---
title: Logs Overview
metaTitle: Logs Overview - Explore and Query Log Data in OpenObserve
description: Explore log data in OpenObserve. View and filter logs by time and fields, run SQL queries, transform with VRL, save views, and schedule recurring searches.
---

# Logs

## Overview
Logs are a type of stream in OpenObserve that record structured event data from applications, systems, or services. Each log entry includes a timestamp, message, and optional metadata fields such as severity, service name, or container details.

You can use the Logs page to:

- View and filter log data by time and fields
- Write and run SQL queries
- Transform logs using VRL functions
- Save views and schedule recurring searches
- Export logs for offline analysis

:::note[Who can access]

- **Enterprise** and **Cloud** editions support Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to restrict log access per stream and role.
- **Open Source** edition provides full access to all logs for all users.
:::

## Next steps

- [Logs in OpenObserve](logs.md): run your first log search and explore the editor.
- [Search Around](search-around.md): inspect events surrounding a specific log entry.
- [Quick Mode and Interesting Fields](quickmode.md): focus the table on the fields that matter.
- [Explain and Analyze Query](explain-analyze-query.md): understand query plans and performance.

**Need some help?**

- Join our [Community Slack](https://short.openobserve.ai/community) 
- Or [Contact support](https://openobserve.ai/contactus/)