What is HAR file? How to Generate or Open HAR Files?

A HAR file is a JSON archive file format that stores browsing data across multiple browsers. It works by storing a data session between the client and server. In other words, a HAR file is used to save all the web requests made on the browser. The file is often used to analyze and find vulnerabilities.

HAR is expanded as HTTP Archive Format and can be classified as a JSON archive file format. Developers and security researchers use this file to detect bugs and vulnerabilities. Furthermore, HAR file makes it easier to solve website performance issues across multiple browsers. It includes HTTP response and request headers. HAR file comes with a “.har” extension.

Website performance is very important for many reasons. Many websites suffer from slow loading speeds, sluggish page rendering processes, and excessive computing resources. In such cases, one could generate a HAR file and analyze it. This way, the site administrator can fix performance issues with the website and ensure optimum performance.

How to open HAR files?

Users can generate & open HAR files on Google Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser. All you need to do is follow some simple steps. Please note that the HAR file is specific for each URL.

Generate HAR file on Google Chrome Browser

1. Open Chrome browser and the webpage that needs to be analyzed.
2. Open Developer Tools by clicking on three dots at the top right
3. Select Developer Tool or you can use CTRL+Shift+I shortcut on Windows
4. Select Network tab
5. Click on the small red button on the left side of the menu pane. If the button is greyed then that means it is already recording
6. To avoid confusion you can delete log records kept on the browser by clicking ‘Clear icon’
7. After recording the event you can right-click and select “Save as HAR file.”

How to Generate HAR file on Firefox?

1. Open Firefox browser and the webpage that needs to be analyzed.
2. Open Developer tool by clicking on three horizontal parallel lines on the top-right of the browser. Select Developer>Network
3. The Developer Tools will open and can be accessed from the bottom of Firefox. Click on the Network tab
4. Firefox will automatically start recording the event. You can reproduce the issue while the browser is recording
5. Once done you can access the HAR file in the Developer Network Panel.
6. Go to the File column and Right Click “Save all as HAR> Save the file.”

We hope you can generate and store HAR files for debugging. Furthermore, you can use Google’s HAR Analyser to capture HTTP sessions and analyze them for errors and other issues.

What software is used to view HAR files?

To view HAR files, you can use web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, with built-in developer tools. These tools allow easy opening and analysis. Additionally, since HAR files are in JSON format, they can be opened in any text editor for manual inspection.

How do I generate a HAR file for troubleshooting browser issues?

To generate a HAR file in Google Chrome, open Developer Tools by pressing F12 or Ctrl+Shift+I. Select the “Network” tab, check “Preserve log,” and perform the action causing the issue. Once captured, right-click within the log and choose “Save all as HAR with content” to download the file for troubleshooting.