How to create a log file to troubleshoot problems with Prism Mac

When Prism starts, it goes through many steps to initialize everything. A log file lets us see all these steps and spot any problems. The log file also logs some later steps to help diagnose reasons for Prism crashing or freezing or any other problem.

Startup Logging (logging how Prism launches)

If you use 7.0c or later

Starting with Prism 7.0c, Prism always logs the startup, so you can always send us a startup log to diagnose issues with Prism launching. Even if Prism doesn't successfully launch, the log file will be created (at the location explained below) and will be useful to troubleshoot.

Extended Logging (logging everything Prism does)

In some cases, we'll ask you to enable logging not just for startup but for the entire session. Enable extended logging via an option on the Services tab of the Settings dialog. The screenshot from the “Where to find the log” section illustrates how to enable the extended log.

After doing this, use Prism normally to try to reproduce a Prism issue you see. Because logging can slow things down, don't forget to turn off logging after you send us the log file.

Where to find the log

The log file is located at ~/Library/Logs/GraphPad. Another way to find the log is to run Prism, open Prism > Settings > Services tab from the Menu bar, or use “Command + ,” shortcut on your keyboard. Click "Show in Finder" to go to the folder where the log is located.

Note: This is the Library folder in the user's profile. Don't confuse it with a similarly named path from the root Library folder (it does not contain the GraphPad folder.) The Library folder in the user profile may be hidden by default. Learn how to make these files and folders visible.
Submit the log file at help.graphpad.com, and be sure to include your Prism serial number, the version of Prism you are using, and the log attachment.

Another way to locate the log in case Prism crashes on start and it is not possible to go to Prism Settings. Or if it is just easier for you this way.
Launch the Console app. You can launch it with Spotlight search by pressing Command+Space, typing “Console,” and then pressing Enter. You'll also find it at Finder > Applications > Utilities > Console. The Console app, also known as Console.
After you have launched the Console app, select “Log Reports“ from the “Reports“ section and locate the Prism log manually, or type Prism in the search bar in the top right corner of the window.

You can locate the log by doing a “right-click“ and clicking Reveal in Finder.

Older Prism versions

With Prism 6.0c and later, Prism keeps logging even after it starts, which can slow things down. So be sure to turn off logging once it is no longer needed. Follow these steps to create a log file for Prism 7.0a, 7.0b, and Prism 6 for Mac.

• Create a text file named prism-config.xml (for Prism 6, the name should be StartupConfig.xml) with the following contents. Use TextEdit (or some other text editor) to create the file. Do not use a word processor. Programs such as Pages tend to add lots of formatting detail to the file. Save as plain text (not rich text). If you try to save it as an XML file type, the program you use will probably add lots of junk to the file.

• Alternatively, download this file and place it into the appropriate folder.

• Place the file in the same folder as the Prism application, typically the Applications folder

• Launch Prism

• The log file will be created at ~/Library/Logs/GraphPad/
  Note: This is the Library folder in the users profile. Don't confuse it with a similarly named path from the root Library folder (it does not contain the GraphPad folder.) The Library folder in the user profile may be hidden by default. Learn how to make these files and folders visible.

• Submit your log file at help.graphpad.com.