lookup> .log

.LOG·File Extension

Log FilePlain-text log of application or system events.

Data & Texttext/plainCompressible
Extension.log
File typeLog File
MIME typetext/plain
CategoryData & Text
Charset
CompressibleYes
Format familylog

What is a .log file?

A .log file is a Log File — Plain-text log of application or system events.

In the mime-db registry it maps to text/plain, and it is marked as compressible. When serving .log over HTTP, set the Content-Type header as shown in Developer info below.

Related entities: it maps to text/plain — and is delivered over HTTP via the Content-Type header.

  • Use VS Code or tail to open and edit .log files.
  • Any text editor (Notepad, VS Code) can inspect the raw content as text.

When served over HTTP, responses should set the following header:

Content-Type: text/plain

Common software that reads/writes .log:

VS Codetail
.logextension of
format
logserved as
mime type
text/plainsent via header
http header
  • Configuration files
  • Data interchange between systems
  • API request and response payloads
  • Logs and data exports
  • Open the file with VS Code, make your changes and save.
  • Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.
  • Create a new file and save it with the .log extension, or export this format from VS Code.

What programs can open .log files?

Common options include VS Code, tail. You can also open many of these files with built-in viewers or a browser.

How do I create a .log file?

Create a new file in any text editor or the app that owns the format and save it with the .log extension.

What is the relationship between .log and the text/plain MIME type?

text/plain is the media type identifier used for .log files during network transfer (for example in the HTTP Content-Type header).

Updated 2026-08-18

Related extensions

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