Enable screenshots to capture visual proof of content changes. Screenshots are automatically attached to notifications and uploaded to your storage channels.
What Are Task Screenshots?
When enabled, Trackr automatically captures a screenshot of the tracked page during each check. Screenshots provide visual context for detected changes.
Screenshot Features
- Full-page screenshots or viewport capture
- Automatic attachment to notification emails
- Uploaded to your selected upload channels
- Stored in your task history for comparison
Benefits of Screenshots
Visual Proof
See exactly what changed on the page, not just text differences. Perfect for layout or design changes.
Historical Record
Build a visual timeline of how content evolved over time. Great for monitoring competitor changes.
Better Context
Understand changes in context. See surrounding elements and page layout along with the tracked content.
Debugging Help
Diagnose CSS selector issues by seeing what was actually captured vs. what you expected.
When to Enable Screenshots
✓ Good Use Cases
- Tracking visual changes (design, layout, images)
- Monitoring product listings with images
- Documenting price changes with context
- Creating visual reports for clients
- Archiving content for legal/compliance purposes
✗ Not Necessary For
- Simple text-only tracking
- API endpoint monitoring
- High-frequency checks (costs add up)
- Budget-constrained scenarios
Screenshot Costs
Token Cost
Screenshots cost an additional 5 tokens per check when enabled.
This is added to your base task cost, rendering costs, and upload costs.
Cost Examples
Without Screenshots
- Base cost: 10 tokens
- Server rendering: +30 tokens
- Total: 40 tokens per check
- 4 checks/day = 160 tokens/day
With Screenshots
- Base cost: 10 tokens
- Server rendering: +30 tokens
- Screenshot: +5 tokens
- Total: 45 tokens per check
- 4 checks/day = 180 tokens/day
Screenshot Configuration
Screenshots are captured using your selected rendering level settings:
Screenshot Type
Full viewport screenshot: Captures the visible browser window area (1920x1080 default resolution)
Image Format
PNG format: High-quality screenshots with lossless compression
Capture Timing
Screenshots are taken after the page fully loads and JavaScript execution completes (when rendering is enabled)
How Screenshots Are Delivered
Email Notifications
Screenshots are automatically attached to your email notifications. See exactly what changed without logging into the dashboard.
Upload Channels
When upload channels are enabled, screenshots are automatically uploaded to your configured services (Imgur, Dropbox, AWS S3, etc.)
Task History
All screenshots are stored in your task execution history, allowing you to review and compare past captures.
Screenshot Best Practices
Tip #1: Enable for Visual Content
Use screenshots when tracking product images, design changes, or any visual elements that text alone can't capture.
Tip #2: Consider Frequency
For high-frequency checks, evaluate if screenshots are necessary for every check. They add 5 tokens per execution.
Tip #3: Pair with Upload Channels
Combine screenshots with upload channels (like Imgur or Dropbox) for permanent backup and easy sharing.
Tip #4: Use for Debugging
Enable screenshots temporarily when troubleshooting CSS selector issues to see what's actually being captured.
Troubleshooting Screenshot Issues
Screenshot Shows "Loading..." or Blank
The page hasn't fully loaded before screenshot capture.
Solution: Enable Server-Side or Advanced rendering to allow JavaScript to execute
Screenshot Doesn't Match What I See
The page may look different to our servers vs. your browser.
Solution: Check device emulation settings or use Advanced rendering for better accuracy
Screenshot Not in Notification
Check your notification channel settings.
Solution: Email notifications support screenshots. Some channels may not support image attachments
Quick Decision Guide
Q: Should I enable screenshots for all tasks?
A: No, only when visual context is valuable. They cost 5 extra tokens per check.
Q: Can I view old screenshots?
A: Yes, all screenshots are stored in your task execution history.
Q: Do screenshots work without rendering?
A: Yes, but may show incomplete content on JavaScript-heavy sites.
Q: How are screenshots delivered?
A: Via email attachments, upload channels, and task history.
Next Steps
Learn how to configure notification channels to receive alerts when changes are detected.
Setup Notification Channels
