file-saver vs js-file-download vs downloadjs
JavaScript File Download Libraries Comparison
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What's JavaScript File Download Libraries?

JavaScript file download libraries simplify the process of triggering file downloads in web applications. They provide developers with tools to create and manage file downloads directly from the browser, enhancing user experience by allowing seamless data export and file handling. These libraries support various file types and offer different methods for generating and saving files, making them essential for applications that require user-generated content or data export functionalities.

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file-saver3,452,51721,783-2114 years agoMIT
js-file-download653,598923-105 years agoMIT
downloadjs328,7802,300-498 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: file-saver vs js-file-download vs downloadjs

File Type Support

  • file-saver:

    FileSaver.js is designed to handle various file types, including images, text files, and binary data. It provides built-in support for different MIME types, ensuring that files are saved correctly across different browsers.

  • js-file-download:

    js-file-download supports common file types such as text and JSON, and it allows for easy customization of file names and types during the download process, making it suitable for straightforward applications.

  • downloadjs:

    Download.js supports a wide range of file types, including text, JSON, and binary files. It allows developers to easily specify the file type and name during the download process, making it versatile for different use cases.

Browser Compatibility

  • file-saver:

    FileSaver.js offers extensive browser compatibility, including support for Internet Explorer and other older browsers. This makes it a reliable choice for applications that need to cater to a wider audience with varying browser versions.

  • js-file-download:

    js-file-download is primarily optimized for modern browsers and may have limited support for older versions. It's best suited for applications targeting users with up-to-date browsers.

  • downloadjs:

    Download.js is built with a focus on modern browsers and has good compatibility with most major browsers. However, it may not support older browsers as effectively, so testing is recommended for legacy systems.

Ease of Use

  • file-saver:

    FileSaver.js provides a straightforward API but may require more configuration compared to Download.js. It is still user-friendly, especially for developers familiar with handling file downloads in JavaScript.

  • js-file-download:

    js-file-download is designed for simplicity, offering an easy-to-use interface that allows developers to trigger downloads quickly. It is particularly beneficial for those who prioritize ease of integration.

  • downloadjs:

    Download.js features a simple and intuitive API that allows developers to implement file downloads with minimal setup. This makes it an excellent choice for quick projects or prototypes where speed is essential.

Customization Options

  • file-saver:

    FileSaver.js offers robust customization options, including the ability to specify MIME types and file names, making it suitable for applications that require precise control over the download process.

  • js-file-download:

    js-file-download provides basic customization options, allowing developers to set file names and types easily, but it does not offer as many advanced features as FileSaver.js.

  • downloadjs:

    Download.js allows for some customization regarding file names and types, but it is more focused on providing a quick solution rather than extensive configuration options.

Community and Maintenance

  • file-saver:

    FileSaver.js has a larger community and is widely used, which means there are more resources, tutorials, and community support available. It is also actively maintained, ensuring compatibility with new browser versions.

  • js-file-download:

    js-file-download has a smaller user base, which may limit community resources. It is maintained but may not receive updates as frequently as FileSaver.js.

  • downloadjs:

    Download.js has a smaller community compared to the other libraries, which may affect the availability of resources and support. However, it is actively maintained and updated.

How to Choose: file-saver vs js-file-download vs downloadjs
  • file-saver:

    Select FileSaver.js if you require robust support for saving files on the client side with a focus on compatibility across different browsers. It is ideal for applications that need to handle complex file types and provides more control over the download process, including MIME type handling.

  • js-file-download:

    Opt for js-file-download if you want a straightforward and easy-to-use library that focuses on file downloads with a minimal setup. It is particularly useful for projects where simplicity and ease of use are prioritized, allowing for quick integration.

  • downloadjs:

    Choose Download.js if you need a lightweight solution that supports a variety of file types and offers a simple API for triggering downloads without additional dependencies. It is particularly useful for quick implementations where minimal configuration is desired.

Similar Npm Packages to file-saver

file-saver is a popular JavaScript library that enables developers to save files on the client-side. It provides a simple API for creating and triggering file downloads directly from web applications, making it an essential tool for handling file exports, such as generating reports, downloading images, or saving user-generated content. With support for various file types and compatibility across different browsers, file-saver is a reliable choice for developers looking to implement file download functionality in their applications.

