When and How to Scroll Down in Selenium: Step-by-Step Guide

Rohit Rajpal

September 17, 2025

9MIN READ

Learn how to scroll in Selenium for specific elements, page bottoms, and horizontal sections to make tests stable and accurate.

Web pages often contain content that is not immediately visible, requiring automation scripts to scroll to access certain elements. In Selenium WebDriver, scrolling is essential for interacting with dynamic content, long pages, and elements hidden below the fold. Without it, tests can fail when elements are not in view, causing inaccurate results and extra maintenance effort.

This guide provides clear, step-by-step methods to scroll down in Selenium. It demonstrates scrolling to specific elements, the bottom of the page, and horizontal scrolling.

Why Scroll Down is Important in Selenium WebDriver

Scrolling is essential in Selenium because elements outside the visible viewport cannot be interacted with. Without scrolling, tests can fail or miss key content on long or dynamic pages.

Here are the key reasons scrolling is necessary in Selenium WebDriver:

Access Hidden Elements: Elements located below the visible area or in collapsible sections cannot be interacted with until they are scrolled into view.
Handle Lazy-Loaded Content: Modern websites often load images, text, or data only when users scroll, so scrolling triggers these elements for testing.
Test Infinite Scroll Pages: Social feeds or product listings that load more content as you scroll require scrolling to validate dynamically added elements.
Interact with Scrollable Containers: Some content exists inside divs or panels with their own scrollbars, which need targeted scrolling to reach elements.
Simulate Real User Behavior: Scrolling replicates real-world interactions, revealing layout, visibility, or functionality issues that only appear when scrolling.

How to Scroll Down to a Specific Element in Selenium

When automating tests, web elements may not always be visible in the viewport. Selenium cannot interact with elements unless they are visible on the screen. This is why scrolling to a specific element is often necessary before performing actions like clicking, typing, or verifying content.

There are multiple ways to scroll to an element, each suited for different scenarios:

1. Using JavaScript window.scrollTo()

Selenium allows executing JavaScript directly, which provides precise control over scrolling. The scrollIntoView() method scrolls the page until the target element is visible.

How it works:

arguments[0] refers to the element passed from Selenium.
true aligns the element at the top of the viewport; false aligns it at the bottom.

Example in Java:

				
					WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.id("targetElement"));
JavascriptExecutor js = (JavascriptExecutor) driver;
js.executeScript("arguments[0].scrollIntoView(true);", element);

Example in Python:

				
					element = driver.find_element(By.ID, "targetElement")
driver.execute_script("arguments[0].scrollIntoView(true);", element)

Pro Tips:

Combine with explicit waits (WebDriverWait) to ensure the element is loaded before scrolling.
Smooth scrolling can be added: element.scrollIntoView({behavior: ‘smooth’, block: ‘center’});

2. Using Selenium Actions Class

The Actions class can move the cursor to an element, which automatically scrolls the viewport. This method is useful when simulating real user behavior.

Example in Java:

				
					WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.id("targetElement"));
Actions actions = new Actions(driver);
actions.moveToElement(element).perform();

Example in Python:

				
					from selenium.webdriver.common.action_chains import ActionChains
element = driver.find_element(By.ID, "targetElement")
actions = ActionChains(driver)
actions.move_to_element(element).perform()

Pro Tips:

The Actions class is better for hover or drag-and-drop scenarios.
Unlike JavaScript scrolling, it simulates real user interaction.

3. Combining Scroll with Explicit Waits

Scrolling often fails if the element is not yet rendered. Using explicit waits ensures the element is present before attempting to scroll.

Example in Java:

				
					WebDriverWait wait = new WebDriverWait(driver, Duration.ofSeconds(10));
WebElement element = wait.until(ExpectedConditions.visibilityOfElementLocated(By.id("targetElement")));
((JavascriptExecutor) driver).executeScript("arguments[0].scrollIntoView(true);", element);

Example in Python:

				
					from selenium.webdriver.common.by import By
from selenium.webdriver.support.ui import WebDriverWait
from selenium.webdriver.support import expected_conditions as EC
element = WebDriverWait(driver, 10).until(
    EC.visibility_of_element_located((By.ID, "targetElement"))
)
driver.execute_script("arguments[0].scrollIntoView(true);", element)

How to Scroll Down to the Bottom of the Page in Selenium

Many web pages load content dynamically as users reach the bottom, such as infinite scroll feeds, product listings, or long articles. To interact with elements at the bottom, Selenium scripts must scroll down the page fully. This ensures that all content is loaded and accessible for testing.

There are multiple ways to scroll to the bottom:

1. Using JavaScript window.scrollTo()

The simplest method is executing JavaScript to scroll to the page’s maximum height.

