# Export and retention

Use exports for reporting, incident response, and compliance. Use retention to control how long audit history is kept.

### Export logs

<figure><img src="/files/fBQMxb5kJz9q96ZngE8f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### (Optional) Apply filters

Use date range, user, status, and event type to narrow the export.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Export

Click **Export**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose a format

* **CSV** for spreadsheets
* **JSON** for SIEM tools and automation
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Exports are limited to **10,000 rows**. Use date filters and export in batches.
{% endhint %}

### Retention

Audit logs older than your retention period are deleted automatically.

{% hint style="info" %}
Default retention is **365 days**.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/ueUTLIhj5pRW6KAhSmC7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="danger" %}
Deletion is permanent. We cannot recover deleted audit logs.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open audit log settings

Go to **Account Settings → Security → Audit logs**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Set a retention period

Pick a period from **30 days to 7 years**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Save

Click **Save**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


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