Recording the combat log

Quite simple, indeed

• When in game, start recording the combatlog by typing /combatlog in the chat window
• Stop the combatlog by typing /combatlog again
• The combat log is recorded in <your wow install dirrectory>/logs/WoWCombatLog.txt
• The combat log is cumulative, WoW nevers deletes it, so it's up to you !
• You must first exit WoW before deleting or modifying the combat log

Editing & handling the combat log

The combat log is recorded using the "UTF-8 character encoding". Practically, it means that

• Do not edit it with Microsoft Word or other non specialized software
• Windows Notepad is Ok, though, as well as UltraEdit, EditPlus, and others...
• Compress the combat log before sending it by email, because some mailer could alter it

Extending the logging range

By default, the combat log only show events happening at 40 yards around you. It is always best to extend this logging range. The maximum possible is 200 yards.

• Some addons help you extend the logging range and even start and stop the log when entering certain areas, have a look at AutoCL, clsaver or LoggerHead
• Beware that some other addons might change back the combat log range. Find them and destroy them !
• Extending the logging range is not very CPU or Network intensive, so don't hesitate

If you don't want to install an addon, you can either type this in game :


Or edit the file <your wow install dirrectory>/WTF/Config.wtf, and add these lines :


For a lot of interesting information about the combat log, how to extend its range and how to split it, check this thread on the Elitist Jerks forum.