> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.xibosignage.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.xibosignage.com/developer/player-control/controlling-widget-duration.md).

# Controlling Widget Duration

Using the interactive control library it is possible to expire, extend or set the duration of any Widget on the current Layout. Xibo itself uses this mechanism to implement “duration per page” on the PDF Widget, because the number of pages in the PDF is unknown until the point it loads, so it is impossible to calculate the overall Widget duration until run time.

Similarly this functionality is useful for any Widget which wants to control its own life cycle.

Use the methods in the [Local Player API](/developer/player-control/local-player-api.md) page.


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