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IE NetRenderer
Berlin, Germany
What it is
IE NetRenderer is a free web service for checking website rendering in Internet Explorer versions 11 through 5.5. It processes capture jobs in parallel and in real time, using a dedicated virtual Windows environment for each browser version. Mixed Overlay and Difference Mode compare screenshots from different Internet Explorer releases. Screenshots appear at their original size, and a ruler marks usable widths for 800x600 and 1024x768 displays. Users can enter a vertical pixel offset to capture a lower page section, or allow extra loading time for scripts and page objects. The maker says rendered images and URLs remain private, images are deleted after viewing, and requests are logged to prevent abuse. Visited sites do not receive the user's IP address, operating system, browser version, plugins, or cookies. Java and ActiveX are blocked, while JavaScript remains enabled. A Firefox extension sends the current page to the service from menus or toolbar icons. The rendering server is located in Germany.
For and against
For
- Covers Internet Explorer 11 through 5.5
- Parallel, real-time capture jobs
- Overlay and difference screenshot modes
- Optional delayed rendering
- Free plan at no cost
Against
- Java and ActiveX are blocked
- Coverage is limited to Internet Explorer desktop versions
- Requests are logged to prevent abuse
The verdict
IE NetRenderer provides focused Internet Explorer rendering checks with comparison views and capture controls at no charge. Its browser scope and blocked technologies define when it will be useful.
Who it suits
It suits web designers using Apple Mac or Linux workstations who need to inspect Internet Explorer rendering. The service is also relevant for screenshot comparison and page-position checks.
Plans and prices
Free
IE 5.5–11 screenshots · URL submission · remote rendering from Germany
Read 15 Oct 2026 · netrenderer.com
IE NetRenderer
Free service; donations welcome
Read 7 Oct 2026 · netrenderer.com
On the record
- Bandwidth
- The IE engines are stated to have 200 Mbit/s upload and download bandwidth.netrenderer.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Blocked technologies
- Java and ActiveX are blocked for security while JavaScript remains enabled.netrenderer.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Browser maintenance
- The virtual machines automatically receive Microsoft updates.netrenderer.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Browser restrictions
- Java and ActiveX are blocked for security, while JavaScript is enabled.netrenderer.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Cache clearing
- Internet Explorer caches are cleared before each rendering job so recent development changes can be checked.netrenderer.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company origin
- GEOTEK says IE NetRenderer began as a technology demonstration for its Hosted Virtual Server offering and was later released publicly after positive feedback.netrenderer.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Comparison modes
- Mixed Overlay and Difference Mode compare screenshots from different Internet Explorer versions to expose positioning differences.netrenderer.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Comparison tools
- Mixed Overlay and Difference Mode compares screenshots from different Internet Explorer versions.netrenderer.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Delayed rendering
- An optional extra-wait setting gives JavaScript and third-party page objects more time to load before capture.netrenderer.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Firefox extension
- A Firefox extension can send the currently displayed page to NetRenderer from context menus, the Extras menu or toolbar icons.netrenderer.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Free service
- The maker says the tool is completely free and asks users to donate because advertising barely covers hosting costs.netrenderer.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- German rendering location
- Pages are fetched from a high-speed datacenter in Germany rather than from the user's computer.netrenderer.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Image fidelity
- Screenshots are delivered at 100% original size and described as pixel accurate.netrenderer.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Implementation
- The backend is described as a proprietary C# application with frontend software for preprocessing, error handling, overlays and SQL job statistics.netrenderer.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent comparison feature
- PuntoGeek reported that the tool could superimpose two IE captures to show differences.puntogeek.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent description
- PuntoGeek described the service as a way to submit a URL, select IE 5.5, 6 or 7, and receive a screenshot.puntogeek.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent legacy coverage
- A JavaScript testing book identifies IE NetRenderer as a no-price tool covering IE versions 5.5 through 11.digitalbreakdown.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent research classification
- A cross-browser testing survey lists IE NetRenderer among services that screenshot a specified URL under selected browser and platform combinations.dspace.ut.ee · read 15 Oct 2026
