How do I get and read a timings or spark report?

A spark (or timings) report is the single best tool for finding out what's slowing your server down. It profiles the server while it runs and gives you a shareable link that pinpoints the biggest CPU consumers — a specific plugin, entity type, or chunk activity.

Getting a report

On Paper, spark is built in; on other software you can install the spark plugin or mod. Then:

1. Run /spark profiler --timeout 120 to profile for about two minutes, or /spark tps for a quick read.
2. Wait for it to finish — spark produces a shareable link.
3. Open the link to view the results.

Paper's older alternative is /timings on followed by /timings report, which also generates a link.

Reading it

Look for the biggest CPU consumers in the report:

• A single plugin or mod dominating the profile.
• A particular entity type (large mob farms are common).
• Heavy chunk activity from world generation or chunk-loaders.

Once you spot the top consumer, trim or fix it — that's usually where your lag is coming from.

Tip: Paste the spark link in a support ticket and our team will read it with you and help pinpoint the cause.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to install anything on Paper? No — spark is built into Paper. On other software, install the spark plugin or mod first.

Spark or timings — which should I use? Spark is the modern, more detailed option and is generally preferred. Timings (/timings on then /timings report) is the older Paper alternative if you'd rather use it.