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Squarespace Speed Optimization ](/services/squarespace-speed-optimization) [Book a Call](/contact) [Home](/) [Resources](/resources) [Glossary](/resources/glossary) DOMContentLoaded Loading Performance · Glossary # DOMContentLoaded (DCL) ![Matt Suffoletto](/assets/matt-CEkmAuBN.jpg)Written by [Matt Suffoletto](/resources/author/matt-suffoletto) Published June 26, 2026 ![DOMContentLoaded](/__l5e/assets-v1/ca26c9ff-5380-4d7f-b958-9e66f4256c82/gloss-hero-dom-content-loaded.png) Share 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Get my audit 100% free Results in 24h ## TL;DR DOMContentLoaded (DCL) is the browser event that fires when the initial HTML document has been completely parsed and the DOM is built, without waiting for stylesheets, images, or subframes to finish loading. ## What is DOMContentLoaded (DCL)? DOMContentLoaded (DCL) is the browser event that fires when the initial HTML document has been completely parsed and the DOM is built, without waiting for stylesheets, images, or subframes to finish loading. Learn more in our [how DCL fits into load performance](/resources/guides/web-performance-optimization-complete-guide) guide, or work with us through our [done-for-you speed optimization service](/services). ## How DCL is Measured The event is reported by the Navigation Timing API and shown in the Chrome DevTools Network and Performance panels. ## Related Terms [Glossary ### Window Load Event ](/resources/glossary/window-load-event)[Glossary ### Critical Rendering Path (CRP) ](/resources/glossary/critical-rendering-path) Sources - [MDN: DOMContentLoaded](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Document/DOMContentLoaded_event) [![PageSpeed Matters](/assets/logo-DtyG_mQE.png)](/) We optimize website load times to rank higher, decrease advertising costs, and convert more often. 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