Stop a Puppeteer performance trace with await page.tracing.stop(). If you need a trace file, pass a path when starting the trace; otherwise, use the data returned by stop() when available.
Stop a trace and save its output
The tracing API is available on a Puppeteer page through page.tracing. Start tracing before the actions you want to record, then await stop() after those actions:
const page = await browser.newPage();
await page.tracing.start({path: 'trace.json'});
await page.goto('https://example.com');
const trace = await page.tracing.stop();
With path set, Puppeteer writes the trace to that file. Awaiting stop() ensures the asynchronous stop operation and its result have settled before your code proceeds. Puppeteer’s documentation describes the returned value as a Uint8Array containing trace data or undefined. See the Tracing.stop() API reference and Tracing API reference.
Choose between a file and an in-memory trace
Set output options when calling start(); stop() ends the active capture and returns its data, if present. It does not take output options.
#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.
| Workflow | How to configure it | Where the result goes |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent file | Pass {path: 'trace.json'} to page.tracing.start(). |
The trace is written to the specified path. |
| In-memory data | Omit path from page.tracing.start(). |
Await page.tracing.stop() and use its returned buffer when present. |
The return type is documented as Uint8Array | undefined, so code that needs the buffer should account for the possibility that it is undefined. Consult the stop method reference for the behavior applicable to your installed Puppeteer version.
Configure the capture before stopping it
Puppeteer’s TracingOptions reference lists these options for start():
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.
path: the output file path. Omit it when you want to retrieve the trace through the stop result instead of writing a file.categories: categories to include or exclude. The documented exclusion syntax prefixes a category with-.screenshots: whether screenshots are included; the documented default isfalse.bufferSize: trace buffer size. If omitted or set to zero, the documented Chromium default is 200 MB (200,000 KB); the API documentation does not state a year for this value.
Choose these settings when starting the trace. The stop call ends the active trace and returns data; it is not where capture options are configured.
Capture multiple runs safely
Puppeteer documents that only one trace can be active per browser. For successive captures, stop the current trace before starting another:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →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.
- Call
await page.tracing.start(options)for the first run. - Perform the page actions to measure.
- Call and await
page.tracing.stop(). - Start the next trace only after the previous stop call has completed.
The one-trace-at-a-time limit is per browser, not a reason to leave a capture running between runs. See the Tracing class documentation.
Open and inspect the trace
Puppeteer says a saved trace file can be opened in Chrome DevTools or a timeline viewer. If you chose in-memory output, first handle the returned buffer in your application; the documented file-opening workflow applies to a trace saved at a path. For DevTools and viewer details, refer to the Puppeteer Tracing documentation.
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
Troubleshoot common issues
No trace file appears
Check that you passed a path to page.tracing.start(). Without one, the documented output route is the buffer returned by stop(), not a file at an implicit location.
The stop result is undefined
The API declares the result as Uint8Array | undefined. Check whether the workflow needs a file instead, in which case configure path on start(). If you need memory output, await the stop call and handle the possibility of an undefined result rather than assuming a buffer is always present.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteBest 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.
A second trace cannot start
Ensure the prior capture has been stopped and the awaited stop() call has completed. Puppeteer documents only one active trace per browser.
The trace omits screenshots or categories
Review the options supplied to start(). Screenshots default to false, and categories are selected there; the stop method does not accept those capture settings.
Or skip the browser setup
For a website screenshot rather than a Puppeteer performance trace, ScreenshotNeo offers a one-call API. This does not replace tracing or produce a performance trace. Example using cURL:
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 for parameters and setup. ScreenshotNeo removes cookie banners, popups, and chat widgets before the shot; bot checks, blank pages, and failed loads are never billed. Its MCP server lets AI agents take screenshots. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card, and paid plans start at $5 for 3,000. Sign up for ScreenshotNeo’s free plan.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFrequently Asked Questions
Does calling page.tracing.stop() stop tracing without awaiting it?
The method is asynchronous and returns a promise. Await it before relying on the trace having stopped or on its returned data.
Which Puppeteer documentation version should I follow?
The referenced API pages showed version labels from 25.3.0 to 25.12.0. Check the documentation that matches the Puppeteer version in your project.
Quick Recap
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.
