How to upload a file in Selenium java with no text box?

Uploading a file in Selenium Java without a visible text box can be easily handled using the sendKeys() method. Even if the file input field is hidden or styled as a button, Selenium allows you to interact with it by providing the file path directly. This method simplifies the process of file uploads in Selenium Java, bypassing the need for visible text input elements.

Example to upload a file in Selenium java with no text box

We can upload a file in Selenium with no text box. This is achieved with the help of the sendKeys method. It is applied on the web element which performs the tasks of selecting the path of the file to be uploaded.

As we make an attempt to upload, we shall click on the browse button. If we investigate the HTML code for this, we shall be able to locate the attribute type having the value file.

package seleniumpractice;
import org.openqa.selenium.By;
import org.openqa.selenium.WebDriver;
import org.openqa.selenium.WebElement;
import org.openqa.selenium.chrome.ChromeDriver;
import java.util.concurrent.TimeUnit;
public class FileUpload {
   public static void main(String[] args) {
      // Set the path to the ChromeDriver executable
      System.setProperty("webdriver.chrome.driver", "F:\\users\\hp\\Downloads\\chromedriver.exe");//change the path of the chromedriver as per need
      
      WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver();
      String u = "https://practice.expandtesting.com/upload";
      driver.get(u);
      driver.manage().timeouts().implicitlyWait(6, TimeUnit.SECONDS);
      
      // Identify the element
      WebElement m = driver.findElement(By.id("fileInput"));
      
      // File selection field with file path
      m.sendKeys("C:\\Users\\hp\\Desktop\\IMG_263.jpg");//change the path of the image which you want to upload.
   }
}

Explanation

• Package Declaration : The program is part of the seleniumpractice package.
• Imports : The necessary libraries are imported, including selenium classes for web automation using WebDriver, WebElement, ChromeDriver and the WebDriverManager for managing browser drivers.
• Class Declaration : The main class named FileUpload.
• Main Method : The main method is define which is the entry of the program.
• WebDriver : WebDriverManager.chromedriver( ).setup( ): It is called to automatically download and set up the ChromeDriver required to run tests in chrome.
• WebDriver Instance : A new instance of ChromeDriver is created, which launches a new Chrome browser window.
• Navigating to the URL: driver.get(u) ; instructs the WebDriver to open the specified URL.
• Implict Wait : sets an implicit wait for 6 seconds. It will wait up to 6 seconds for elements to appear before throwing exception.
• Locate file input element : The file input field is location is finding using by ID.
• File Upload : The file path into the file input field, effectively uploading the file located at the specified path.
• End of the program : The program ends after executing the file upload action.

Output

Conclusion

Uploading a file in Selenium Java without a text box is straightforward and efficient when using the sendKeys() method. By targeting the hidden file input element, you can simulate file uploads seamlessly. This approach is highly effective for handling modern web applications where file input fields are often invisible or hidden from the user interface.