JavaScript example

JavaScript example for file URL uploads

Your app has the file and the next job needs a URL. Run this request from a trusted server, worker, or backend route.

Upload reference Handle errors

Reviewed by: GetFileURL technical team
Updated: May 28, 2026

JavaScript uploadFormDataserver routeworkerfetch

Example

Language: JavaScript
Input: invoice.pdf
Output: url and file_id

Short answer

What this page answers

It returns JSON fields including the direct public URL, file ID, content type, and expiry metadata when a retention window is set.

Reviewed by: GetFileURL technical team
Last updated: 2026-05-28

Handoff

One request in, a URL and JSON out

Request

const form = new FormData();
form.append("file", file);
form.append("visibility", "public");

Response

const res = await fetch("https://api.getfileurl.com/v1/files", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${process.env.GETFILEURL_KEY}` },
  body: form,
});

if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`Upload failed: ${res.status}`);
const upload = await res.json();
return { url: upload.url, fileId: upload.file_id };

Runtime

Run the request where the API key is protected.

Server-side JavaScript can enforce account policy and avoid exposing a bearer key in browser bundles.

Backend route

Accept a user upload, call GetFileURL server-side, then return only the fields the UI needs.

Worker

Use platform secrets and stream or forward files from an edge function when that matches your architecture.

Job runner

Upload generated files from background jobs before passing the returned URL to downstream APIs.

Handling

Keep the response shape explicit in code.

Downstream code should not parse a CDN URL to learn file identity. Use the JSON fields returned by the upload response.

url

Send this field to OCR, AI, social, document, CRM, or webhook APIs that fetch files by URL.

file_id

Store this field for delete calls and support debugging.

expires_at

Use the timestamp to prevent late destination fetches from receiving expired URLs.

Examples

Copy the same upload shape into code

const form = new FormData();
form.append("file", file);
form.append("visibility", "public");

const res = await fetch("https://api.getfileurl.com/v1/files", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${process.env.GETFILEURL_KEY}` },
  body: form,
});

if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`Upload failed: ${res.status}`);
const upload = await res.json();
return { url: upload.url, fileId: upload.file_id };

FAQ

Common questions

What does the JavaScript example return?