perf/multigraph-guide.md - buildbot - Git at Google

 # Multigraph User Guide

 [go/browser-perf-multigraph](http://go/browser-perf-multigraph)

 This guide explains how to effectively search and filter multiple performance graphs within the Browser Performance Infrastructure. While the **Explore** (`/e`) view is designed for deep-diving into a single, comprehensive graph, **Multigraph** (`/m`) is optimized for viewing and synchronizing multiple metrics simultaneously.

 Note: All examples and links in this guide use the Chrome Perf instance ([https://chrome-perf.corp.goog/m/](https://chrome-perf.corp.goog/m/)), but the concepts and instructions apply to all Performance Dashboard instances.

 # Table of Contents

 - [Accessing Multigraph](#accessing-multigraph)
 - [Using the Test Picker](#using-the-test-picker)
 <!-- TODO(eduardoyap): Add sections for Sync Mode and Manual Plot Mode (b/491576811) -->

 ## Accessing Multigraph

 You can access the Multigraph view in two ways:

 - **Direct Access**: Navigate directly to the `/m` path (e.g., [https://chrome-perf.corp.goog/m/](https://chrome-perf.corp.goog/m/)).
 - **Sidebar**: Click the **Multigraph** button on the left navigation sidebar.

 Note: This is the default view for most dashboard instances.

 ![Multigraph Sidebar Button](./images/multigraph-sidebar.png 'Multigraph Sidebar')

 ## Using the Test Picker

 The **Test Picker** is the primary tool for building queries to find specific metrics. It operates on a dynamic key-value hierarchy:

 ![Test Picker Interface](./images/test-picker.png 'Test Picker Interface')

 - **Key-Value Selection**: The data is categorized by keys (e.g., `benchmark`, `bot`, `test`). When you select a key, you are prompted to select one or more matching values.
 - **Configurable Hierarchy**: The order of keys (e.g., `benchmark`, `bot`, `test`) is determined by the `include_params` setting in the instance configuration. This allows the search hierarchy to be customized based on how the data is indexed (see [example configuration](https://source.corp.google.com/h/skia/buildbot/+/main:perf/configs/spanner/chrome-internal.json;l=121)). Keys not specified in the hierarchy are not set by default, but can be assigned default values via `default_param_selections` (see [example](https://source.corp.google.com/h/skia/buildbot/+/main:perf/configs/spanner/chrome-internal.json;l=129)).
 - **Dynamic Filtering**: Your selections actively filter the dataset. Once you select a value for one key, the options for all subsequent keys are narrowed down to only show values that match your current query.
 - **Traces Counter**: As you build your query, watch the **Traces** counter. This number represents the total count of individual time-series lines (traces) that match your current filters.
 - **Plotting**: You can click the **Plot** button to render the graph once your selections are well-defined. Narrow down your choices until the **Traces** counter shows a manageable number to avoid overloading the dashboard.
	# Multigraph User Guide

	[go/browser-perf-multigraph](http://go/browser-perf-multigraph)

	This guide explains how to effectively search and filter multiple performance graphs within the Browser Performance Infrastructure. While the Explore (`/e`) view is designed for deep-diving into a single, comprehensive graph, Multigraph (`/m`) is optimized for viewing and synchronizing multiple metrics simultaneously.

	Note: All examples and links in this guide use the Chrome Perf instance ([https://chrome-perf.corp.goog/m/](https://chrome-perf.corp.goog/m/)), but the concepts and instructions apply to all Performance Dashboard instances.

	# Table of Contents

	- [Accessing Multigraph](#accessing-multigraph)
	- [Using the Test Picker](#using-the-test-picker)
	<!-- TODO(eduardoyap): Add sections for Sync Mode and Manual Plot Mode (b/491576811) -->

	## Accessing Multigraph

	You can access the Multigraph view in two ways:

	- Direct Access: Navigate directly to the `/m` path (e.g., [https://chrome-perf.corp.goog/m/](https://chrome-perf.corp.goog/m/)).
	- Sidebar: Click the Multigraph button on the left navigation sidebar.

	Note: This is the default view for most dashboard instances.

	![Multigraph Sidebar Button](./images/multigraph-sidebar.png 'Multigraph Sidebar')

	## Using the Test Picker

	The Test Picker is the primary tool for building queries to find specific metrics. It operates on a dynamic key-value hierarchy:

	![Test Picker Interface](./images/test-picker.png 'Test Picker Interface')

	- Key-Value Selection: The data is categorized by keys (e.g., `benchmark`, `bot`, `test`). When you select a key, you are prompted to select one or more matching values.
	- Configurable Hierarchy: The order of keys (e.g., `benchmark`, `bot`, `test`) is determined by the `include_params` setting in the instance configuration. This allows the search hierarchy to be customized based on how the data is indexed (see [example configuration](https://source.corp.google.com/h/skia/buildbot/+/main:perf/configs/spanner/chrome-internal.json;l=121)). Keys not specified in the hierarchy are not set by default, but can be assigned default values via `default_param_selections` (see [example](https://source.corp.google.com/h/skia/buildbot/+/main:perf/configs/spanner/chrome-internal.json;l=129)).
	- Dynamic Filtering: Your selections actively filter the dataset. Once you select a value for one key, the options for all subsequent keys are narrowed down to only show values that match your current query.
	- Traces Counter: As you build your query, watch the Traces counter. This number represents the total count of individual time-series lines (traces) that match your current filters.
	- Plotting: You can click the Plot button to render the graph once your selections are well-defined. Narrow down your choices until the Traces counter shows a manageable number to avoid overloading the dashboard.