Trace Explorer searches root traces or spans within a time range and applies field conditions to the selected data.

Query building blocks

• Field: a trace, span, resource, or event attribute exposed by the query builder.
• Operator: comparison supported for the field type, such as equals, not equals, contains, or a numeric comparison.
• Value: literal or selected field value.
• Boolean logic: combine conditions with the query builder’s available AND or OR controls.
• Time range: mandatory boundary applied independently of field filters.

Start with service and operation, then add status, duration, or a bounded attribute. Quote string values through the query builder rather than constructing undocumented syntax. Very broad windows and high-cardinality filters take longer and can return partial or limited results. Cancel an unnecessary running search before submitting a substantially different one.
The exact field list and operators depend on the deployed version and the attributes present in retained spans.