| # Multigraph User Guide |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| # Table of Contents |
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| - [Accessing Multigraph](#accessing-multigraph) |
| - [Using the Test Picker](#using-the-test-picker) |
| - [Sync Mode (Default)](#sync-mode-default) |
| - [Independent Graph Mode](#independent-graph-mode) |
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| ## Accessing Multigraph |
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| You can access the Multigraph view in two ways: |
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| - **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. |
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| Note: This is the default view for most dashboard instances. |
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| ## Using the Test Picker |
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| The **Test Picker** is the primary tool for building queries to find specific metrics. It operates on a dynamic key-value hierarchy: |
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| - **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://skia.googlesource.com/buildbot/+/8828d33644b3127fe4aac7738a47ff5e6c77fa68/perf/configs/spanner/chrome-internal.json#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://skia.googlesource.com/buildbot/+/8828d33644b3127fe4aac7738a47ff5e6c77fa68/perf/configs/spanner/chrome-internal.json#130)). |
| - **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. |
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| ## Sync Mode (Default) |
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| Multigraph operates in Sync Mode by default. In this mode, the graphs are **tightly coupled** to the Test Picker. This is optimized for **rapid exploration** and **comparative analysis**: as you adjust filters in the Test Picker, the graphs update instantly, allowing you to quickly correlate performance changes across different metrics or bot configurations without manual effort. |
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| ### Adding a Trace |
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| You can add a trace by selecting a value in the Test Picker that narrows your query down to a unique trace. It will automatically be plotted on the chart. |
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| ### Removing a Trace |
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| You can remove a trace by de-selecting its value in the Test Picker. This immediately removes the corresponding trace from the chart. |
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| ### Selecting All Options |
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| When you want to quickly add all available values for a specific field to your chart, you can check the "All" box next to that field in the Test Picker. This will simultaneously plot all matching traces. |
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| ### Splitting Graphs |
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| You can create multiple synchronized graphs based on a specific parameter by toggling the "Split" button next to any key in the Test Picker. For example, splitting by `bot` will generate a separate graph for each bot matching your query, and they will all stay synchronized. |
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| ## Independent Graph Mode |
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| **Independent Graph Mode** lets you build custom dashboards with completely unrelated metrics. It is currently enabled by adding `?manual_plot_mode=true` to the URL, but can also be [set as the default via a configuration change](https://skia.googlesource.com/buildbot/+/8828d33644b3127fe4aac7738a47ff5e6c77fa68/perf/configs/spanner/fuchsia-internal.json#87). |
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| ### Plotting Graphs |
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| To plot a new graph, click the **Plot** button in the Test Picker. This will generate a new chart at the top of the page with the traces matching your current query. Each **Plot** click generates a new graph. |
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| ### Populating the Test Picker |
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| If you have a trace that you want to use as a starting point for a new search, you can click the **Query Highlighted** button on any chart. This will backfill the Test Picker with all the keys and values that define that specific trace. |
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| ### Removing a Graph |
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| To remove an independent graph, click the **X** button located in the top-right corner of the chart container. |
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