Ferndesk
Integrations

Dashboard integration

The Dashboard integration lets Fern access your product's authenticated pages to generate screenshots automatically for your documentation.

Once connected, Fern can log into your dashboard, navigate to specific pages, capture screenshots, and add visual annotations like arrows and highlights.

This integration is currently in beta. You'll need a demo or test account with appropriate access permissions.

Connecting your dashboard

Go to the Integrations page in your Ferndesk dashboard and find the Dashboard integration card. Click Connect.

Ferndesk dashboard with arrow pointing to the Integrations link in the sidebar
Dashboard integration card with arrow pointing to the Connect button

Provide three pieces of information:

  • Dashboard Name: A label to identify this dashboard (e.g., "Admin Portal" or "Staging Environment")

  • Dashboard URL: The full URL where Fern should start, such as https://app.yourproduct.com

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

Connection setup modal showing Dashboard Name, Dashboard URL, and Login Instructions fields

Writing login instructions

Be specific about button labels, field names, and exact steps. For example:

1. Click the "Sign In" button in the header
2. Enter email: [email protected]
3. Enter password: demo-password-123
4. Click "Continue"
5. If prompted for 2FA, click "Use backup code"
6. Enter backup code: 123456789

The more specific your instructions, the more reliable the automation will be.

Credentials are encrypted and stored securely. Use a dedicated demo or test account, not a personal or production admin account.

Using the integration

Once connected, ask Fern to capture screenshots when creating or updating articles:

  • "Take screenshots of the user settings page"

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

  • "Update the onboarding article with fresh screenshots"

Fern will log in using your instructions, navigate to the relevant pages, capture screenshots, and add them to your article draft for review.

Managing connections

You can connect multiple dashboards (production, staging, or different products) from the Integrations page. To edit or remove a connection, click "Manage connections" on the Dashboard card.

Learn more about how Fern uses this integration in Automate screenshots in your docs.

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