Encoding & Culture
![Encoding & Culture](https://az589779.vo.msecnd.net/images/doc08/drex_encoding___culture_screen.png)
When opening a log file, LogViewPlus will attempt to identify the file's encoding by detecting a byte order mark (BOM). However, some files do not have a BOM. In this case a default encoding will be used. LogViewPlus uses the Windows system encoding by default, but you can select a different default encoding.
![1](https://az589779.vo.msecnd.net/images/doc08/drex_bullet_1.png)
Default Encoding
![1. Default Encoding](https://az589779.vo.msecnd.net/images/doc08/drex_encoding___culture_control_1.png)
The default file encoding LogViewPlus should use when opening a log file. Using the Windows default encoding is recommended.
![2](https://az589779.vo.msecnd.net/images/doc08/drex_bullet_2.png)
Additional Cultures
![2. Additional Cultures](https://az589779.vo.msecnd.net/images/doc08/drex_encoding___culture_control_2.png)
By default, LogViewPlus will support your current Windows culture as well as English. These cultures can be used when parsing log files. For example, date timestamps are often written in a manner which is culture specific.
The additional cultures list can be used to expand the list of cultures used when parsing log files.