Suggest an editImprove this articleRefine the answer for “What tools are used for visual testing?”. Your changes go to moderation before they’re published.Approval requiredContentWhat you’re changing🇺🇸EN🇺🇦UAPreviewTitle (EN)Short answer (EN)Visual testing uses tools that automatically take screenshots of the interface, save a "reference," compare new changes against it and show a diff when differences appear. **Key point:** there are three groups of solutions: open-source (BackstopJS, Jest Image Snapshot), browser automation tools (Playwright, Puppeteer, Cypress) and enterprise-level cloud platforms (Percy, Applitools, Chromatic).Shown above the full answer for quick recall.Answer (EN)ImageVisual testing uses tools that can automatically **take screenshots of the interface, save a "reference," compare new changes against it, and show a diff if differences appear**. In practice, several groups of solutions are used, from local open-source tools to cloud services. --- ### **1) Tools for snapshots and comparison (open-source)** | Tool | Feature | | --- | --- | | **Jest Image Snapshot** | a Jest extension, pixel-by-pixel screenshot comparison | | **BackstopJS** | a popular visual regression tester, runs on Puppeteer/Playwright | | **Reg-Suit** | produces visual diffs and integrates with CI/CD | | **Percy CLI (OSS part)** | the Percy engine, can be used locally | Used when full control and local infrastructure are needed. --- ### **2) Browser automation tools (on their own + screenshots)** | Tool | What it does | | --- | --- | | **Playwright** | can render pages, take screenshots and compare them | | **Puppeteer** | takes screenshots in headless Chrome, works as a base for visual tests | | **Cypress** | E2E tests + the option of visual snapshots via plugins | They define a scenario (for example, "go to the page → click the button → take a snapshot"). --- ### **3) Cloud platforms (enterprise level)** | Tool | Strong side | | --- | --- | | **Percy (BrowserStack)** | baseline storage, smart diffs, excellent CI integration | | **Applitools Eyes** | AI-based visual comparison (not just pixel-by-pixel) | | **Chromatic (for Storybook)** | ideal for component libraries and design systems | These services are especially useful for large projects and teams. --- ### **Summary by category** | Type | When it fits | | --- | --- | | **Open-source (BackstopJS, Jest Image Snapshot)** | for local control, small and medium projects | | **Playwright / Cypress** | when E2E tests already exist and a visual layer is needed | | **Percy / Applitools / Chromatic** | for large projects and CI processes with team development |For the reviewerNote to the moderator (optional)Visible only to the moderator. Helps review go faster.