---
title: InfluxDB line protocol output data format
list_title: InfluxDB line protocol
description: Use the `influx` output data format (serializer) to format and output metrics as InfluxDB line protocol format.
menu:
  telegraf_v1_ref:
    name: InfluxDB line protocol
    weight: 10
    parent: Output data formats
    identifier: output-data-format-influx
---

Use the `influx` output data format (serializer) to format and output metrics as [InfluxDB line protocol][line protocol].
InfluxData recommends this data format unless another format is required for interoperability.

## Configuration

```toml
[[outputs.file]]
  ## Files to write to, "stdout" is a specially handled file.
  files = ["stdout", "/tmp/metrics.out"]

  ## Data format to output.
  ## Each data format has its own unique set of configuration options, read
  ## more about them here:
  ## https://github.com/influxdata/telegraf/blob/master/docs/DATA_FORMATS_OUTPUT.md
  data_format = "influx"

  ## Maximum line length in bytes.  Useful only for debugging.
  influx_max_line_bytes = 0

  ## When true, fields will be output in ascending lexical order.  Enabling
  ## this option will result in decreased performance and is only recommended
  ## when you need predictable ordering while debugging.
  influx_sort_fields = false

  ## When true, Telegraf will output unsigned integers as unsigned values,
  ## i.e.: `42u`.  You will need a version of InfluxDB supporting unsigned
  ## integer values.  Enabling this option will result in field type errors if
  ## existing data has been written.
  influx_uint_support = false
```

[line protocol]: /influxdb/v1/write_protocols/line_protocol_tutorial/