IE NetRenderer
IE NetRenderer checks how websites appear in Internet Explorer versions 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, and 5.5.
What IE NetRenderer is
IE NetRenderer checks how websites appear in Internet Explorer versions 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, and 5.5. Capture jobs run in parallel and in real time, each in a dedicated virtual Windows environment for the relevant browser version. Users can compare screenshots with Mixed Overlay or Difference Mode, view them at original size, and use a ruler marking usable widths for 800x600 and 1024x768 displays. A vertical pixel offset captures a lower section of a page, while an optional delay gives scripts and page objects more time to load. The maker describes it as suited to web designers using Apple Mac and Linux workstations. A Firefox extension can send the current page to the service from its context menu, Extra menu, or toolbar icons. Java and ActiveX are blocked, while JavaScript is enabled. The maker says rendered images and URLs are private, images are deleted after users see them, and requests are logged to prevent abuse. It also says visited websites do not receive the user's IP address, operating system, browser version, plugins, or cookies. The service is free, available on the web and as an extension, and its rendering server is located in Germany.
Good
- Checks seven listed Internet Explorer versions.
- Screenshot comparison includes overlay and difference modes.
- Capture position and rendering delay can be adjusted.
- Free service with a Firefox extension.
Watch out
- Java and ActiveX are blocked.
- Coverage is focused on Internet Explorer versions listed.
Who it suits
IE NetRenderer suits web designers who need to check legacy Internet Explorer rendering, including those working on Mac or Linux workstations. It can also help users compare screenshots or capture a lower page section.
Verdict
IE NetRenderer focuses on inspecting pages in older Internet Explorer versions, with screenshot comparison and adjustable capture options. Its free web and extension access may suit designers checking those specific renderings.
Plans and prices
From IE NetRenderer's own pricing page, checked 15 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | IE 5.5–11 screenshots · URL submission · remote rendering from Germany · No charge; donations invited |
| IE NetRenderer | Free | Free service; donations welcome |
The facts
Each one read from IE NetRenderer's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Bandwidth
- The IE engines are stated to have 200 Mbit/s upload and download bandwidth.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Blocked technologies
- Java and ActiveX are blocked for security while JavaScript remains enabled.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Cache clearing
- Internet Explorer caches are cleared before each rendering job so recent development changes can be checked.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Comparison modes
- Mixed Overlay and Difference Mode compare screenshots from different Internet Explorer versions to expose positioning differences.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Comparison tools
- Mixed Overlay and Difference Mode compares screenshots from different Internet Explorer versions.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Delayed rendering
- An optional extra-wait setting gives JavaScript and third-party page objects more time to load before capture.checked 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.checked 15 Oct 2026
- German rendering location
- Pages are fetched from a high-speed datacenter in Germany rather than from the user's computer.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Image fidelity
- Screenshots are delivered at 100% original size and described as pixel accurate.checked 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.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Independent comparison feature
- PuntoGeek reported that the tool could superimpose two IE captures to show differences.checked 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.checked 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.checked 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.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes the tool as suited to web designers using Apple Mac and Linux workstations.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Limit: manual process
- The survey characterizes this class of tools as requiring human checking and making the quality process ad hoc.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: narrow scope
- The survey places IE NetRenderer among tools focused on screenshot-based checking rather than broad behavioral cross-browser testing.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: no automated comparison
- The same survey says screenshot services including IE NetRenderer do not provide automatic comparison, leaving substantial manual work for testers.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: no interactive inspection
- The Stack Overflow discussion distinguishes NetRenderer's screenshots from interactive IE testing with inspector or source-editing tools.checked 15 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Browser maintenance
- The virtual machines automatically receive Microsoft updates.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Browser restrictions
- Java and ActiveX are blocked for security, while JavaScript is enabled.checked 7 Oct 2026
The company
- 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.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Berlin, Germanychecked 28 Sep 2026
Money
- Free service
- The maker says the tool is completely free and asks users to donate because advertising barely covers hosting costs.checked 15 Oct 2026
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