Generating HAR File in Different Browsers

The IdeaScale Support team may request a HAR file to help diagnose and resolve application issues. A HAR file can be generated using the built-in developer tools available in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge, though the exact steps differ slightly between browsers.

Generating HAR file in Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Select the Chrome menu >> More Tools >> Developer Tools.
3. Select the Network tab.
4. Locate the record button in the upper-left corner of the tab and confirm it is red. If it is grey, select it once to start recording.
5. Select the Preserve Log checkbox if it is not already selected.
6. Select the Clear button to clear any existing logs from the Network tab.
7. Reproduce the issue while the network requests are being recorded.
8. Once the issue has been reproduced, right-click anywhere on the grid of network requests, select Save all as HAR with Content, and save the file.
9. Share the HAR file with the IdeaScale Support team for analysis.

Generating a HAR file in Safari

1. Open Safari.
2. Enable the Develop menu: Safari >> Preferences >> Advanced >> Show Develop menu in menu bar.
3. From the menu bar, select Develop >> Show Web Inspector >> Network tab.
4. Within the Network tab, select the Preserve Log option (see image below).
5. Refresh the page to allow Safari to record the interaction between the browser and the website.
6. Once the page has loaded, select Export in the upper right of the Network tab window.
7. Select the Console tab and capture a screenshot of any errors shown.
8. Share the HAR file with the IdeaScale Support team for analysis.

Generating a HAR file in Firefox

1. Open Firefox and navigate to the page where the issue is occurring.
2. Select the Firefox menu (three horizontal lines) in the upper right corner of the browser window, then select Web Developer >> Network.
3. The Developer Network Tools panel opens, docked to the side or bottom of the browser window. Select the Network tab.
4. Recording starts automatically once actions are performed in the browser.
5. Once the issue has been reproduced and the actions appear in the Network panel, right-click anywhere in the generated data and select Save All as HAR, or select the HAR button in the upper right of the panel.
6. Save the HAR file to the desired location.
7. Share the HAR file with the IdeaScale Support team for analysis.

Generating a HAR file in Edge

1. Open Edge and navigate to the page where the issue is occurring.
2. From the Edge menu, select More Tools >> Developer Tools, or press F12.
3. From the panel that opens, select the Network tab.
4. Select the Clear button to clear any existing logs from the Network tab, if any exist.
5. Locate the record button in the upper-left corner of the tab and confirm it is red. If it is grey, select it once to start recording.
6. Select the Preserve Log checkbox.
7. Reproduce the issue. Once reproduced, right-click anywhere on the grid of network requests and select Save as HAR with Content.
8. Share the HAR file with the IdeaScale Support team for analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a HAR file used for?

A HAR file is used to gather performance data from the browser, helping the IdeaScale Support team understand the activity between IdeaScale and the browser while troubleshooting an issue.

Which browsers support generating a HAR file?

A HAR file can be generated using the built-in developer tools in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. The exact steps differ slightly between browsers, but each involves opening the Network tab, recording activity, and reproducing the issue.

What should be done if the record button in the Network tab appears grey instead of red?

The record button should be selected once to start recording. A red button indicates that network activity is actively being recorded.

What should be done after a HAR file has been generated?

Once generated, the HAR file should be shared with the IdeaScale Support team so it can be analyzed.