Playwright .toHaveScreenshot() vs Webshot Archive: A Comprehensive Comparison
· 6 min read
When it comes to visual regression testing, Playwright's .toHaveScreenshot() method has become a popular choice for developers. However, there's a growing need for more sophisticated screenshot management that goes beyond simple file-based storage. This is where Webshot Archive comes in, offering a centralized, team-friendly approach to visual testing.
The Core Difference: Centralized vs Distributed
Playwright's Approach
Playwright stores screenshot files directly in your Git repository alongside your test code. While this keeps everything in one place, it comes with several limitations:
- Repository Bloat: Screenshots accumulate over time, making your repository larger and slower to clone
- Limited Collaboration: Screenshots are tied to specific branches and commits, making it hard to share across teams
- Required Manual Step: Every time a developer checks in code that affects UI, they must remember to run the
--update-snapshotscommand to update baseline screenshots - Manual Git Navigation: To view screenshots across history, you must checkout branches one at a time and navigate through commits manually
Webshot Archive's Approach
Webshot Archive provides a centralized, hosted repository for all your visual regression screenshots:
- Clean Repositories: Keep your code repository focused on code, not binary assets
- Dedicated Infrastructure: Optimized storage and retrieval for screenshot data
- Global Accessibility: Team members can access screenshots regardless of their local Git state
- Easy Historical Viewing: Browse and compare screenshots across commits without checking out different branches
