9. Performance Tips

Keep Silly Sim Tracker running smoothly with these performance optimization tips.

Data Structure Optimization

Keep JSON Lightweight

Only include data you're actively using:

// ❌ Too much data
{
  "characters": [
    {
      "name": "Alice",
      "hp": 75,
      "mp": 50,
      "inventory": ["sword", "shield", "potion", "map", "key", "ring", "amulet", "scroll", "lantern", "rope"],
      "skills": ["swordsmanship", "magic", "stealth", "diplomacy", "swimming", "cooking", "lockpicking"],
      "quest_log": ["quest1", "quest2", "quest3", "quest4", "quest5"]
    }
  ]
}

// ✅ Essential data only
{
  "characters": [
    {
      "name": "Alice",
      "hp": 75,
      "mp": 50,
      "inventory_count": 3,
      "active_quests": 2
    }
  ]
}

Use Appropriate Data Types

// ❌ Inefficient
{
  "hp": "75",        // String instead of number
  "isActive": "true" // String instead of boolean
}

// ✅ Efficient
{
  "hp": 75,          // Number
  "isActive": true   // Boolean
}

Character Management

Limit Active Characters

• Recommended: 4 or fewer active characters per message
• Maximum: Technical limit is higher, but performance degrades
• Solution: Use inactive status for absent characters

{
  "characters": [
    {
      "name": "Alice",
      "isActive": true
    },
    {
      "name": "Bob",
      "isActive": false,  // Present in story but not active
      "inactiveReason": 1 // 1=Asleep, 2=Comatose, etc.
    }
  ]
}

Template Optimization

Simplify HTML Structure

<!-- ❌ Complex nesting -->
<div class="card">
  <div class="header">
    <div class="title-wrapper">
      <div class="title-content">
        <h2>{{characterName}}</h2>
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

<!-- ✅ Simple structure -->
<div class="card">
  <h2>{{characterName}}</h2>
</div>

Efficient CSS

/* ❌ Complex selectors */
.card .header .title-wrapper h2 {
  color: white;
}

/* ✅ Simple selectors */
.character-name {
  color: white;
}

Extension Settings

Hide Raw JSON Blocks

• Where: Settings → Hide Sim Blocks in Chat
• Benefit: Reduces DOM clutter and improves performance
• Trade-off: Less visible data for debugging

Use Built-in Templates When Possible

• Built-in templates are pre-optimized
• Custom templates require additional parsing
• Clear custom templates when not needed

Browser Optimization

Keep Browser Updated

• Latest browsers have better JavaScript performance
• Regular updates include performance improvements
• Some features may not work in older browsers

Close Unnecessary Tabs

• Each tab consumes memory and CPU
• Background tabs can still impact performance
• Close tabs you're not actively using

Disable Resource-Heavy Extensions

• Other extensions can compete for resources
• Try disabling extensions temporarily to test performance
• Keep only essential extensions enabled

Large Chat Management

Archive Old Chats

• Long chats with many tracker cards can impact performance
• Archive completed stories when no longer actively used
• Start fresh chats for new campaigns

Clean Up Unused Data

• Remove unused character definitions
• Delete test messages with invalid JSON
• Keep your chat history organized

Advanced Tips

Monitor Performance

Use browser developer tools:

1. Press F12 to open developer tools
2. Go to the Performance tab
3. Record while using the extension
4. Look for bottlenecks

Batch Updates

• Group related character updates in single messages
• Avoid rapid message sending
• Let the extension process updates naturally

Memory Management

• Regularly refresh SillyTavern for long sessions
• Restart browser periodically for extended use
• Monitor memory usage in task manager

Quick Performance Checklist

Daily Usage

• Keep active characters ≤ 4
• Use efficient JSON structure
• Enable "Hide Sim Blocks in Chat"
• Close unnecessary browser tabs

Weekly Maintenance

• Archive old chats
• Clear unused custom templates
• Update browser if needed
• Restart browser periodically

Monthly Optimization

• Review custom fields for unused items
• Clean up character definitions
• Check for extension updates
• Monitor overall system performance

When to Be Concerned

Normal Performance

• Cards appear within 1-2 seconds
• No browser lag during normal use
• Memory usage stays reasonable

Signs of Issues

• Cards take more than 5 seconds to appear
• Browser becomes unresponsive
• Memory usage continuously increases
• Other SillyTavern features slow down

Solutions for Problems

1. Immediate: Refresh the page
2. Short-term: Reduce active characters
3. Long-term: Archive old chats and clean up data
4. Extreme: Clear browser cache and restart

By following these performance tips, you can enjoy smooth, responsive tracker card generation even in complex roleplay scenarios.