Binary file upload in Postman

Introduction

Uploading binary files lets you send images, documents, or any file type to a server. It helps test if the server accepts and processes files correctly.

Testing image upload features in a web app.

Uploading PDF or document files to a cloud storage service.

Sending audio or video files to a media server.

Checking if file size limits are enforced by the server.

Verifying file type restrictions during upload.

Syntax

Postman

POST /upload HTTP/1.1
Host: example.com
Content-Type: multipart/form-data; boundary=----WebKitFormBoundary

------WebKitFormBoundary
Content-Disposition: form-data; name="file"; filename="example.png"
Content-Type: image/png

<binary data here>
------WebKitFormBoundary--

In Postman, use the 'Body' tab, select 'form-data', add key 'file' (type: File), and choose your file to upload.

The Content-Type header is set automatically by Postman when using form-data with file.

Examples

This example shows how to upload a JPEG image file using Postman's form-data option.

Postman

POST https://api.example.com/upload

Body tab > form-data > key: "file" (type: File) > select file 'photo.jpg'

This example uploads a PDF document file to the server.

Postman

POST https://api.example.com/upload

Body tab > form-data > key: "file" (type: File) > select file 'document.pdf'

Sample Program

This test uploads 'test-image.png' to the server with authorization. It checks if the server accepts the file.

Postman

POST https://api.example.com/upload
Headers:
  Authorization: Bearer your_token_here
Body:
  form-data > key: "file" (type: File) > select file 'test-image.png'

Important Notes

Always check the server response to confirm the upload succeeded.

Use meaningful file names to track tests easily.

Binary upload sends the raw file data without encoding it as text.

Summary

Binary file upload sends raw files to a server for testing upload features.

In Postman, use the 'form-data' option in the Body tab, set key to 'file' (type: File) to select your file.

Check server responses to verify successful uploads.