Android saving file to external storage

Question

I have a little issue with creating a directory and saving a file to it on my android application. I'm using this piece of code to do this :

String filename = "MyApp/MediaTag/MediaTag-"+objectId+".png";
File file = new File(Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory(), filename);
FileOutputStream fos;

fos = new FileOutputStream(file);
fos.write(mediaTagBuffer);
fos.flush();
fos.close();

But it's throwing an exception :

java.io.FileNotFoundException: /mnt/sdcard/MyApp/MediaCard/MediaCard-0.png (No such file or directory)

on that line : fos = new FileOutputStream(file);

If I set the filename to : "MyApp/MediaTag-"+objectId+" it's working, but If I try to create and save the file to an another directory it's throwing the exception. So any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

And another question: Is there any way to make my files private in external storage so user can't see them in gallery, only if he connect his device as Disk Drive?

Fideism

Answer 1

Use this function to save your bitmap in SD card

private void SaveImage(Bitmap finalBitmap) {

    String root = Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory().toString();
    File myDir = new File(root + "/saved_images");    
     if (!myDir.exists()) {
                    myDir.mkdirs();
                }
    Random generator = new Random();
    int n = 10000;
    n = generator.nextInt(n);
    String fname = "Image-"+ n +".jpg";
    File file = new File (myDir, fname);
    if (file.exists ())
      file.delete (); 
    try {
        FileOutputStream out = new FileOutputStream(file);
        finalBitmap.compress(Bitmap.CompressFormat.JPEG, 90, out);
        out.flush();
        out.close();

    } catch (Exception e) {
         e.printStackTrace();
    }
}

and add this in manifest

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" /> 

EDIT: By using this line you will be able to see saved images in the gallery view.

sendBroadcast(new Intent(Intent.ACTION_MEDIA_MOUNTED,
                         Uri.parse("file://" + Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory())));

look at this link also http://rajareddypolam.wordpress.com/?p=3&preview=true

Stephen

You should still be using Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory() instead of /sdcard. – Stanfordstang

code working good.but images are showing at two places in gallery in camera and my folder too.how can i do this. – Mightily

it saves in your folder only, it shows in camera means you're taking images through camera automatically it stores in Camera .. – Stephen

Please use finally and do not catch generic Exception – Fraga

@Yar can you explain Why? – Manse

@LiamGeorgeBetsworth Any doc reference? And do you mean we need to create a directory inside sdcard and then can save files in it? – Manse

@LiamGeorgeBetsworth All above described behaviors work as it is in pre KitKat. – Manse

It is not appropriate to use Intent.ACTION_MEDIA_MOUNTED and will not work on KitKat. The correct intent to broadcast is new Intent( Intent.ACTION_MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE, Uri.fromFile(file) ) – Keeling

getExternalStorageDirectory(...) is depecratedString use this.getApplicationContext().getExternalFilesDir(null).toString(); instead – Bolero

Why this line of code FileOutputStream out = new FileOutputStream(file); not work for me? – Rhona

Answer 2

The code presented by RajaReddy no longer works for KitKat

This one does (2 changes):

private void saveImageToExternalStorage(Bitmap finalBitmap) {
    String root = Environment.getExternalStoragePublicDirectory(Environment.DIRECTORY_PICTURES).toString();
    File myDir = new File(root + "/saved_images");
    myDir.mkdirs();
    Random generator = new Random();
    int n = 10000;
    n = generator.nextInt(n);
    String fname = "Image-" + n + ".jpg";
    File file = new File(myDir, fname);
    if (file.exists())
        file.delete();
    try {
        FileOutputStream out = new FileOutputStream(file);
        finalBitmap.compress(Bitmap.CompressFormat.JPEG, 90, out);
        out.flush();
        out.close();
    }
    catch (Exception e) {
        e.printStackTrace();
    }


    // Tell the media scanner about the new file so that it is
    // immediately available to the user.
    MediaScannerConnection.scanFile(this, new String[] { file.toString() }, null,
            new MediaScannerConnection.OnScanCompletedListener() {
                public void onScanCompleted(String path, Uri uri) {
                    Log.i("ExternalStorage", "Scanned " + path + ":");
                    Log.i("ExternalStorage", "-> uri=" + uri);
                }
    });

}

Wynn

I am getting uri null? – Osculum

Tell the media scanner about the new file so that it is immediately available to the user - it save my day – Prau

Answer 3

Update 2018, SDK >= 23.

