# How to Create a Minecraft Timings or Spark Report (/docs/minecraft/create-timings-report)



Timings and Spark reports show you exactly what's using the most CPU time on your server — which plugins, tasks, or world operations are causing lag.

Method 1: Spark (Recommended) [#method-1-spark-recommended]

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Install Spark if needed [#1-install-spark-if-needed]

    Paper 1.21+ has Spark built-in. For other servers, install from [spark.lucko.me](https://spark.lucko.me/).
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Start the profiler [#2-start-the-profiler]

    In `Console` on the [XGamingServer panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com):

    ```
    spark profiler start
    ```
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Wait 5-10 minutes [#3-wait-5-10-minutes]

    Let the profiler collect data during normal gameplay with players online.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Stop and get the report [#4-stop-and-get-the-report]

    ```
    spark profiler stop
    ```

    Spark generates a shareable link to view the report.
  </div>
</div>

Method 2: Paper Timings [#method-2-paper-timings]

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Start timings [#1-start-timings]

    ```
    timings on
    ```
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Wait 5-10 minutes [#2-wait-5-10-minutes]
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Generate the report [#3-generate-the-report]

    ```
    timings paste
    ```

    This creates a link to view the report at timings.aikar.co.
  </div>
</div>

Reading the Report [#reading-the-report]

In a Spark report:

* **Wider bars** = more CPU time
* Look for plugin names taking the most time
* "Minecraft" entries are vanilla server operations
* Compare "tick" sections to find what's slowing down your TPS

> 💡 **Tip:** Share the report link in our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/) and we can help interpret the results.

See also: [Install Spark](/docs/minecraft/setup-spark) | [Performance Guide](/docs/minecraft/optimize-server)

If you need help, join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).