While file-saver is a robust solution, there are alternatives available that also provide file download capabilities. Here are a couple of notable options:

  • downloadjs is a lightweight library designed for downloading files in JavaScript. It provides a simple API that allows developers to create download links programmatically. downloadjs supports various file types and can handle both binary and text data. Its minimalistic approach makes it easy to integrate into projects without adding unnecessary complexity, making it a great choice for developers looking for a straightforward solution for file downloads.

  • js-file-download is another library that simplifies the process of downloading files in JavaScript. It is particularly useful for handling blob data and supports various file types. js-file-download provides a simple function to trigger file downloads, making it easy to use in any JavaScript or React application. If you need a lightweight solution that focuses on downloading files from blob data, js-file-download is worth considering.

To compare these packages, check out the following link: Comparing downloadjs vs file-saver vs js-file-download.

Similar Npm Packages to js-file-download

js-file-download is a simple and lightweight library that enables developers to trigger file downloads in web applications. It provides an easy-to-use API for downloading files from JavaScript, making it particularly useful for applications that need to generate and download files dynamically, such as reports, images, or documents. While js-file-download is effective for handling file downloads, there are several alternatives in the ecosystem that offer similar functionalities. Here are a few noteworthy options:

  • blob-util is a utility library for working with Blob objects in JavaScript. It provides functions for creating Blobs from various data types, converting Blobs to data URLs, and more. While it doesn't directly handle downloads, it can be used in conjunction with other libraries to facilitate file downloads by converting data into Blob format. If you need to manipulate Blob data before downloading, blob-util is a great choice for enhancing your file handling capabilities.
  • downloadjs is a lightweight library that simplifies the process of downloading files in web applications. It supports various types of data, including strings, Blobs, and data URLs, and provides a straightforward API for triggering downloads. downloadjs is particularly useful for developers looking for a minimalistic solution to handle file downloads without the overhead of larger libraries. Its simplicity and ease of use make it a popular choice for straightforward download tasks.
  • file-saver is a widely-used library for saving files on the client-side. It provides a robust API for saving files generated in JavaScript, such as images, text files, and more. file-saver supports various file types and can handle both Blob and data URL formats. If you are looking for a comprehensive solution for saving files in web applications, file-saver is a powerful and flexible option that integrates well with different data types.

To compare these packages and see how they stack up against each other, check out the following link: Comparing blob-util vs downloadjs vs file-saver vs js-file-download.

Similar Npm Packages to downloadjs

downloadjs is a lightweight JavaScript library that simplifies the process of downloading files in web applications. It allows developers to create downloadable links for files generated on the client-side, making it easy to handle file downloads without needing server-side support. This package is particularly useful for applications that generate files dynamically, such as reports, images, or other data formats.

While downloadjs provides a straightforward solution for file downloads, there are several alternatives in the ecosystem that offer similar functionalities. Here are a few noteworthy options:

  • blob-util is a utility library that provides functions for working with Blob objects in JavaScript. It includes methods for creating Blob URLs, converting data to Blobs, and more. While it is not solely focused on downloading files, it can be used in conjunction with other libraries to facilitate file downloads by converting data into Blob format before triggering the download.
  • download is a simple library that allows you to download files from the web easily. It supports various types of content and provides a straightforward API for initiating downloads. This library is particularly useful for downloading files from external URLs and can be a good alternative if you need a quick and easy solution for file downloads.
  • file-saver is a widely-used library for saving files on the client-side. It provides a simple API for creating and saving files in various formats, including text, images, and more. file-saver is particularly useful for applications that need to generate files dynamically and save them directly to the user's device. It supports both Blob and File objects, making it versatile for different use cases.
  • js-file-download is another library focused on simplifying file downloads in JavaScript applications. It provides a straightforward API for triggering downloads and is particularly useful for handling Blob and File objects. If you are looking for a simple solution to manage file downloads without additional complexity, js-file-download is a solid choice.

To see how downloadjs compares with blob-util, download, file-saver, and js-file-download, check out the comparison: Comparing blob-util vs download vs downloadjs vs file-saver vs js-file-download.

