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Overview

When a File slot is resolved in a plugin, the file is not sent in the HTTP request body. Instead, it is passed as a dedicated file argument using multipart/form-data encoding. This is handled automatically by the HTTP Action editor via the File tab.

The File tab constructs a file dictionary where:

• Keys = field name expected by the target API
• Values = the File object

Only one file is ever included, even if multiple were selected in the UI.

File Object Structure

{
  "file_name": string, // Original filename (e.g., "report.pdf")
  "location": string,  // Internal file ID
	"content": string	// base64 encoded
}

This object is referenced in the File tab as file.

Mapping in the File Tab

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The data keyword is unnecessary when accessing your input argument in the File Mapping section

Use the File tab to map the incoming file to the API's expected field name.

In the File tab, define:

<API field name>: file # or your input_arg name

Example: API expects field attachment

Generated Request (cURL equivalent):

curl -X POST https://api.example.com/upload \
  -F "attachment=@original_filename.pdf"

The HTTP Action editor constructs this automatically from the File tab mapping.

Example: API requires extra fields

Based on this cURL request to upload an attachment to a ServiceNow table

curl "https://instance.servicenow.com/api/now/attachment/upload" \
--request POST \
 -F 'table_name=incident' \
 -F 'table_sys_id=xyz'\
 -F 'uploadFile=@ location of the file on file system'

You need to fill up 3 fields:

You will need to map the file in the File tab:

uploadFile: file

And map the remaining fields in the Body tab:

{
  "table_name": "{{your_table_name}}",
	"table_sys_id": "{{your_table_sys_id}}"
}

Example: Send base64 encoded string

To send the base64 encoded string of the file, you will need to follow the same steps by mapping the file in the File tab and pass the base64 content in the Body of the request with the following syntax files.file_input_arg_name.content

Based on an API that requires the following fields:

You will map the file in the File tab:

	file: file

And map the remaining fields and content in the Body tab:

{
  "file_string": {{{files.file.content}}},
	"table_sys_id": "{{notes}}"
}

One caveat is that this will create a new input_arg in your input arguments panel. Make sure to delete that dummy argument there.

Filename Handling

Callout: The uploaded filename is fixed to file.file_name at upload time.
You cannot change it via the File tab.

Options to Control Filename

Let API handle filename

Send filename separately in JSON body:

{
  "filename": "{{file.file_name}}",
  "category": "invoice"
}

cURL Equivalent (Generated Internally)

For an HTTP action with:

• URL: POST https://upload.example.com/submit
• Body: { "user": "john" }
• File mapping: doc → file

curl -X POST https://upload.example.com/submit \
  -H "Content-Type: multipart/form-data" \
  -F "[email protected]" \
  -F "{"user": "john"}"

Best Practices

1. Always use File tab — never embed in JSON.
2. Rename early if needed.
3. Use TEST button — check your service for the uploaded file.