Dynamically set value of a file input

javascript html dom google-gears
Alex S picture Alex S · Jun 19, 2009 · Viewed 104.4k times · Source

Is there a way to set the value of a file input (<input type="file" />) or is that all blocked for security? I'm trying to use google gears' openFiles to make a simple multi-uploader.

Note:

The answer(s) below reflect the state of legacy browsers in 2009. Now you can actually set the value of the file input element dynamically/programatically using JavaScript in 2017.

See the answer in this question for details as well as a demo:
How to set file input value programatically (i.e.: when drag-dropping files)?

Answer

Joel picture Joel · Jun 19, 2009

It is not possible to dynamically change the value of a file field, otherwise you could set it to "c:\yourfile" and steal files very easily.

However there are many solutions to a multi-upload system. I'm guessing that you're wanting to have a multi-select open dialog.

Perhaps have a look at http://www.plupload.com/ - it's a very flexible solution to multiple file uploads, and supports drop zones e.t.c.

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