The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Use Puppeteer’s page.tracing.start() and page.tracing.stop() around the navigation or interaction you want to inspect. Supply a path to save the trace as a file, then open it in Chrome DevTools or another timeline viewer. A performance trace is diagnostic timeline data, not a video recording.
Record a trace to a file
Install Puppeteer in a Node.js project, then create a page and bracket the activity you want captured:
const puppeteer = require('puppeteer');
(async () => {
const browser = await puppeteer.launch();
try {
const page = await browser.newPage();
await page.tracing.start({ path: 'trace.json' });
await page.goto('https://www.example.com', { waitUntil: 'networkidle0' });
await page.tracing.stop();
} finally {
await browser.close();
}
})();This saves the trace to trace.json in the process’s current working directory. The interval between start() and stop() is what gets traced, so start immediately before the navigation or user-like action you need to study and stop when that bounded activity is complete. The waitUntil option above controls when Puppeteer considers navigation complete; it is not a tracing option.
Choose trace output and options
The TracingOptions API documents these controls:
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
path |
Writes trace data to this file. If omitted, Puppeteer does not write a file; use the value returned by tracing.stop() instead. |
categories |
Chooses tracing categories to include or exclude. Prefix a category with - to exclude it. |
screenshots |
Controls whether screenshots are captured with the trace. The documented default is false. |
bufferSize |
Sets the trace buffer size in kilobytes. The reference says Chromium uses 200 MB (200,000 KB) when this is unspecified or zero. |
For example, the following enables trace screenshots and excludes a category. Replace the category name with one relevant to your investigation; available categories depend on Chromium:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
await page.tracing.start({
path: 'trace.json',
screenshots: true,
categories: ['devtools.timeline', '-disabled-by-default-devtools.timeline']
});Capture the trace in memory instead of a file
When you omit path, page.tracing.stop() can return trace bytes as a Uint8Array. Save those bytes yourself if needed:
const fs = require('node:fs/promises');
await page.tracing.start();
await page.goto('https://www.example.com');
const trace = await page.tracing.stop();
if (trace) {
await fs.writeFile('trace.json', trace);
}The API types the stop result as Promise<Uint8Array | undefined>; check for a value before writing it. When you do provide a path, Puppeteer writes the trace there.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Inspect and interpret the trace
Puppeteer’s tracing documentation says the resulting trace can be opened in Chrome DevTools or a timeline viewer. Use the timeline to investigate page activity associated with the performance issue you are diagnosing. Recording supplies evidence for analysis; it does not by itself identify the cause or fix the problem.
Important limits and version notes
- Only one trace can be active per browser. Finish or stop the current trace before attempting to start another in that browser.
- Keep the capture focused on the navigation or interaction you need; the trace covers activity between start and stop.
- The official Puppeteer reference pages surfaced different version labels: Tracing 25.9.0, TracingOptions and Page material 25.12.0, and the stop-method page 25.3.0. Check the documentation for the version installed in your project before relying on a signature or default.
npm i puppeteerdownloads a compatible Chrome during installation.npm i puppeteer-coreinstalls the library without downloading Chrome, so use it when you manage the browser installation separately. See the Puppeteer installation guide.
Performance trace versus screen recording
Puppeteer’s page.record() is a separate experimental API that uses Chrome DevTools Protocol’s Page.startScreenRecording and outputs an MP4 video stream. Use the Tracing API when you need performance timeline data; use page.record() when your aim is a visual screen recording. See the page.record() API reference.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Troubleshooting
- No trace file appears: Confirm that
pathis set and that the process can write to the chosen location. If you omittedpath, handle the returned value fromstop()and write it yourself. - The trace does not contain the action you expected: Ensure the action happens after
tracing.start()and beforetracing.stop(). - Starting a trace fails while another is active: Only one trace can be active per browser. Stop the active trace before starting another.
- The trace is unexpectedly large or difficult to inspect: Limit the capture window and choose only relevant categories. Enable screenshots only when their visual context is useful.
- The trace looks different from an example in the docs: Check the API reference that matches your installed Puppeteer version; the official pages do not all display the same version label.
Or skip the browser setup:
If you need a clean screenshot rather than a performance trace, ScreenshotNeo provides a screenshot API and MCP server. One GET request returns an image or PDF; it does not produce Puppeteer performance-trace data.
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo API documentation. Cookie banners are accepted and removed before capture, along with known newsletter popups and chat widgets. Bot checks, blank pages, failed loads and cache hits are not billed. Its MCP server lets AI agents use screenshot tools, and the Free plan includes 1,000 shots a month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots.
Sign up for ScreenshotNeo’s free plan.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
Can Puppeteer save a trace without a path?
Yes. Omit path and use the trace bytes returned by page.tracing.stop(); the result is typed as Uint8Array | undefined.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Does a Puppeteer performance trace create an MP4?
No. Tracing produces timeline trace data. Puppeteer’s separate experimental page.record() API produces an MP4 video stream.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsQuick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
