How to Generate HAR Files for Troubleshooting

Sometimes you’ll need additional information about the network requests your browser is making to troubleshoot issues. A HAR file (HTTP Archive) records all network activity between your browser and a website, making it invaluable for diagnosing problems such as slow loading, failed requests, or unexpected redirects.

HAR files may include sensitive data such as cookies, request headers, and the content of pages you visited while recording. Anyone with access to the HAR file can view this information. Always handle HAR files securely, and consider using Cloudflare’s  HAR sanitizer to strip sensitive data before sharing.

 

How to Generate HAR Files

Below are step-by-step instructions for generating HAR files in popular browsers.

Brave

1. Open Brave and navigate to the page where the issue occurs.
2. Click the ⋮ menu → More Tools → Developer Tools.
3. Select the Network tab. Keep this tab open while reproducing the issue.
4. Ensure the record button (round icon in the top-left) is red. If it’s grey, click it to start recording.
5. Check the Preserve log box to keep logs during navigation.
6. Click the clear button (grey crossed circle) to remove old logs.
7. Reproduce the issue.
8. Click the Export HAR (download icon) → Save as HAR with Content.

 

Chrome

1. Open Chrome and navigate to the page where the issue occurs.
2. Click the ⋮ menu → More Tools → Developer Tools.
3. Select the Network tab. Keep this tab open while reproducing the issue.
4. Ensure the record button (round icon in the top-left) is red. If it’s grey, click it to start recording.
5. Check the Preserve log box to keep logs during navigation.
6. Click the clear button (grey crossed circle) to remove old logs.
7. Reproduce the issue.
8. Click the Export HAR (download icon) → Save as HAR with Content.

 

Firefox

1. Open Firefox and go to the page where the issue occurs.
2. Open the Network Monitor (via Developer Tools).
3. Reproduce the issue while the network requests are recorded.
4. Right-click anywhere under the File column → Save All As HAR.
5. Save the HAR file to a convenient location.

 

Safari (Mac)

1. Enable the Develop menu if it’s not visible:
   • Go to Preferences > Advanced → check Show Develop menu in menu bar.
2. From the menu bar, select Develop > Show Web Inspector.
3. Click the Network tab and keep it open while reproducing the issue.
4. Reproduce the issue.
5. Click the Export icon to save the HAR file.

 

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge and navigate to the page where the issue occurs.
2. Open Developer Tools → Network tab.
3. Reproduce the issue while recording.
4. Export captured traffic as a HAR file.

 

Capturing Console Logs (Optional)

In addition to HAR files, console logs can provide valuable context:

• Brave: Developer Tools → Console tab → screenshot errors.
• Chrome: Developer Tools → Console tab → screenshot errors.
• Firefox: Tools → Web Developer → Console → screenshot errors.
• Safari: Developer menu → Show Error Console → screenshot errors.
• Edge: Developer Tools → Console tab → screenshot errors.

 

Conclusion

Generating a HAR file is a straightforward but powerful way to troubleshoot browser issues. Whether you’re working with support teams or debugging on your own, HAR files provide the detailed network insights you need.

I welcome your thoughts, questions or suggestions on my article on how to generate a HAR file for troubleshooting.

You may support my work by sending me a tip using your Brave browser or by sending me a one time donation using your credit card.

Let me know if you found any errors within my article or if I may further assist you by answering any additional questions you may have.