7 Best JavaScript File Uploads APIs in 2023

File uploads are a necessary thing for many web applications. They allow users to share their files, photos, and videos on your site with others. 

While this can be a great feature, it also opens up the potential for security vulnerabilities. For example, malicious users could use a lack of file size or file name length restriction. 

They would bombard the server with either a massive amount of files or files with enormous sizes. Once this happens, the server’s resources might be unable to handle the load, disrupting your application. 

Malicious users could also disguise viruses and malware as seemingly harmless files. Once uploaded and not checked thoroughly, they could mess with the server’s files and directories. 

They could also change the application, phishing for information, and other dangerous activities. Hence, file uploads should be treated with caution and care.

When you upload a file to a website, the file is typically stored on a server. The server will then assign the file a unique identifier and store it in a database. It may also compress the file to save space.

When you try to access the file, the server will check the database for the file's identifier and retrieve the file from storage. Then, an error message will be displayed if the file is not found. 

Uploading files can be done in several ways, including via an HTML form, JavaScript, or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The best way to upload a file depends on your specific needs.

Why are file uploads an essential part of any web application?

The file may be displayed inline on the web page or as a thumbnail if the file is an image. For example, if the file is a video, it may be streamed from the server or downloaded for playback offline.

File uploads are essential to any web application because they allow users to upload and share files with others. 

Many file upload scripts and libraries are available, but which are the best? In the next section, we’ll discuss the seven best file upload solutions you can integrate with your application. 

7 Best JavaScript APIs for file uploads 

Choosing among the available file upload APIs can take time because they all perform the same functions. But look closely at their features, and you’ll find the API that will help you safely, reliably, and quickly allow users to upload files. 

1. Filestack

Filestack is a cloud-based solution that easily handles file uploads in your web applications. It offers advanced features such as image previews, OCR, virus scanning, and content delivery API integration.

It also has a 99.999% upload success rate and helps users in areas with poor network conditions upload files. 

2. DropzoneJS

DropzoneJS is a free, open-source library that provides drag-and-drop file uploads with image previews.

It is easy to use and has various features, including support for multiple file uploads, progress bars, image previews, and drag and drop. 

3. Uppy

Uppy is a JavaScript file upload library that provides a flexible, fully customizable UI powered by React or Vue.

It has a clean interface and easy-to-use API that makes it perfect for handling file uploads in your web application. 

4. FilePond

FilePond is a fast, lightweight, and flexible JavaScript file upload library that allows you to add files to your web application using drag and drop or selecting them from your device's file system.

It has various features, including image previews, progress bars, drag-and-drop support, and multiple file uploading. 

5. React-Dropzone

React-Dropzone is a simple component for handling drag-and-drop file upload in your React application.

It is easy to use and has an intuitive API that makes it perfect for taking file uploads in your web app. 

6. Angular-File-Upload

Angular-File-Upload is an AngularJS directive that allows you to handle file uploads in your AngularJS applications.

It is simple and has various other features for file upload use cases. 

7. Simple-Uploader

Simple-Uploader is a lightweight JavaScript library that allows you to handle file uploads in your web applications with ease.

It has a simple API that makes it easy to use and includes features such as progress bars and image previews. 

Conclusion

These JavaScript libraries are great options for handling file uploads in your web application, regardless of your experience level or project size. 

However, if you are looking for a complete solution with advanced features such as OCR, CDN, or virus scanning, Filestack may be the best choice.