Ferndesk
Automatic Screenshots

Capture screenshots for apps with magic links or Google OAuth

If your app uses magic links or Google OAuth instead of traditional passwords, Fern cannot automatically log in using the standard Dashboard integration because these authentication methods require accessing external email inboxes or OAuth providers.

Solution: Use a bypass account

Create a dedicated demo or staging account that bypasses magic link or OAuth authentication. Most apps have one of these options:

  • Development/staging environment with username/password authentication enabled

  • Test account with a backdoor password option (common in development builds)

  • Demo mode that doesn't require authentication

Check with your engineering team about test accounts or staging environments. Most apps have authentication bypass options for testing and demos.

Setting up the bypass account

Once you have access to an account with username/password authentication:

  1. Ensure the account has the right permissions to access the pages you want to document

  2. Note the exact login URL and credentials

  3. Follow the standard setup in Automate screenshots in your docs using your bypass account credentials

Use a dedicated test account, not a personal account. Credentials are encrypted but should never be for production admin access.

What if I can't create a bypass account?

If your app only supports magic links or OAuth with no workaround:

  • Capture screenshots manually and upload them to articles

  • Ask your engineering team to add a development-only password authentication option

  • Use a staging environment where authentication can be simplified

Support for magic link automation is on our roadmap. For now, bypass accounts are the most reliable solution.

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