How to set a maximum file size for log files using Logrotate

Using Logrotate, you can set a maximum file size for the log files before they are rotate (i.e. a new log file is created). In our example below, we're using Nginx log files:

1. Edit the logrotate configuration file:

    $ nano /etc/logrotate.d/nginx

2. Use the size parameter and enter the value in MB. For example, 100M is the maximum file size for the logs before they rotate.

    /var/log/nginx/*.log {
       ...
       size 100M
       ...
    }

   

3. Save the /etc/logrotate.d/nginx file changes.