---
title: Manage traces
description: This article describes how to start and stop a new trace or join an active trace.
url: https://docs.tealium.com/server-side/trace/manage/
---

<blockquote>
Do not add Trace to bulk events.<br>Do not add Trace as a permanent parameter to monitor production data.
</blockquote>


## Get a Trace ID

After you save your changes and are ready to begin testing your enrichments, audiences, and actions, you need to generate a trace ID to use in the trace tool.

Use the following steps to get a trace ID:

1. Go to **Validate > Trace**.
1. Click **Start**.  
A trace ID appears.  
      ![](https://docs.tealium.com/images/server-side/whiteui-dataaccess-trace-getting-a-trace-id.png)
1. Copy the trace ID.  
The lifespan of a trace ID is 24 hours from time of issue.

## Start a trace

Use the following steps to start a trace:

1. Open a new Chrome browser window and navigate to the first page of the workflow to test.
1. Open the **Tealium Tools** browser plug-in and click **AudienceStream Trace**.  
      ![](https://docs.tealium.com/images/server-side/whiteui-dataaccess-trace-starting-a-trace-tealium-tools-audiencestream-trace.png)
1. Paste or enter the Trace ID.  
If you are tracing a session across multiple domains, deselect **Trace me as a new visitor**.  
    ![](https://docs.tealium.com/images/server-side/whiteui-dataaccess-trace-starting-a-trace-tealium-tools-audiencestream-trace-start-trace.png)
1. Click **Start Trace**.
1. Click **Exit** and then press the **ESC** key to exit the tool.
1. Return to the **Trace ID** screen in Tealium, and click **Continue**.  
As you navigate through your workflow in the browser window, the trace sends information to Tealium and displays a timeline of visitor activity. The trace screen provides a summary of the events, actions, and functions, as well as a detailed list of all events, actions, and functions. For example:  
    ![](https://docs.tealium.com/images/server-side/trace-visitor-activity.png)

## Join an active trace

Use the following steps to join a trace that is in progress:


<blockquote>
You must exit any active traces before you can join a trace.
</blockquote>


1. Click **Validate > Trace**.
1. Click **Join**.
1. Enter the trace ID for an active trace.
1. Click **Join**.  
The trace log appears.
![](https://docs.tealium.com/images/server-side/whiteui-dataaccess-trace-get-started-with-trace.png)

## Start or join a trace with the slide-out screen

If you have closed the trace screen, click **Validate > Trace** and the screen slides out again. Use the trace screen to start or join a trace without leaving your current location in the product. When a trace is in progress, a blue arrow next to **Validate > Trace** pulses.

## Stop a trace

Use the following steps to end an active trace and its associated visitor session.

1. Open a new Chrome browser window and navigate to your site.
1. Open the **Tealium Tools** browser plug-in and click **AudienceStream Trace**.
1. Verify the **Current Domain** and **Current Trace ID** of the trace you want to stop.
1. Click **Stop Trace.**