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What is a HAR File and How to Generate It?

A HAR (HTTP Archive) file is a log of all network requests made by a web page in your web browser. It includes details about each request, such as the URL, response headers, request headers, and timings. Generating a HAR file is a useful troubleshooting tool because it provides a comprehensive snapshot of a web page's network activity, allowing for precise issue identification.

How to generate a HAR file: This tutorial covers Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.

Step 1: Open the Developer Tools.​

  1. Open the Browser.
  2. Press F12 on your keyboard to open Developer Tools. Alternatively, right-click anywhere on the page and select "Inspect" or "Inspect Element." For Chrome, you can also use the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the browser > More tools > Developer tools.

Step 2: Go to the "Network" Tab and check the Preserve log checkbox.​

  1. In the Developer Tools, you should see a set of tabs at the top. Click on the "Network" tab.
  2. Make sure the "Preserve log" checkbox is checked. This option keeps the network log intact even after a page refresh or navigation. Optionally, you can clear the network log by clicking the "Clear" button.

Step 3: Reload the Page or Trigger the Actions.​

To capture all network activity on the webpage, you'll need to reload the page or perform the specific actions that trigger the network requests you're interested in (e.g., submitting a form, clicking a link, etc.).

Step 4: Stop Recording.​

  1. Once you've captured the network activity you need, return to the "Network" tab in Developer Tools. You should see a list of network requests made by the webpage.
  2. Click the red "Stop" button (square icon) in the top-left corner of the "Network" tab to stop recording network activity.
  • Chrome and Edge: "Stop recording network" button
  • Firefox: ||

Step 5: Export the HAR File.​

  1. Right-click anywhere in the list of network requests.
  2. Select "Save as HAR with content" (Chrome and Edge) or "Save All As HAR" (Firefox).
  3. Choose a location on your computer to save the HAR file, give it a descriptive name, and click "Save."