---
title: "Dedicated Log Files and Storage Locations"
canonical: "https://support.appfire.com/space/SUPPORT/3687842078/Dedicated%20Log%20Files%20and%20Storage%20Locations"
format: markdown
---
# Dedicated Log Files and Storage Locations

## Summary

This article explains how BigPicture (Data Center/Server) manages its own log files independently of the standard Jira logs. It covers the different types of log files generated, their default storage locations, and how to configure the destination directory.

## Overview

By default, BigPicture separates its activity into dedicated log files to help administrators analyze its performance and impact without cluttering the main `atlassian-jira.log`. While BigPicture does not support arbitrary log redirection, it provides a configuration property to toggle between two predefined storage locations.

## BigPicture Log Files

BigPicture maintains five primary log files:

| File Name | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `ppm.log` | Contains all BigPicture application logs (additive to Jira logs). |
| `ppm-errors.log` | Contains only error-level entries (additive to Jira logs). |
| `ppm-profiler.log` | Captures request and job duration telemetry. |
| `ppm-monitoring.log` | Stores performance and monitoring metrics. |
| `ppm-sync.log` | Records synchronization activity. |

### Important Notes:

- **Additive Logs:** The content of `ppm.log` and `ppm-errors.log` (from the `com.softwareplant` package) is also included in the standard Jira logs.
- **On-Demand Logs:** `ppm-profiler.log`, `ppm-monitoring.log`, and `ppm-sync.log` are only populated when enabled by an administrator via the UI (**Global Configuration > Advanced > Technical Info**) or the REST API. These are **not** included in `atlassian-jira.log`.
- **Log Rotation:** BigPicture manages file rotation automatically. Typically, files are rotated at 3 MB with 3 rotations kept, except for `ppm-sync.log`, which can grow up to 100 MB.

## Storage Locations and Configuration

The storage location for these files is determined during the plugin startup based on the `jiraServerLogsInSharedDirDisabled` property.

### Configuration Steps

1. Locate or create the `bigpicture.properties` file in the following directory:  
`$JIRA_HOME/plugins/`
2. Set the `jiraServerLogsInSharedDirDisabled` property based on your preferred location:

| Property Value | Storage Location |
| --- | --- |
| `true` | `$JIRA_HOME/log/` |
| `false` (or not defined) | `$JIRA_HOME/plugins/` (or `$JIRA_HOME/shared-home/plugins` in clustered environments) |

### Example Configuration

To store logs in the `$JIRA_HOME/log/` directory, add the following line to `bigpicture.properties`:

```properties
jiraServerLogsInSharedDirDisabled=true
```

**Note:** A plugin restart (or Jira restart) is required for changes to this property to take effect.