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How do I Generate a HAR File?

Squirt's customer support team may occasionally require further information regarding the network requests generated in your web browser. If necessary, a team member may request that you create a HAR (HTTP Archive) file, which logs network requests while the issue occurs. Instructions have been provided below.

Please note: A HAR file includes data such as the content of your cookies and the pages you downloaded while making the recording, which may include personal data or other sensitive data. Make sure that you secure your HAR files accordingly. 

Scroll down to find instructions on how to generate a HAR file in the browser that you use.

Chrome

To generate a HAR file in Chrome
  1. Open Chrome and go to the page where the issue is occurring.
  2. Look for the ⋮ button and select More Tools > Developer Tools.

  3. Select the Network tab from the panel. Keep the menu open when you reproduce the issue.
    Optional: If Squirt Customer Support requests a HAR file with WebSockets, select the Socket option in the Network tab. Reload your browser to start seeing the traffic over the WebSocket. The Socket option does not capture all logs when you download the HAR file, but only filters the display and downloads WebSocket logs.


     

  4. Look for a round record button in the upper-left corner of the tab and ensure it is red. If it is grey, click the button to start the record process.
  5. Check the Preserve log box.
  6. Click the grey crossed circle button to clear existing logs from the network tab.
  7. Reproduce the issue when the network records requests

  8. Click the download button, Export HAR, to download and save the file to your computer and select Save as HAR with Content.

    download buttom from network tab in chrome

     

  9. Upload the HAR file to the ticket for further investigation by the Squirt Customer Support team. See Instructions to send HAR files below.

The instructions are the same for a MAC computer or a Windows computer. The animation below shows the steps to retrieve a HAR file in Chrome.

Generate HAR file in Chrome

For issues with file generation, capture web session traffic.

If you generate an empty HAR file with zero bytes, turn on HAR exports with sensitive data.

To retrieve console logs in Chrome:

  1. Open Main Menu for Chrome
  2. Go to More Tools > Developer Tools
  3. Open the Console tab and screenshot any errors

Firefox

To generate a HAR file in Firefox

  1. Open Firefox and go to the page where the issue occurs.
  2. Open the Network Monitor.
  3. Reproduce the issue when the network records requests.

  4. Right-click anywhere under the File column and click Save All As HAR.

    Save All As Har in firefox

  5. Save the HAR file in a convenient location.
  6. Upload the HAR file to the ticket for further investigation by the Squirt Customer Support team. See Instructions to send HAR files below.

The instructions are the same for a Mac or Windows computer. Use the Network Monitor for issues with file generation in Firefox.

To retrieve console logs in Firefox:

  1. In the Tools menu, select Web Developer
  2. Console logs appear in a separate window
  3. Screenshot any errors

Safari

To generate a HAR file in Safari

  1. Open Safari and go to the Develop menu. If you do not see the Develop menu, see Use the developer tools in the Develop menu in Safari on Mac.
  2. Select Show Web Inspector
  3. Click the Network tab. Keep it open when you reproduce the issue.
  4. Reproduce the issue when the network records requests
  5. Click the Export icon and save the HAR file.
    safari export logs
  6. Upload the HAR file to the ticket for further investigation by the Squirt Customer Support team. See Instructions to send HAR files below.

For issues with file generation in Safari, use the Web Inspector.

To retrieve console logs in Safari

  1. Open Preferences and go to the Advanced tab
  2. Select Show Developer menu in the menu bar
  3. Close Preferences
  4. In the menu bar, select Developer > Show error console
  5. Screenshot any errors

Chromium-based Browsers

To set up a Chromium-based browser to generate HAR files across multiple browser tabs:

  1. With a browser open, open the Developer Tools drawer. Alternatively, open the browser Settings menu and then select More tools > Developer Tools.
  2. Open the Settings for the Developer tools drawer.
  3. Scroll to the Global settings area and select the option Auto-open DevTools for popups.
  4. Close the Settings menu.
  5. Navigate to a page where you want to record a HAR file and ensure the Developer tools drawer is open.

As long as the Developer tools drawer remains open, any pages or tabs you open from links on the page also open with the Developer tools drawer open and start a HAR file record process.

Instructions to send HAR files

Before you send a HAR file to Squirt Customer Support:

  • Rename and zip or compress HAR files.
  • Uncompressed HAR files are often over Zendesk attachment limits.
  • By default, HAR files use the page URL as the file name.
  • Files with .com extensions look suspicious to spam and phishing filters. Give the HAR file a descriptive name that does not include the full URL.

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