Now you should also check if the user has granted permission to external storage by using:

public boolean isStoragePermissionGranted() {
    String TAG = "Storage Permission";
    if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 23) {
        if (this.checkSelfPermission(android.Manifest.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE)
                == PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED) {
            Log.v(TAG, "Permission is granted");
            return true;
        } else {
            Log.v(TAG, "Permission is revoked");
            ActivityCompat.requestPermissions(this, new String[]{Manifest.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE}, 1);
            return false;
        }
    }
    else { //permission is automatically granted on sdk<23 upon installation
        Log.v(TAG,"Permission is granted");
        return true;
    }
}

public void saveImageBitmap(Bitmap image_bitmap, String image_name) {
    String root = Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory().toString();
    if (isStoragePermissionGranted()) { // check or ask permission
        File myDir = new File(root, "/saved_images");
        if (!myDir.exists()) {
            myDir.mkdirs();
        }
        String fname = "Image-" + image_name + ".jpg";
        File file = new File(myDir, fname);
        if (file.exists()) {
            file.delete();
        }
        try {
            file.createNewFile(); // if file already exists will do nothing
            FileOutputStream out = new FileOutputStream(file);
            image_bitmap.compress(Bitmap.CompressFormat.JPEG, 90, out);
            out.flush();
            out.close();

        } catch (Exception e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
        }

        MediaScannerConnection.scanFile(this, new String[]{file.toString()}, new String[]{file.getName()}, null);
    }
}

and of course, add in the AndroidManifest.xml:

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" /> 

Victim

Answer 4

You need a permission for this

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE"/>

and method:

public boolean saveImageOnExternalData(String filePath, byte[] fileData) {

    boolean isFileSaved = false;
    try {
        File f = new File(filePath);
        if (f.exists())
            f.delete();
        f.createNewFile();
        FileOutputStream fos = new FileOutputStream(f);
        fos.write(fileData);
        fos.flush();
        fos.close();
        isFileSaved = true;
        // File Saved
    } catch (FileNotFoundException e) {
        System.out.println("FileNotFoundException");
        e.printStackTrace();
    } catch (IOException e) {
        System.out.println("IOException");
        e.printStackTrace();
    }
    return isFileSaved;
    // File Not Saved
}

Eddaeddana

Answer 5

Make sure your app has the proper permissions to be allowed to write to external storage: http://developer.android.com/reference/android/Manifest.permission.html#WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

It should look something like this in your manifest file:

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" />

Nutshell

Answer 6

Try This :

1. Check External storage device
2. Write File
3. Read File

public class WriteSDCard extends Activity {

    private static final String TAG = "MEDIA";
    private TextView tv;

    @Override
    public void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.main);
        tv = (TextView) findViewById(R.id.TextView01);
        checkExternalMedia();
        writeToSDFile();
        readRaw();
    }

    /**
     * Method to check whether external media available and writable. This is
     * adapted from
     * http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/data/data-storage.html
     * #filesExternal
     */
    private void checkExternalMedia() {
        boolean mExternalStorageAvailable = false;
        boolean mExternalStorageWriteable = false;
        String state = Environment.getExternalStorageState();
        if (Environment.MEDIA_MOUNTED.equals(state)) {
            // Can read and write the media
            mExternalStorageAvailable = mExternalStorageWriteable = true;
        } else if (Environment.MEDIA_MOUNTED_READ_ONLY.equals(state)) {
            // Can only read the media
            mExternalStorageAvailable = true;
            mExternalStorageWriteable = false;
        } else {
            // Can't read or write
            mExternalStorageAvailable = mExternalStorageWriteable = false;
        }
        tv.append("\n\nExternal Media: readable=" + mExternalStorageAvailable
            + " writable=" + mExternalStorageWriteable);
    }

    /**
     * Method to write ascii text characters to file on SD card. Note that you
     * must add a WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission to the manifest file or this
     * method will throw a FileNotFound Exception because you won't have write
     * permission.
     */
    private void writeToSDFile() {
        // Find the root of the external storage.
        // See http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/data/data-
        // storage.html#filesExternal
        File root = android.os.Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory();
        tv.append("\nExternal file system root: " + root);
        // See
        // https://mcmap.net/q/139165/-how-do-you-write-to-a-folder-on-an-sd-card-in-android
        File dir = new File(root.getAbsolutePath() + "/download");
        dir.mkdirs();
        File file = new File(dir, "myData.txt");
        try {
            FileOutputStream f = new FileOutputStream(file);
            PrintWriter pw = new PrintWriter(f);
            pw.println("Hi , How are you");
            pw.println("Hello");
            pw.flush();
            pw.close();
            f.close();
        } catch (FileNotFoundException e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
            Log.i(TAG, "******* File not found. Did you"
                + " add a WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission to the   manifest?");
        } catch (IOException e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
        }
        tv.append("\n\nFile written to " + file);
    }

    /**
     * Method to read in a text file placed in the res/raw directory of the
     * application. The method reads in all lines of the file sequentially.
     */
    private void readRaw() {
        tv.append("\nData read from res/raw/textfile.txt:");
        InputStream is = this.getResources().openRawResource(R.raw.textfile);
        InputStreamReader isr = new InputStreamReader(is);
        BufferedReader br = new BufferedReader(isr, 8192); // 2nd arg is buffer
        // size
        // More efficient (less readable) implementation of above is the
        // composite expression
        /*
         * BufferedReader br = new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(
         * this.getResources().openRawResource(R.raw.textfile)), 8192);
         */
        try {
            String test;
            while (true) {
                test = br.readLine();
                // readLine() returns null if no more lines in the file
                if (test == null) break;
                tv.append("\n" + "    " + test);
            }
            isr.close();
            is.close();
            br.close();
        } catch (IOException e) {
            e.printStackTrace();
        }
        tv.append("\n\nThat is all");
    }
}

