How to convert content uri to file?

Question

I want to send multiple images to my database using retrofit. I am using this code to select multiple images.

  private val galleryLauncher =
        registerForActivityResult(ActivityResultContracts.GetMultipleContents()) { list ->
            //TODO  convert all content uris to File
        }

I have tried a bunch of image picker libraries but none of them works in my device (Android R). How do I convert them to file? Please help.

Is there any other method to send images to server via Retrofit2?

You should save Uri's content (using openInputStream) in your cacheDir of filesDir temporarily & then send via Retrofit. — Darshan, Dec 04 '21 at 14:37
"How do I convert them to file?" -- you do not need a file, most likely. "Is there any other method to send images to server via Retrofit2?" -- you can use a `RequestBody` that works with your `Uri`. See [this](https://commonsware.com/blog/2020/07/05/multipart-upload-okttp-uri.html) and [this](https://cketti.de/2020/05/23/content-uris-and-okhttp/). — CommonsWare, Dec 04 '21 at 15:18

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 25 '22 at 18:38

I used this dependency

 implementation "commons-io:commons-io:2.7"

And this method

private fun createFileFromUri(name: String, uri: Uri): File? {
        return try {
            val stream = context.contentResolver.openInputStream(uri)
            val file =
                File.createTempFile(
                    "${name}_${System.currentTimeMillis()}",
                    ".png",
                    context.cacheDir
                )
            FileUtils.copyInputStreamToFile(stream, file)  // Use this one import org.apache.commons.io.FileUtils
            file
        } catch (e: Exception) {
            e.printStackTrace()
            null
        }
    }

I got "unresolved reference: context". How will it recognize context? — thelamp, Jul 18 '22 at 22:18
@thelamp you can pass context in the function parameter if you are calling it from an activity/fragment or get the application context there if you are using a viewModel extended from AndroidViewModel. — Ankit Verma, Jul 20 '22 at 07:28

score -2 · Answer 2 · answered Dec 04 '21 at 14:23

-2

private val galleryLauncher = registerForActivityResult(ActivityResultContracts.GetMultipleContents()) { list -> //TODO convert all content uris to File }

answered Dec 04 '21 at 14:23

Mr. G

1

As it’s currently written, your answer is unclear. Please [edit] to add additional details that will help others understand how this addresses the question asked. You can find more information on how to write good answers [in the help center](/help/how-to-answer). – Community Dec 04 '21 at 17:13

How to convert content uri to file?

2 Answers2