# Log Events

The **Log Events** panel shows log entries that match specific filters. Use it to monitor error rates, trace issues, or watch for specific application or infrastructure events in real time.

## Add a Log Events panel

1. Open the dashboard where you want the panel.
2. Click **Add Panel**.
3. In **Choose Visualization**, select **Log Events**.

4. Build your log query in **Graph your data** to define the log source and filters.
5. Enter a descriptive **Title**.
6. Click **Save** to add the panel.

## Log Events–specific settings

Once your log source is selected:

- **Log source** — Choose the dataset, index, or stream that stores your logs.
- **Time window** — Define the time range for displayed logs (e.g., `Last 5 minutes`, `Last 24 hours`).
- **Filters** — Apply field-based filters (for example: `level=error`, `service=api`, `pod=web-*`).
- **Columns** — Choose which log fields appear as columns in the panel.
- **Sort order** — Display logs in ascending or descending time order.
- **Max rows** — Limit the number of log entries displayed.
- **Wrap lines** — Toggle line wrapping for long log messages.

## Best practices

- Keep filters specific to reduce noise and improve panel load time.
- Use a short time window (for example, `Last 5 minutes`) for real-time monitoring panels.
- Pair with a **Timeseries** panel showing the log count over time for context.