How to Generate HAR Files for Troubleshooting Web Application Issues
Title
How to Generate HAR Files for Troubleshooting Web Application Issues
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Applies To
Web applications accessed via:
+ Google Chrome
+ Microsoft Edge
+ Mozilla Firefox
+ Apple Safari
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Summary
HAR (HTTP Archive) files capture network requests and responses between a web browser and a website. These files help diagnose web application issues and may be requested by HERE Technical Support during troubleshooting.
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Answer
A HAR file records detailed information about network activity that occurs while a web application is in use. To assist with issue investigation, HERE Technical Support may ask you to record a HAR file while reproducing the problem. Including browser console logs together with the HAR file can provide additional diagnostic value.
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How to Generate a HAR File
Google Chrome
1. Close all incognito tabs and windows.
2. Open a new incognito window.
3. Open the More actions menu (…) and select More Tools > Developer Tools.
4. Select the Network tab.
5. Ensure recording is enabled (red indicator). If not, select Record network log.
6. Enable Preserve log.
7. Clear existing logs using Clear network log.
8. Navigate to the affected page and reproduce the issue.
9. Select Export HAR (download icon) to save the file.
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Microsoft Edge
1. Close all InPrivate windows.
2. Open a new InPrivate window (Ctrl + Shift + N).
3. Open Settings and more (…) and select More tools > Developer tools.
4. Select the Network tab.
5. Ensure recording is active.
6. Navigate to the affected page and reproduce the issue.
7. Stop recording.
8. Select Export HAR or press Ctrl + S to save the file.
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Mozilla Firefox
1. Close all private tabs and windows.
2. Open a new private window.
3. Navigate to the page to be recorded.
4. Open the application menu and select Tools > Web Developer > Network.
5. Reproduce the issue (recording starts automatically).
6. Pause or stop recording when finished.
7. Right‑click in the File column and select Save All as HAR.
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Apple Safari
1. Enable the Develop menu if it is not already visible.
2. Close all private tabs and windows.
3. Open a new private window.
4. From the Develop menu, select Show Web Inspector.
5. Select the Network tab.
6. Reproduce the issue.
7. Select the Export icon to save the HAR file.
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Expected Behavior
The HAR file captures all relevant network requests while the issue is reproduced.
The file can be shared with HERE Technical Support for analysis.
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Unexpected Behavior
If recording is not enabled, the HAR file may be empty or incomplete.
If the issue is not reproduced during recording, the HAR file may not contain useful diagnostic data.
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Impact
Providing a HAR file allows HERE Technical Support to more efficiently analyze web application issues, reducing time to resolution.
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Validation
To validate successful HAR capture:
Confirm that network requests are visible in the Network tab during recording.
Open the saved HAR file and verify that it contains multiple request entries.
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Notes
Always reproduce the issue while recording.
* Private or incognito mode is recommended to avoid interference from cached data or extensions.
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Keywords
HAR file, HTTP Archive, browser developer tools, network log, troubleshooting, web application support