How to Set Up a Mod Log on Discord

A mod log is a private channel that records all moderation actions - who did what, to whom, and when. It's essential for accountability and reviewing decisions.

What to Log

A good mod log records:

Warnings issued
Messages deleted by mods
Timeouts (who, duration, reason)
Kicks (who, reason)
Bans (who, reason, permanent or temp)
Unbans
Role changes (who gave/removed what role)
Channel lockdowns
Invite link deletions

Setting Up Logging with Carl-bot

Carl-bot has the most comprehensive logging:

Go to Carl-bot dashboard → Logging
Select your server
Create a #mod-log channel (staff-only)
Create a #server-log channel (staff-only) for message edits/deletes
Enable these log types:

- Member join/leave - Message delete - Message edit - Member ban/unban - Member kick - Role changes - Channel changes

Save settings

Setting Up with Dyno

Go to Dyno dashboard → Logs
Set the log channel
Enable the same event types as above

Structuring Your Log Channels

For large servers, separate logs by type:

#mod-actions - Bans, kicks, warnings, timeouts
#message-logs - Deleted and edited messages
#join-leave-log - Member join/leave events
#server-changes - Channel/role/server changes

Using Logs Effectively

Review mod logs weekly for consistency across moderators
Check if certain mods are over- or under-moderating
Use logs as evidence in ban appeal reviews
Search logs by member ID to see their full history before making decisions