W3C Trace Context Parser
Parse and validate W3C traceparent and tracestate headers online for free: version, trace ID, span ID, flags with sampled-bit decode, and tracestate member checks - all in your browser.
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What is W3C Trace Context Parser?
The W3C Trace Context Parser validates distributed-tracing headers directly in your browser. Paste a traceparent header to check the version, trace ID, span ID, and flags against the spec rules, see the sampled bit decoded, and paste a tracestate header to list its vendor members with duplicate, key, and count checks - per-field errors pinpoint exactly what to fix.
Key Benefits
- Spec-accurate validation without memorizing W3C rules
- Per-field errors instead of a single generic failure
- Sampled bit decoded so tracing behavior is clear
- tracestate members listed and checked for duplicates
- Private and instant - everything runs in the browser
Common Use Cases
- •Debugging missing or broken traces in OpenTelemetry setups
- •Inspecting incoming tracing headers on an API gateway
- •Verifying propagator configuration across services
- •Teaching distributed tracing with real header examples
How to Parse a Trace Context Header
- Paste the traceparent: Copy the traceparent header from your request and paste it into the first box.
- Add tracestate if present: Optionally paste the tracestate header to check its vendor members.
- Read the fields: See the version, trace ID, span ID, and flags with the sampled bit decoded, plus per-field errors.
- Fix what is broken: Use the listed errors to correct the header, or load the example to compare against a valid one.
Key Features
- Full W3C traceparent validation with per-field errors
- Flags byte decoded with sampled-bit status
- Extra-field tolerance for versions above 00, with a warning
- tracestate member list with duplicate and format checks
- All-zero and ff reserved-value detection
- Instant parsing, fully client-side, no upload