how to save logs ffxiv

Everly

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11-01-2025

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FFXIV logging can significantly improve your gameplay. Whether you're analyzing your performance, troubleshooting issues, or contributing to the community, knowing how to save and access your logs is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough, covering various methods and troubleshooting tips.

Understanding FFXIV Logs

Before diving into the saving process, let's understand what FFXIV logs are. These are text files that record in-game events, actions, and data. They're invaluable for:

• Performance Analysis: Identify areas for improvement in your rotations, timings, and overall gameplay.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve issues like crashes, network problems, or addon conflicts.
• Community Contribution: Share data with others to help improve guides, strategies, and tools.

Method 1: Using the Built-in FFXIV Log Files

FFXIV automatically generates log files, but their location isn't immediately obvious. These logs contain vital information, though they are less detailed than those from third-party plugins.

Finding Your FFXIV Logs:

The default location varies depending on your operating system:

• Windows: %AppData%\XIV
• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/XIV

Note: The %AppData% and ~/Library folders are hidden by default. You may need to enable viewing of hidden files and folders in your operating system settings to locate them.

These folders contain multiple subfolders for various game data. The log files themselves are usually within subfolders named after the patch version or date. They're typically named game.log.

Limitations of Built-in Logs: The default game logs primarily focus on critical errors and system information. They may not capture the detailed combat or action data sought by many players.

Method 2: Utilizing Third-Party Logging Plugins

For more comprehensive and customizable logging, several third-party plugins offer advanced features. These plugins provide detailed action logs, combat logs, and even parsing capabilities for in-depth analysis. Popular choices include:

• ACT (Advanced Combat Tracker): A widely-used and highly configurable plugin offering detailed combat logs and parsing features. Many guides and resources are available online for ACT setup and usage. It is the most common tool for logging FFXIV combat data. [Link to ACT Website or a reputable ACT guide].
• Other Plugins: Several other plugins offer similar functionalities. Research thoroughly to choose a plugin that meets your specific needs and ensure it's updated for the current FFXIV version.

Installing and Configuring Plugins:

Plugin installation and configuration can vary. Refer to the plugin's documentation for specific instructions. Usually, you'll need to download the plugin, place it in your FFXIV plugin directory, and then configure settings within the plugin's interface to specify what data to log and where to save it.

Benefits of Third-Party Plugins: These plugins provide more detailed and customizable logs, making them much more valuable for advanced analysis and troubleshooting.

How to Save Your Logs Effectively

Regardless of your chosen method, here are some best practices for saving your FFXIV logs:

• Regular Backups: Regularly back up your log files to prevent data loss. Consider using cloud storage or external drives.
• Clear Naming Conventions: Use a clear and consistent naming convention for your log files to easily identify them later (e.g., Date_Event_CharacterName.log).
• Organized Storage: Create a dedicated folder for your FFXIV logs to keep your files organized.
• Compression (Optional): Compress large log files to save storage space.

Troubleshooting Log Saving Issues

If you're experiencing problems saving your logs, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Check Plugin Settings: Ensure that the plugin is correctly configured to save logs and that the specified save location is accessible.
• Review Game Logs: Examine the FFXIV game logs for errors that might be interfering with plugin functionality.
• Update Plugins: Ensure all plugins are up to date with the latest FFXIV patch.
• Reinstall Plugins: If problems persist, try uninstalling and reinstalling the problematic plugin.

By following these steps and understanding the available options, you can effectively save your FFXIV logs and unlock valuable insights into your gameplay and the game itself. Remember to always respect the terms of service and community guidelines when sharing log data.