> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.whapi.cloud/help-desk/sending/send-video-audio-image-document/how-to-send-file-from-your-local-computer-using-the-api.md).

# How to send file from your local computer using the API

Whapi.Cloud supports sending media files (images, documents, audio, etc.) using several methods:

* By [**URL**](/help-desk/sending/send-video-audio-image-document.md#sending-media-by-link)**;**
* By [**Base64**](/help-desk/sending/send-video-audio-image-document.md#sending-media-via-base64)**;**
* By [**media ID**](/help-desk/sending/send-video-audio-image-document.md#sending-media-by-media-id-uploading-file-to-our-cloud) (after a file is uploaded);
* By **directly uploading the file** from your local computer;

This article explains how to use the "Upload from file" option — one of the most commonly misunderstood steps for new developers.

***

One of the most common points of confusion for new developers working with media upload is the **"Upload from File"** option.\
While uploading by URL or Base64 is relatively straightforward, sending a **file from your local machine** using code requires a clear understanding of how multipart/form-data works in HTTP.

#### What Does "Upload from File" Mean?

When using **"Media with upload from file"**, you are expected to send the file **as binary data** (not a path or URL) inside the request body using the `multipart/form-data` format. This is the same method used when uploading files through forms on websites.

> ⚠️ A common mistake is trying to send a local file path or `localhost` URL like:\
> `"media": "http://localhost:8080/files/logo.png"`\
> This **will not work** — the API doesn't know how to access your local system.

Instead, you must **send the actual file content** as part of the HTTP request. 

{% hint style="info" %}
Sending a media file works via multipart/form-data or via a Base64 string with the appropriate prefix. Both methods are valid. You can choose the one that best suits your development environment.

Read more about [Sending File as Base64](/help-desk/sending/send-video-audio-image-document.md#sending-media-via-base64).
{% endhint %}

### Sending File via multipart/form-data

You can upload the file directly in binary form using `multipart/form-data`.\
This is how file uploads typically work in forms and in Postman.

#### Examples:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="cURL" %}

```bash
curl -X POST https://gate.whapi.cloud/messages/image \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer {YOUR_TOKEN}" \
  -F 'to=919984351847' \
  -F 'caption=Hello, this message was sent via API!' \
  -F 'media=@/path/to/your/file.png'

```

{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Python" %}

```python
import requests

url = 'https://gate.whapi.cloud/messages/image'
token = 'YOUR_TOKEN'

data = {
    'to': '919984351847',
    'caption': 'Hello, this message was sent via API!'
}

files = {
    'media': open('file.png', 'rb')
}

headers = {
    'Authorization': f'Bearer {token}'
}

response = requests.post(url, data=data, files=files, headers=headers)
print(response.json())

```

**Note:** Python automatically formats the request as `multipart/form-data` when using the `files` parameter.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="PHP" %}

```php
<?php
$ch = curl_init();

curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, 'https://gate.whapi.cloud/messages/image');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, 1);

$headers = [
    'Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN'
];

$data = [
    'to' => '919984351847',
    'caption' => 'Hello, this message was sent via API!',
    'media' => new CURLFile('file.png')
];

curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER, $headers);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $data);

$response = curl_exec($ch);
curl_close($ch);

echo $response;
?>

```

**Note:** `CURLFile` ensures that the file is sent as multipart/form-data. The API will handle the rest.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Node.js" %}

```javascript
const axios = require('axios');
const FormData = require('form-data');
const fs = require('fs');

const form = new FormData();
form.append('to', '919984351847');
form.append('caption', 'Hello, this message was sent via API!');
form.append('media', fs.createReadStream('./file.png'));

axios.post('https://gate.whapi.cloud/messages/image', form, {
  headers: {
    'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_TOKEN',
    ...form.getHeaders()
  }
})
.then(response => console.log(response.data))
.catch(error => console.error(error.response?.data || error.message));

```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}