README for file-saver

If you need to save really large files bigger than the blob's size limitation or don't have enough RAM, then have a look at the more advanced StreamSaver.js that can save data directly to the hard drive asynchronously with the power of the new streams API. That will have support for progress, cancelation and knowing when it's done writing

FileSaver.js

FileSaver.js is the solution to saving files on the client-side, and is perfect for web apps that generates files on the client, However if the file is coming from the server we recommend you to first try to use Content-Disposition attachment response header as it has more cross-browser compatiblity.

Looking for canvas.toBlob() for saving canvases? Check out canvas-toBlob.js for a cross-browser implementation.

Supported Browsers

| Browser | Constructs as | Filenames | Max Blob Size | Dependencies | | -------------- | ------------- | ------------ | ------------- | ------------ | | Firefox 20+ | Blob | Yes | 800 MiB | None | | Firefox < 20 | data: URI | No | n/a | Blob.js | | Chrome | Blob | Yes | 2GB | None | | Chrome for Android | Blob | Yes | RAM/5 | None | | Edge | Blob | Yes | ? | None | | IE 10+ | Blob | Yes | 600 MiB | None | | Opera 15+ | Blob | Yes | 500 MiB | None | | Opera < 15 | data: URI | No | n/a | Blob.js | | Safari 6.1+* | Blob | No | ? | None | | Safari < 6 | data: URI | No | n/a | Blob.js | | Safari 10.1+   | Blob         | Yes         | n/a           | None |

Feature detection is possible:

try {
    var isFileSaverSupported = !!new Blob;
} catch (e) {}

IE < 10

It is possible to save text files in IE < 10 without Flash-based polyfills. See ChenWenBrian and koffsyrup's saveTextAs() for more details.

Safari 6.1+

Blobs may be opened instead of saved sometimes—you may have to direct your Safari users to manually press ⌘+S to save the file after it is opened. Using the application/octet-stream MIME type to force downloads can cause issues in Safari.

iOS

saveAs must be run within a user interaction event such as onTouchDown or onClick; setTimeout will prevent saveAs from triggering. Due to restrictions in iOS saveAs opens in a new window instead of downloading, if you want this fixed please tell Apple how this WebKit bug is affecting you.

Syntax

Import saveAs() from file-saver

import { saveAs } from 'file-saver';

FileSaver saveAs(Blob/File/Url, optional DOMString filename, optional Object { autoBom })

Pass { autoBom: true } if you want FileSaver.js to automatically provide Unicode text encoding hints (see: byte order mark). Note that this is only done if your blob type has charset=utf-8 set.

Examples

Saving text using require()

var FileSaver = require('file-saver');
var blob = new Blob(["Hello, world!"], {type: "text/plain;charset=utf-8"});
FileSaver.saveAs(blob, "hello world.txt");

Saving text

var blob = new Blob(["Hello, world!"], {type: "text/plain;charset=utf-8"});
FileSaver.saveAs(blob, "hello world.txt");

Saving URLs

FileSaver.saveAs("https://httpbin.org/image", "image.jpg");

Using URLs within the same origin will just use a[download]. Otherwise, it will first check if it supports cors header with a synchronous head request. If it does, it will download the data and save using blob URLs. If not, it will try to download it using a[download].

The standard W3C File API Blob interface is not available in all browsers. Blob.js is a cross-browser Blob implementation that solves this.

Saving a canvas

var canvas = document.getElementById("my-canvas");
canvas.toBlob(function(blob) {
    saveAs(blob, "pretty image.png");
});

Note: The standard HTML5 canvas.toBlob() method is not available in all browsers. canvas-toBlob.js is a cross-browser canvas.toBlob() that polyfills this.

Saving File

You can save a File constructor without specifying a filename. If the file itself already contains a name, there is a hand full of ways to get a file instance (from storage, file input, new constructor, clipboard event). If you still want to change the name, then you can change it in the 2nd argument.

// Note: Ie and Edge don't support the new File constructor,
// so it's better to construct blobs and use saveAs(blob, filename)
var file = new File(["Hello, world!"], "hello world.txt", {type: "text/plain;charset=utf-8"});
FileSaver.saveAs(file);

Tracking image

Installation

# Basic Node.JS installation
npm install file-saver --save
bower install file-saver

Additionally, TypeScript definitions can be installed via:

# Additional typescript definitions
npm install @types/file-saver --save-dev
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