How do I create a HAR file?

Summary

You can create a HAR file by capturing browser trace information using developer tools in your browser and exporting the session as a HAR file.

Important (Safety note)

HAR files can contain sensitive data, including the content of the pages you downloaded when creating the file and your cookie data. Anyone with the HAR file can emulate your account and has access to the information submitted (e.g. personal details, passwords, credit card numbers, etc.).

Prerequisites

• Access to a supported web browser with developer tools enabled
• The ability to reproduce the issue or session you want to capture

Steps

Generate a HAR file

It’s possible to create a HAR file in a number of browsers.

To create a HAR file follow the steps at the Capture browser trace information website.

What is a HAR file?

HAR is an abbreviation of 'HTTP Archive'.

It is a file containing a log of trace information from within a browser session.

It records web requests made by the browser to the website page including request and response headers, the body, and the time it takes to load the assets.

HAR files are useful for technical support engineers when troubleshooting issues relating to loading speed, caching and analytics.

The HAR file may be requested by Siteimprove when troubleshooting issues.

Additional support

If you have any questions regarding this please contact Siteimprove Technical Support.