# Configuring raw access log files in cPanel

> Configure, archive and download raw access logs in cPanel to analyse every request made to your website.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/logs-and-statistics/configuring-raw-access-log-files-in-cpanel/

**Raw access logs** contain detailed information about all visitors to your website and FTP site. Unlike graphical log programs (such as AWStats or Webalizer), raw logs provide unprocessed data that you can analyze manually or with third‑party tools.

## Why Use Raw Access Logs?

- Monitor **all visitor activity** in detail.
- Track **bandwidth usage** and resource consumption.
- Detect **suspicious or unauthorized access attempts**.
- Export logs for **custom analysis** in external tools.

## Configuring Raw Access Logs

1. **Log in to cPanel.**
2. On the **Tools page → Metrics section**, click **Raw Access**.
3. Under **Configure Logs**:

   - To **archive logs monthly**, select:

     ```
     Archive logs in your home directory at the end of each month
     ```
   - To **delete old logs automatically**, select:

     ```
     Remove the previous month's archived logs from your home directory at the end of each month
     ```
4. Click **Save**.

## Downloading Raw Access Logs

1. In **cPanel → Raw Access**, scroll to **Download Current Raw Access Logs**.
2. Click the filename of the log you want to download.

   - Logs are stored in **gzip (.gz)** format.
   - Example: `example.com.gz`.
3. Save the file to your computer.
4. Decompress the `.gz` file using:

   - **Windows** → WinRAR, 7‑Zip, or similar.
   - **macOS/Linux** → built‑in archive utilities.
5. Open the decompressed file in any text editor or log analysis tool.

> **Note:**
- Archived logs are stored in your **home directory**.
- If you want to keep historical logs, disable the option to delete previous month’s archives.
- Large sites may generate very large log files, ensure you have enough disk space.