Screenshot API CLI tools

Screenshot API CLI tools by Shotbot offer command-line utilities for capturing website screenshots directly from the terminal. Designed for integration into developer workflows, these tools allow users to generate screenshots with a single command, making them suitable for use in pipelines, Makefiles, or interactive prompts. js, each distributed as a single open-source file under the MIT license, with installation options via pip, npm, or curl. They run on Linux, macOS, BSD, and Windows (with support dependent on the runtime), and require no additional runtime dependencies beyond the language environment itself.

Each client maintains its own configuration and API key in a dedicated config file within the user's home directory, allowing multiple language clients to coexist without interference. The CLI interface is standardized across clients, with consistent flags, exit codes, and configuration formats. On first use, the tool prompts for an API key, which is stored securely. The CLI is localized in English and supports persistent defaults, enabling users to set and reuse preferred capture settings without retyping flags for each command.

Capture options include specifying the target URL, output format (jpg, png, webp, avif, or pdf), viewport size, output size, wait time after page load, aspect ratio, full-page capture, JavaScript disabling, color scheme, and high-DPI rendering. PDF captures allow further customization such as page size, margins, scaling, and orientation. Captures are private by default, saved to the local directory, and not published unless explicitly requested via the --cdn flag, which makes the screenshot available at a permanent public URL. Server-side copies are automatically purged after a short retention period for privacy.

Advanced features for Shotbot Pro users include options to handle cookie banners, scroll before capture, block ads, crop by height, capture specific elements via CSS selectors, provide HTTP Basic authentication credentials, and select rendering regions for geolocated screenshots. The CLI tools are designed to work seamlessly in CI/CD environments, supporting environment variables for API keys and ANSI color control, and provide clear exit codes for integration with automated workflows.