How can I upload to the root media library folder with strapi when uploading with the API?

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05-10-2024

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Uploading Files to the Root Media Library Folder in Strapi with the API

Uploading files directly to the root of your Strapi media library folder using the API can be a bit tricky. By default, Strapi automatically creates subfolders based on the date of upload and assigns a unique ID to each file. This structure helps keep your media library organized and efficient. However, there are situations where you might want to bypass this default behavior and upload files directly to the root folder.

Understanding the Problem:

The core issue is that Strapi's default API endpoint for file uploads (/upload) is designed to follow its internal file organization structure. This means it automatically places files within subfolders based on upload date and unique IDs. When you use the API to upload files, you don't have the ability to specify a custom folder path within the media library.

Scenario and Original Code:

Let's consider a simple example. Suppose you want to upload a profile picture directly to the root of your media library folder using the Strapi API:

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

const file = './profile_picture.jpg';
const formData = new FormData();
formData.append('files', file);

axios({
  method: 'POST',
  url: 'http://localhost:1337/upload',
  data: formData,
  headers: {
    'Content-Type': 'multipart/form-data',
    'Authorization': 'Bearer ' + your_api_token // Replace with your actual API token
  }
})
.then(response => {
  console.log('File uploaded successfully: ', response.data);
})
.catch(error => {
  console.error('Error uploading file: ', error);
});

Insights and Solutions:

While you can't directly control the folder structure through the default /upload endpoint, there are a couple of approaches to achieve your goal:

1. Manual File Manipulation:

   • You can upload the file using the default /upload endpoint.
   • After successful upload, retrieve the uploaded file's information (e.g., URL, ID).
   • Use Strapi's Admin API to access the file details.
   • Utilize the files.update function to change the folder property of the uploaded file to an empty string. This effectively moves the file to the root of the media library folder.

   // Assuming you've already uploaded the file and retrieved the fileId:
   const fileId = response.data.data.id; 
   axios({
     method: 'PUT',
     url: `http://localhost:1337/api/files/${fileId}`,
     data: {
       data: { 
         folder: '' // Set the folder to an empty string to move the file to the root
       }
     },
     headers: {
       'Authorization': 'Bearer ' + your_api_token,
       'Content-Type': 'application/json'
     }
   })
   .then(response => {
     console.log('File moved to root folder successfully');
   })
   .catch(error => {
     console.error('Error moving file: ', error);
   });
   

2. Custom Plugin or Extension:

   • Consider developing a custom Strapi plugin or extension to modify the default upload behavior.
   • Your plugin can intercept the upload process, manipulate the file path, and ensure files are saved directly to the root folder.
   • This solution offers greater control but requires advanced Strapi development skills.

Benefits and Considerations:

• Flexibility: Manually updating the file's folder property provides a direct way to control the file's location.
• Maintainability: Custom plugins offer long-term solutions and can be integrated with your other Strapi workflows.
• Scalability: While manually manipulating files might work for smaller projects, custom plugins are generally more scalable for larger projects.

Conclusion:

Uploading directly to the root media library folder in Strapi using the API isn't a default option. However, by utilizing manual file manipulation or custom plugins, you can achieve this functionality and streamline your file management process. Choose the solution that best suits your project requirements and technical expertise.