# Set up WAF configuration management

> Learn how to manage F5 WAF for NGINX configurations in F5 NGINX Instance Manager using the web interface or REST API.


F5 NGINX Instance Manager helps you configure and manage F5 WAF for NGINX, so you can keep your applications secure and up to date.  
This guide explains how to set up NGINX Instance Manager to manage your WAF configurations.

## Before you begin

Make sure you’ve completed the following tasks:

- You have one or more [F5 WAF for NGINX](/waf/) instances running.  
  For supported versions, see [Support for F5 WAF for NGINX](/nim/fundamentals/tech-specs.md#f5-waf).

  **Note:** 
  If you plan to use configuration management and Security Monitoring, follow the steps in the [setup guide](/nim/security-monitoring/set-up-app-protect-instances.md) before continuing.
  

- NGINX Instance Manager is [installed](/nim/deploy/vm-bare-metal/_index.md), licensed, and running.  
  
  The latest version of NGINX Instance Manager is recommended to ensure full compatibility and access to the newest features.

  If you have a subscription for F5 WAF for NGINX, you can find your license in the subscription details section of [MyF5](https://my.f5.com).

## Featured content

  
### [Install the WAF Compiler](install-waf-compiler/)

    Set up the WAF compiler so NGINX Instance Manager can precompile and manage F5 WAF for NGINX security configurations.
  

  
### [Set up attack signatures, bot signature, and threat campaigns](setup-signatures-and-threats/)

    Keep F5 WAF for NGINX up to date with the latest attack signatures, bot signatures, and threat campaigns.
  
    
### [Set up compiler resource pruning](compiler-resource-pruning/)

    Automatically remove unused compiled security resources in NGINX Instance Manager to keep your system clean and efficient.
  
    
### [Onboard instances](onboard-instances/)

    Connect and configure your F5 WAF for NGINX instances so they can be managed in NGINX Instance Manager.
  
    
### [Configure WAF on instances](manage-waf-configurations/)

    Configure, customize, and verify F5 WAF for NGINX policies on your managed instances.
  
    
### [Troubleshooting](troubleshooting/)

    Resolve common issues with F5 WAF for NGINX and NGINX Instance Manager by verifying installation, configuration, and connectivity.
  

  

## Limitations

NGINX Instance Manager does not support the following F5 WAF for NGINX features:
- [Policies with external references](/waf/policies/external-references.md)
- Custom signatures
- A gRPC policy can be created or edited in NGINX Instance Manager, but cannot be compiled.