# ms_delay

Adjust rendering delay to capture dynamic content

## How it works

When content is missing from your screenshots, the `ms_delay` parameter lets you add a delay before capture. This can help with:

*   JavaScript that needs time to execute
*   Assets (images, fonts) still loading
*   Animations not completing
*   Dynamic content not appearing

## When to use ms\_delay

Important

Most users don’t need ms\_delay. Only use this parameter if you notice missing content in your screenshots.

The `ms_delay` parameter should only be used when:

1.  Your screenshots are missing expected content
2.  Dynamic content isn’t appearing in the final image
3.  Custom fonts or images aren’t loading properly

## Default behavior

By default, the API intelligently handles most loading scenarios:

*   Waits for the page to fully load
*   Detects when assets finish loading
*   Automatically manages common JavaScript frameworks

Only add `ms_delay` if you notice issues with the default behavior.

## Image credits and billing

### Image credit usage

The `ms_delay` parameter can affect how many image credits are consumed per request:

| Delay Range (ms) | Image Credits Used | Example Usage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 0-5000 | 1 image credit | Standard usage, suitable for most cases |
| 5001-10000 | 2 image credits | Complex pages with many assets |
| 10001-15000 | 3 image credits | Heavy JavaScript applications |
| 15001-20000 | 4 image credits | Maximum delay scenarios |

### Important notes

*   Maximum allowed value is 20,000ms (20 seconds)
*   Values are rounded up to the nearest image credit tier
*   Image credits are calculated before the request is processed

Cost optimization

To minimize image credit usage, try optimizing your page load time before increasing ms\_delay. Consider using render\_when\_ready for precise timing control.

### Examples

```javascript
// Standard usage (1 image credit)
{
  "html": "<div>Your content</div>",
  "ms_delay": 3000
}


// 2 image credits used
{
  "html": "<div>Your content</div>",
  "ms_delay": 8000
}


// 4 image credits used (maximum)
{
  "html": "<div>Your content</div>",
  "ms_delay": 20000
}
```

### Alternatives to high ms\_delay values

Instead of using high `ms_delay` values, consider:

1.  Using the `render_when_ready` parameter
2.  Optimizing your page load time
3.  Preloading assets
4.  Reducing JavaScript execution time

This can help reduce both image credit usage and overall processing time.