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Perfetto Trace Viewer

The Perfetto tool lets you open and visualize Chrome JSON traces (.json, .json.gz) directly in VS Code. Explore timeline views, run SQL queries on your traces, and analyze performance metrics—all without leaving your editor.

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What is Perfetto?

Perfetto is an open-source tracing and profiling platform developed by Google. It provides:
  • Timeline visualization — Interactive flame graphs and timeline views of trace events
  • SQL querying — Query trace data using SQL to extract custom metrics
  • Metrics analysis — Built-in metrics for common performance patterns
  • Multi-format support — Works with Chrome JSON traces, Android systrace, and native Perfetto traces
Wafer embeds the Perfetto UI directly in VS Code, making it easy to analyze traces without context switching.

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Features

Trace Management

Upload, store, and organize trace files in your workspace. Traces are saved locally for easy access.

Timeline View

Interactive timeline visualization with zoom, pan, and event selection. Explore your trace data visually.

SQL Queries

Run SQL queries on your trace data to extract custom metrics and analyze specific patterns.

Built-in Metrics

Access pre-computed metrics and statistics about your trace without writing queries.

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Requirements

RequirementDetails
For AnalysisNo installation required—Perfetto UI is bundled with the extension
Trace FormatsChrome JSON traces (.json, .json.gz), Perfetto native traces
Perfetto runs entirely in your browser via WebAssembly. No external services or installations are required—just upload a trace file and start analyzing.

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Quick Start

  1. Select Perfetto from the Wafer tool dropdown
  2. Click Upload Trace to select a trace file
  3. Browse the timeline view and explore events
  4. Use the sidebar to access SQL queries, metrics, and more

Analyzing Traces

Learn how to analyze traces in detail →