Ferndesk
Automatic Screenshots

Automate screenshots in your docs

Fern can log into your product's dashboard and capture annotated screenshots for your documentation using the Dashboard integration.

She'll navigate your authenticated pages, takes screenshots, and adds visual annotations like arrows pointing to buttons or menu items.

How it works

Once connected, Fern can:

  • Log in automatically using your provided instructions

  • Navigate to specific pages or flows

  • Capture screenshots at key moments

  • Add visual annotations (arrows, highlights)

Plan availability

Automated screenshots are currently available on all plans while in beta.

For the full plan overview, see Ferndesk pricing and plans.

This integration is currently in beta.

You'll need a demo or test account for your dashboard with the appropriate access level. Make sure you know the exact login steps.

Setting up the Dashboard integration

Navigate to the Integrations page and locate the Dashboard integration card. Click the Connect button.

Dashboard integration card with the Connect button highlighted

Provide three pieces of information:

  • Name: A label to identify this dashboard (e.g., "Our Admin Portal")

  • URL: The full URL where Fern should start (e.g., "https://app.yourproduct.com")

  • Login steps: Step-by-step instructions for logging in

Connection setup modal showing the Name, URL, and Login steps fields

Writing login instructions

Be specific about button labels and form field names. For example:

1. Click the "Sign In" button in the header
2. Enter email in the "Email Address" field: [email protected]
3. Enter password in the "Password" field: your-demo-password
4. Click the "Continue" button
5. If prompted for 2FA, click "Use backup code"
6. Enter backup code: 123456789

The more specific you are, the more reliable the automation will be.

Login credentials are encrypted and stored securely. Use a dedicated demo or test account rather than a personal or production admin account.

Edit screenshots after insertion

After Fern inserts screenshots into an article, you can open them in the image editor to crop or add further annotations before publishing. See Edit images in the article editor.

Using the integration

Ask Fern to capture screenshots when creating or updating articles:

  • "Take screenshots of the user settings page in my Admin Portal"

  • "Document the API key creation flow with annotated screenshots"

  • "Update the onboarding article with fresh screenshots from staging"

Verifying the automation works

After connecting your dashboard, test the integration by asking Fern to create or update an article with screenshots:

Hey Fern, Create a "How to reset your password" article with screenshots from my dashboard

Check the article draft Fern creates. A successful test includes:

  • Screenshots appear embedded in the draft

  • Images show the correct pages from your dashboard

  • Annotations (arrows, highlights) point to relevant elements

Start with simple single-page screenshots before asking Fern to document complex multi-step flows.

Troubleshooting

Login failed or Login required

Fern couldn't log in using your instructions. Common causes:

  • Vague button labels ("Click the login button" instead of "Click 'Sign In'")

  • Missing field names ("Enter email" instead of "Enter email in the 'Email Address' field")

  • Incorrect credentials or expired demo account

Edit your connection and make the login instructions more specific. Use exact button text and field labels from your dashboard.

If your dashboard uses magic links or email verification, Ferndesk can automate the flow using a generated email address. See Magic link screenshots for setup instructions.

OAuth login (Google, GitHub, etc.)

Third-party OAuth providers can't be automated. Workarounds:

  • Set up a demo account with email/password login

  • Configure a staging environment that bypasses OAuth

  • Manually capture screenshots and attach them to your Fern tasks

Managing connections

Connect multiple dashboards (production, staging, different products) from the Integrations page. To edit or remove a connection, select the Dashboard connection from the Integrations list and click "Manage," then use "Edit configuration" or "Disconnect."

Was this helpful?
Was this helpful?