you may specify a custom TTL (time-to-live) lower than 2,592,000 seconds.
See the API's Documentation for details.
Can I specify a capturing delay to let animations/effects finish loading?
Yes. Using the API's delay parameter, you may request the API to wait for a specified of seconds before capturing your screenshot.
See the API's Documentation for details.
What is the difference between Free and Paid Subscriptions?
The Free Plan is set out to be a "trial version" without a time limit, offering a volume of 100 monthly snapshots and a limited set of features.
Paid Subscription Plans feature significantly higher API Request volumes, ensure secure datastreams via 256-bit HTTPS Encryption, include unlimited and prioritised technical support, and offer a variety of must-have API functionalities.
Which Subscription Plan fits my needs?
In order to test the API and to get an idea of the product, you can simply sign up for the Free Plan.
As soon as you or your application requires more than 100 snapshots per month and more professional API functionality, you would be well-advised to sign up for one of the paid Subscription Plans, starting at only USD 19.99 per month, or at up to 15% Discount - if you decide to pay anually.
Which payment methods are supported?
Payments can be made via Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Diner's Club). You can change your payment method at any given time in the Payment section of your Account Dashboard.
Can I also pay yearly?
Yes. If you choose annual billing, the total price of your subscription plan will be up to 15% lower than the total amount you would pay with a monthly payment frequency.
How do I cancel/downgrade?
You can initiate a cancellation or downgrade by selecting a new plan and providing at least one reason for your decision. The customer service team will cancel or downgrade your plan. Downgrades are not effective immediately; your premium subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing period.
How do I cancel/downgrade?
You can initiate a cancellation or downgrade by selecting a new plan and providing at least one reason for your decision. The customer service team will cancel or downgrade your plan. Downgrades are not effective immediately; your premium subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing period.
How do I change between monthly and yearly billing?
To change your subscription from monthly to yearly billing, submit a request on the Contact Us page on the website following these steps:
Step 1: Sign in to your account
Step 2: Go to Contact Us page
Step 3: Fill out the form and choose the “Sales” category for this request.
Step 4: In the text box, include your specific request for example “Change from Monthly to Yearly subscription.”
What is included in Platinum Support?
Platinum Support includes dedicated account management, priority bug fixes, and access to exclusive support resources. It ensures you receive top-tier assistance for any issues you encounter, helping you maintain and optimize your system performance.
How much does Platinum Support cost?
The cost of Platinum Support varies depending on your subscription plan:
- Standard Plan: $479.88 billed annually
- Professional Plan: $599.88 billed annually
- Professional Plus Plan: $719.88 billed annually
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing billed annually
How do I select Platinum Support when purchasing a plan?
When you select a pricing plan, the Platinum Support option is automatically checked. You will see a checkbox next to “Include Platinum Support” with the corresponding annual price. You can uncheck this box if you do not wish to include Platinum Support.
How does Platinum Support appear on my invoice?
When you select Platinum Support, your invoice will display “Selected: [Your Plan] + Platinum Support.” The total amount charged will include the cost of your chosen plan and the annual fee for Platinum Support. For example, if you select the Professional Plan, your invoice will read “$59.99/month + $599.88/year for Platinum Support.”
Can existing customers upgrade to include Platinum Support?
Yes, existing customers can upgrade their plans to include Platinum Support. The option will be automatically checked when viewing available plans, showing the respective annual fee for Platinum Support. You can select or unselect this option as needed.
How is the billing period for Platinum Support handled?
The billing period for Platinum Support is annual. When you purchase Platinum Support, the renewal date will be one year from the purchase date. Your invoice will show the purchase date, renewal date, and the total annual amount for Platinum Support.
Can I opt out of Platinum Support during the purchase process?
Yes, Platinum Support is an optional service, you can uncheck the Platinum Support bo
Can I switch back to standard support after upgrading to Platinum Support?
Yes, you can switch back to standard support at any time. However, the change will take effect at the start of your next billing cycle. Contact our support team to adjust your plan.
Any more questions?