How it works:

window.scrollTo(x, y) scrolls the page to a specified coordinate.
document.body.scrollHeight returns the total height of the page, ensuring scrolling reaches the bottom.

Example in Java:

				
					JavascriptExecutor js = (JavascriptExecutor) driver;
js.executeScript("window.scrollTo(0, document.body.scrollHeight);");

Example in Python:

				
					driver.execute_script("window.scrollTo(0, document.body.scrollHeight);")

2. Using a Loop for Dynamic or Infinite Scroll Pages

Some pages load content continuously as you scroll. A single scroll might not be enough, so looping until the end ensures all elements are loaded.

Example in Java:

				
					JavascriptExecutor js = (JavascriptExecutor) driver;
long lastHeight = (long) js.executeScript("return document.body.scrollHeight");
while (true) {
    js.executeScript("window.scrollTo(0, document.body.scrollHeight);");
    Thread.sleep(2000); // wait for content to load
    long newHeight = (long) js.executeScript("return document.body.scrollHeight");
    if (newHeight == lastHeight) break;
    lastHeight = newHeight;
}

Example in Python:

				
					import time
last_height = driver.execute_script("return document.body.scrollHeight")
while True:
    driver.execute_script("window.scrollTo(0, document.body.scrollHeight);")
    time.sleep(2)  # wait for content to load
    new_height = driver.execute_script("return document.body.scrollHeight")
    if new_height == last_height:
        break
    last_height = new_height

How to Scroll Horizontally in Selenium

Some web pages contain wide tables, sliders, or sections that extend beyond the visible viewport. Vertical scrolling alone won’t expose these elements. Horizontal scrolling ensures Selenium can interact with content that lies outside the default view.

There are a few approaches to handling horizontal scrolling:

1. Using JavaScript scrollLeft

JavaScript allows precise control over horizontal scroll positions within the window or a specific container.

How it works:

scrollLeft defines the horizontal scroll position in pixels.
scrollWidth returns the total width of the scrollable area.

Example in Java (scroll full width):

				
					JavascriptExecutor js = (JavascriptExecutor) driver;
js.executeScript("window.scrollTo(document.body.scrollWidth, 0);");

Example in Python:

				
					driver.execute_script("window.scrollTo(document.body.scrollWidth, 0);")

2. Scrolling Inside a Scrollable Container

Some horizontal content is inside a specific div or panel rather than the main window. In such cases, scroll the container directly.

Example in Java:

				
					WebElement container = driver.findElement(By.id("scrollableDiv"));
JavascriptExecutor js = (JavascriptExecutor) driver;
js.executeScript("arguments[0].scrollLeft = arguments[0].scrollWidth;", container);

Example in Python:

				
					container = driver.find_element(By.ID, "scrollableDiv")
driver.execute_script("arguments[0].scrollLeft = arguments[0].scrollWidth;", container)

3. Using Actions Class (Partial Horizontal Scroll)

The Actions class can simulate pressing arrow keys or dragging the scrollbar to scroll horizontally.

Example in Java:

				
					WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.id("targetElement"));
Actions actions = new Actions(driver);
actions.moveToElement(element).perform(); // moves horizontally if element is off-screen

Example in Python:

				
					from selenium.webdriver.common.action_chains import ActionChains
element = driver.find_element(By.ID, "targetElement")
actions = ActionChains(driver)
actions.move_to_element(element).perform()

How to Scroll Inside Iframes and Scrollable Containers in Selenium

Web pages often embed content inside iframes or custom scrollable containers. Selenium cannot directly interact with elements inside an iframe or a container that has its own scrollbars until it switches context or scrolls the specific container. Proper handling ensures tests can access all elements reliably.

1. Scrolling Inside Iframes

To interact with elements inside an iframe, Selenium first needs to switch to the iframe context. Once inside, scrolling works like normal page scrolling.

Step-by-Step:

Switch to the iframe using its ID, name, or WebElement.
Scroll to the desired element using JavaScript or the Actions class.
Switch back to the main page after actions are complete.

Example in Java:

				
					// Switch to iframe
driver.switchTo().frame("iframeID");

// Scroll to element inside iframe
WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.id("targetElement"));
((JavascriptExecutor) driver).executeScript("arguments[0].scrollIntoView(true);", element);
// Perform actions
element.click();
// Switch back to main page
driver.switchTo().defaultContent();

2. Scrolling Inside Scrollable Containers (Divs, Panels)

Some sections of a page have their own scrollbars independent of the main window. You must target the container element to scroll within it.

Example in Java:

				
					WebElement container = driver.findElement(By.id("scrollableDiv"));
WebElement target = container.findElement(By.id("targetElement"));
JavascriptExecutor js = (JavascriptExecutor) driver;
js.executeScript("arguments[0].scrollTop = arguments[1].offsetTop;", container, target);

Pro Tips:

Always switch to iframes before scrolling to elements inside them.
Scroll specific containers instead of the entire page when dealing with divs or panels.
Combine container scrolling with explicit waits to ensure robust interaction with all elements inside complex layouts.

