How do I download reports from PageSpeed Insights?

To download reports from PageSpeed Insights, you have several methods depending on whether you prefer a file download, a shareable link, or programmatic access. The most direct way to get a report file (like JSON or HTML) is through Chrome Developer Tools.

Here's a breakdown of how to obtain your PageSpeed Insights reports:

Downloading Reports via Chrome Developer Tools (Lighthouse)

For a comprehensive, file-based report, especially for developers and those needing detailed data, using the built-in Lighthouse tool within Chrome Developer Tools is ideal. PageSpeed Insights itself is powered by Lighthouse.

Open Chrome Developer Tools:
- Open your Chrome browser.
- Navigate to the webpage you wish to analyze.
- Right-click anywhere on the page and select "Inspect" or press F12 (Windows/Linux) / Cmd + Opt + I (macOS).
Go to the Lighthouse Tab:
- In the Developer Tools panel, click on the "Lighthouse" tab (this was previously named "Audits" before Chrome 83).
Generate the Report:
- Click "Generate report" or "Analyze page load."
- Configure your desired categories (e.g., Performance, Accessibility) and device type (Mobile or Desktop).
- Wait for the analysis to complete.
Download the Report File:
- Once the report is generated, you will see the results displayed in the Lighthouse panel.
- Look for a button or icon, typically located in the top-left part of the Lighthouse panel, that allows you to download the report.
- You will usually have options to save the report as a:
  - JSON file: This provides a structured data format, useful for programmatic analysis or integration.
  - HTML file: This offers a user-friendly, interactive, and visually complete version of the report that can be viewed offline in any web browser.

Accessing and Saving Reports from the PageSpeed Insights Website

When you use the official PageSpeed Insights web interface, the report itself is presented as a dynamic webpage. While there isn't a direct "download" button for a file like PDF, you can easily save or share the results.

Sharing the Report URL

The simplest way to share a report generated on the PageSpeed Insights website is by sharing its unique URL.

Run an Analysis: Go to PageSpeed Insights and enter the URL of the webpage you want to analyze, then click "Analyze."
Copy the URL: Once the analysis is complete, the URL in your browser's address bar will reflect the specific report (e.g., https://pagespeed.web.dev/report?url=yourwebsite.com).
Share: Copy this URL and share it with anyone; they will be able to view the exact report you generated.

Printing to PDF

You can "download" a static, visual snapshot of the report as a PDF document using your browser's print functionality.

Generate Report: Follow step 1 from "Sharing the Report URL."
Open Print Dialog: Press Ctrl + P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + P (macOS).
Save as PDF: In the print dialog box, change the destination or printer to "Save as PDF" (or a similar option).
Save: Click "Save" and choose a location on your computer to save the PDF file. This will capture the entire visible report page into a static document.

Copying Specific Data

If you only need specific metrics or sections, you can manually copy the text or screenshots from the web interface.

Programmatic Access via PageSpeed Insights API

For automated testing, large-scale data collection, or integration into continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, Google offers the PageSpeed Insights API.

Access the API: The API allows you to programmatically request performance data for any URL.
Receive JSON Data: The API returns raw performance data in JSON format, which can then be parsed and integrated into custom dashboards or reporting tools.
Learn More: For detailed documentation and usage instructions, refer to the official PageSpeed Insights API documentation.

Choose the method that best suits your needs, whether it's a developer-focused file download, easy sharing of a web report, or advanced programmatic integration.