I would like to set a defined download Directory

Help Activities
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1

Hi, i am currently using UiPath studio 2024.10.6

How can i set a specific download directory , using “Use Application /browser”?

2

Hi @yvain,

There are several ways to achieve this:

Option 1: Set the browser’s default download folder
Option 2: Move the file after download
Option 3: Handle the “Save As” popup

I would recommend going with Option 3. You can disable auto-download in the browser so that it prompts for a location each time. Then, using UI Automation, you can enter the desired path and complete the download.

Please refer the below snapshot:

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image1058×318 15.2 KB

Thanks!

3

To set a specific download directory using the “Use Application/Browser” activity in UiPath, you generally have two paths: configuring the browser’s default behavior or interacting with the “Save As” dialog directly.

  1. Interaction with the “Save As” Dialog (Most Reliable)

This is the most “permanent” solution for parallel bots because it doesn’t rely on global browser settings that might affect other users on the same VM.

  1. Configure Browser: Ensure the browser setting “Ask where to save each file before downloading” is turned ON.
  2. Use Application/Browser: Wrap your download logic.
  3. Click Download: Trigger the download button.
  4. Type Into: When the “Save As” window appears, use a Type Into activity.
  • Target: The “File name” input field.
  • Text: Pass the full path: "C:\RPA\Downloads\" + FileName + ".xlsx"
  • Key: Add [k(enter)] at the end to save.
  1. Instead of forcing a directory, many RPA prefers letting the bot download to the default folder and then moving it. This is often more stable:
  • Use Application/Browser
    • Click Download button.
  • Get Last Downloaded File (Activity)
    • Set the Timeout (e.g., 300 seconds).
    • This activity will wait for the file to finish downloading and give you the file object.
  • Move File: Move the result from DownloadedFile.FullName to your specific destination

If multiple bots try to change the global browser “Download Directory” setting at the same time, they will conflict. Letting them download to the default folder and using Get Last Downloaded File ensures that each bot tracks its own specific file regardless of what the other bots are doing.

4

@yvain

There is no way to set the Download path using Use Application /browser activity, also no activity/method to set download path.

Should choose from the options:

  1. Set Default download path in browser
  2. Save As
5

From my perspective, a better approach would be to create a separate XAML to enable the Edge browser’s “Ask where to save” setting. This allows us to define the desired file path using the “Save As” option.

Alternatively, the setting can be disabled so that files are saved automatically to the Downloads folder, followed by moving the file to the required destination.