How to Scroll Down While Interacting with Elements in Selenium

In many automation scenarios, simply scrolling to an element is not enough. Tests often need to interact with elements, click buttons, type in fields, select checkboxes, while ensuring the element is visible in the viewport. Attempting actions on elements not in view can lead to errors like ElementNotInteractableException.

1. Scroll to Element Before Interaction

Before performing any action, scroll the target element into view using JavaScript. This approach is reliable because it guarantees the element is fully visible and ready for interaction. It is especially useful for pages with long content, hidden buttons, or fields inside collapsible sections.

Example in Java:

				
					WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.id("targetElement"));
JavascriptExecutor js = (JavascriptExecutor) driver;

// Scroll element into view
js.executeScript("arguments[0].scrollIntoView(true);", element);

// Interact with the element
element.click();

Example in Python:

				
					element = driver.find_element(By.ID, "targetElement")
driver.execute_script("arguments[0].scrollIntoView(true);", element)
element.click()

2. Using Actions Class to Scroll and Interact Simultaneously

For scenarios where simulating real user behavior is important, the Actions class can move to an element while performing actions like clicking or hovering. This method not only scrolls the element into view but also mimics mouse movement, making it ideal for hover-based menus, sliders, or draggable elements.

Example in Java:

				
					WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.id("targetElement"));
Actions actions = new Actions(driver);
actions.moveToElement(element).click().perform();

Example in Python:

				
					from selenium.webdriver.common.action_chains import ActionChains

element = driver.find_element(By.ID, "targetElement")
actions = ActionChains(driver)
actions.move_to_element(element).click().perform()

3. Handling Dynamic or Lazy-Loaded Elements While Scrolling

Web pages with lazy loading or dynamic content may not render all elements immediately. Scrolling too early can result in exceptions if the element is not yet present. Combining explicit waits with scrolling ensures that the element is fully loaded, visible, and ready for interaction.

Example in Java:

				
					WebDriverWait wait = new WebDriverWait(driver, Duration.ofSeconds(10));
WebElement element = wait.until(ExpectedConditions.elementToBeClickable(By.id("targetElement")));
((JavascriptExecutor) driver).executeScript("arguments[0].scrollIntoView(true);", element);
element.click();

Example in Python:

				
					from selenium.webdriver.common.by import By
from selenium.webdriver.support.ui import WebDriverWait
from selenium.webdriver.support import expected_conditions as EC

element = WebDriverWait(driver, 10).until(
    EC.element_to_be_clickable((By.ID, "targetElement"))
)
driver.execute_script("arguments[0].scrollIntoView(true);", element)
element.click()

Conclusion

Scrolling correctly in Selenium is essential for interacting with dynamic, infinite-scroll, and responsive pages. Techniques like scrolling to specific elements, the bottom of the page, or horizontal sections, combined with JavaScriptExecutor, Actions class, and explicit waits, ensure tests are stable and mimic real user behavior.

Testing these scenarios across multiple browsers and devices can be complex and time-consuming. BrowserStack addresses this by providing access to over 3,500 real desktop and mobile browsers, with parallel execution and Selenium 4 support, enabling faster, accurate, and reliable cross-browser testing for robust automation workflows.

Written by

Rohit Rajpal

Rohit Rajpal is a B2B Content Strategist at BrowserStack, helping SaaS brands build AI-first strategies that drive authority and revenue. He writes about content, strategy, and the future of search in the zero-click era.

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When and How to Scroll Down in Selenium: Step-by-Step Guide

Why Scroll Down is Important in Selenium WebDriver

How to Scroll Down to a Specific Element in Selenium

1. Using JavaScript window.scrollTo()

2. Using Selenium Actions Class

3. Combining Scroll with Explicit Waits

How to Scroll Down to the Bottom of the Page in Selenium

1. Using JavaScript window.scrollTo()

2. Using a Loop for Dynamic or Infinite Scroll Pages

How to Scroll Horizontally in Selenium

1. Using JavaScript scrollLeft

2. Scrolling Inside a Scrollable Container

3. Using Actions Class (Partial Horizontal Scroll)

How to Scroll Inside Iframes and Scrollable Containers in Selenium

1. Scrolling Inside Iframes

2. Scrolling Inside Scrollable Containers (Divs, Panels)

How to Scroll Down While Interacting with Elements in Selenium

1. Scroll to Element Before Interaction

2. Using Actions Class to Scroll and Interact Simultaneously

3. Handling Dynamic or Lazy-Loaded Elements While Scrolling

Conclusion

How to Guides

Case Studies