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How to Record and Save a HAR File in Google Chrome

Capture network activity in Chrome's Developer Tools and save the HAR file, so an issue can be investigated with the full details.

Summary This article explains how to record a HAR file in Google Chrome to capture network activity and how to save and send the resulting file for troubleshooting. It also includes practical tips for ensuring a useful recording.

Recording a HAR file in Google Chrome

  1. Open Developer Tools

    • Click the three dots in the top-right corner of Chrome, hover over "More Tools," then select "Developer Tools."
    • Or press Ctrl+Shift+C.

  2. Open the Network tab

    • In Developer Tools, click the "Network" tab.

  3. Start recording

    • Click the small circle at the top-left of the Network tab. If the circle is grey, click it so it turns red (red means recording).

  4. Preserve log

    • Check the "Preserve log" option to keep recorded entries across page loads and navigation.

  5. Clear old data

    • Click the clear icon (circle with a line through it, next to the recording circle) to remove old entries so only the actions you perform next will be captured.

  6. Reproduce the issue

    • While recording, reproduce the problem or perform the steps you want captured.

  7. Save the HAR file

    • After reproducing the issue, right-click anywhere in the grid of network entries and choose "Save as HAR with Content."
    • If you do not see that option, you can export using the Network tab’s export symbol — exporting that way is acceptable.

Saving and sending the HAR file

  • Save the HAR file to your computer after exporting.
  • If the chat or support channel doesn’t accept HAR files, send the file via email or a secure file-transfer service.

Tips and best practices

  • Use Google Chrome for recording, as the platform is best optimized for Chrome and this workflow is described for Chrome.
  • Ensure your browser is up to date before recording.
  • Use "Preserve log" and clear old data immediately before reproducing the issue to capture only relevant events.
  • If right-click export options aren’t visible, use the Network tab’s export icon to create the HAR.

Conclusion Recording a HAR file in Chrome requires Developer Tools → Network, enabling recording and Preserve log, clearing old data, reproducing the issue, and exporting the data as a HAR. Save the file locally and send it to support using email or a file-transfer service if the chat cannot accept the file.