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How to Generate a HAR File

Updated

A HAR (HTTP Archive) file captures detailed information about network requests and responses between your browser and a website. Support team such as Bloomreach Support, often request this file to diagnose issues more effectively.

Below are step-by-step instructions for generating a HAR file across different browsers.
 

Before you begin

  • Make sure you can reproduce the issue you’re reporting.
  • Clear your browser cache (optional but recommended for accurate capture).
  • Keep the Developer Tools window open while reproducing the issue.

 

Google Chrome

  1. Open Google Chrome and navigate to the page where the issue occurs.
  2. Right-click anywhere on the page and select Inspect to open Developer Tools.
    • Shortcut:
      • Windows: Ctrl + Shift + I
      • Mac: Cmd + Option + I
  3. Switch to the Network tab.
  4. Ensure recording is active (look for the red circle in the top-left).
  5. Reproduce the issue while the Network tab is open.
  6. Look for any failed requests (often highlighted in red).
  7. Click the Export HAR icon (download button) to save the file.
  8. Share the downloaded HAR file with the support team (support@bloomreach.com).
     

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
  2. Go to Menu > More Tools > Web Developer Tools, then select the Network tab.
  3. Reload the page or perform the action that triggers the issue.
  4. Keep the Network panel open and reproduce the issue.
  5. Right-click anywhere within the request list.Select Save All As HAR.
  6. Save the file and send it to the support team (support@bloomreach.com).

 

Microsoft Edge

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge and open the affected webpage.

  2. Open Developer Tools using:

    Windows: F12
    Mac: Cmd + Option + I

  3. Navigate to the Network tab.
  4. Refresh the page to start capturing traffic.
  5. Reproduce the issue while keeping the panel open.
  6. Click Export HAR (download icon) to save the file.
  7. Share the HAR file with the support team (support@bloomreach.com).

 

Safari

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Enable the Develop menu (one-time setup):
  3. Go to Safari > Preferences > Advanced
  4. Check Show Develop menu in menu bar
  5. From the menu bar, open Develop > Show Web Inspector.
  6. Go to the Network tab and start recording.
  7. Refresh the page and reproduce the issue.
  8. Click the Export or Save option to download the HAR file.
  9. Send the file to the support team (support@bloomreach.com).

 

Additional Tips

  • Preserve logs: Enable “Preserve log” in the Network tab to avoid losing data during page reloads.
  • Mask sensitive data: HAR files may include cookies or authentication tokens. Review or sanitise the file before sharing if needed.
  • File size: If the HAR file is large, consider compressing it before sending.

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