> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://logbox.ortusbooks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://logbox.ortusbooks.com/5.x/extending-logbox/creating-a-custom-layout.md).

# Creating a Custom Layout

You can easily create a custom layout object by creating a cfc that extends our abstract layout object: `logbox.system.logging.Layout` and implementing a `format()` method. Below you can see the method signature:

```javascript
<---  format --->
<cffunction name="format" output="false" access="public" returntype="string" hint="Format a logging event message into your own format">
    <cfargument name="logEvent" type="logbox.system.logging.LogEvent"   required="true"   hint="The logging event to use to create a message.">
</cffunction>
```

All you need to do is inspect the logging event and create your very own message and then return it back. That's it! You thought there was more?


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://logbox.ortusbooks.com/5.x/extending-logbox/creating-a-custom-layout.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.