PWA & Install

File Handling

Probing…

File Handling is a web platform capability in the PWA & Install category. Register the installed app as a handler for file types. Supported in Chromium 102+; not available in Firefox and Safari. Requires a secure context (HTTPS or localhost) and the site to be installed as an app.

Secure contextInstalled app

Try it

Loading demo…

Code

if ('launchQueue' in window) {
  window.launchQueue.setConsumer(async (params) => {
    for (const handle of params.files) {
      const file = await handle.getFile()
      console.log(file.name, file.size)
    }
  })
}

Browser support

Chromium
102
Firefox
No
Safari
No

Frequently asked questions

Which browsers support File Handling?

Supported in Chromium 102+; not available in Firefox and Safari.

Does File Handling require HTTPS?

Yes. File Handling needs a secure context, so it only works over HTTPS (or on localhost during development).

What is File Handling used for?

Register the installed app as a handler for file types.

Can I try File Handling in my browser?

Yes. shwcs.net runs a live File Handling demo that probes your current browser and lets you try the API. Everything runs locally — nothing is sent anywhere.

MDN reference ↗ Specification ↗