Learn how to resolve the Nginx emerg Unknown log format access error. Our Nginx Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

Nginx emerg Unknown log format access | Troubleshooting Tips

If you have been coming across the following error message, you are in luck. Our experts are here to help you out.

nginx: [emerg] unknown log format ‘access’

This error lets us know that Nginx has run into an unknown log format specified in its configuration file.

Nginx relies on log formats to define the structure and content of its access logs. These access logs include information about incoming HTTP requests.

The emerg Unknown log format access error may be due to one of the following reasons:

• Misconfiguration or typo:

  If the log format name is misspelled or incorrectly defined in the Nginx configuration file, it will result in an unknown log format error.
• Missing log_format Directive:

  In case the ‘access’ log format is not defined using the log_format directive even though it is referenced in the configuration file will lead to the error. Furthermore, the error will occur if the log format definition is missing or commented out as well.

How to fix the error

Our experts have put together the following troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the error:

• First, we must check the Nginx configuration file to ensure that the ‘access’ log format is properly defined using the log_format directive. Additionally, the format should be defined before it is referenced in the configuration.
• Next, verify the spelling of the log format name and make sure it matches the reference in the Nginx configuration.
• In case the ‘access’ log format is missing or commented out, we can uncomment or add the log_format directive to define the log format. Furthermore, the directive has to specify the desired log format structure using placeholders and variables.

Finally, our experts suggest restarting Nginx after making any configuration changes so that the changes come into effect.

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Conclusion

To conclude, our Support Techs introduced us to several troubleshooting tips to help resolve Nginx emerg Unknown log format access error.