Ladder

This looks very similar to the code from here: https://mcmap.net/q/139166/-write-a-file-in-external-storage-in-android . If it was drawn from there, you should probably cite that in your answer. – Untoward

Answer 7

I have created an AsyncTask for saving bitmaps.

public class BitmapSaver extends AsyncTask<Void, Void, Void>
{
    public static final String TAG ="BitmapSaver";

    private Bitmap bmp;

    private Context ctx;

    private File pictureFile;

    public BitmapSaver(Context paramContext , Bitmap paramBitmap)
    {
        ctx = paramContext;

        bmp = paramBitmap;
    }

    /** Create a File for saving an image or video */
    private  File getOutputMediaFile()
    {
        // To be safe, you should check that the SDCard is mounted
        // using Environment.getExternalStorageState() before doing this. 
        File mediaStorageDir = new File(Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory()
                + "/Android/data/"
                + ctx.getPackageName()
                + "/Files"); 

        // This location works best if you want the created images to be shared
        // between applications and persist after your app has been uninstalled.

        // Create the storage directory if it does not exist
        if (! mediaStorageDir.exists()){
            if (! mediaStorageDir.mkdirs()){
                return null;
            }
        } 
        // Create a media file name
        String timeStamp = new SimpleDateFormat("ddMMyyyy_HHmm").format(new Date());
        File mediaFile;
            String mImageName="MI_"+ timeStamp +".jpg";
            mediaFile = new File(mediaStorageDir.getPath() + File.separator + mImageName);  
        return mediaFile;

    } 
    protected Void doInBackground(Void... paramVarArgs)
    {   
        this.pictureFile = getOutputMediaFile();

        if (this.pictureFile == null) { return null; }

        try
        {
            FileOutputStream localFileOutputStream = new FileOutputStream(this.pictureFile);
            this.bmp.compress(Bitmap.CompressFormat.PNG, 90, localFileOutputStream);
            localFileOutputStream.close();
        }
        catch (FileNotFoundException localFileNotFoundException)
        {
            return null;
        }
        catch (IOException localIOException)
        {
        }
        return null;
    }

    protected void onPostExecute(Void paramVoid)
    {
        super.onPostExecute(paramVoid);

        try
        {
            //it will help you broadcast and view the saved bitmap in Gallery
            this.ctx.sendBroadcast(new Intent("android.intent.action.MEDIA_MOUNTED", Uri
                    .parse("file://" + Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory())));

            Toast.makeText(this.ctx, "File saved", 0).show();

            return;
        }
        catch (Exception localException1)
        {
            try
            {
                Context localContext = this.ctx;
                String[] arrayOfString = new String[1];
                arrayOfString[0] = this.pictureFile.toString();
                MediaScannerConnection.scanFile(localContext, arrayOfString, null,
                        new MediaScannerConnection.OnScanCompletedListener()
                        {
                            public void onScanCompleted(String paramAnonymousString ,
                                    Uri paramAnonymousUri)
                            {
                            }
                        });
                return;
            }
            catch (Exception localException2)
            {
            }
        }
    }
}

Sula

How i can save gif image?? – Sphenogram

Gif image contains multiple images. you have to first seperate those frames then you can use this method. It's my opinion. – Sula

i did it from #39826900 – Sphenogram

Answer 8

Old way of saving files might not work with new versions of android, starting with android10.

 fun saveMediaToStorage(bitmap: Bitmap) {
        //Generating a dummy file name
        val filename = "${System.currentTimeMillis()}.jpg"
 
        //Output stream
        var fos: OutputStream? = null
 
        //For devices running android >= Q
        if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.Q) {
            //getting the contentResolver
            context?.contentResolver?.also { resolver ->
 
                //Content resolver will process the contentvalues
                val contentValues = ContentValues().apply {
 
                    //putting file information in content values
                    put(MediaStore.MediaColumns.DISPLAY_NAME, filename)
                    put(MediaStore.MediaColumns.MIME_TYPE, "image/jpg")
                    put(MediaStore.MediaColumns.RELATIVE_PATH, Environment.DIRECTORY_PICTURES)
                }
 
                //Inserting the contentValues to contentResolver and getting the Uri
                val imageUri: Uri? =
                    resolver.insert(MediaStore.Images.Media.EXTERNAL_CONTENT_URI, contentValues)
 
                //Opening an outputstream with the Uri that we got
                fos = imageUri?.let { resolver.openOutputStream(it) }
            }
        } else {
            //These for devices running on android < Q
            //So I don't think an explanation is needed here
            val imagesDir =
                Environment.getExternalStoragePublicDirectory(Environment.DIRECTORY_PICTURES)
            val image = File(imagesDir, filename)
            fos = FileOutputStream(image)
        }
 
        fos?.use {
            //Finally writing the bitmap to the output stream that we opened 
            bitmap.compress(Bitmap.CompressFormat.JPEG, 100, it)
            context?.toast("Saved to Photos")
        }
    }

Reference- https://www.simplifiedcoding.net/android-save-bitmap-to-gallery/

Krell

Answer 9

Probably exception is thrown because there is no MediaCard subdir. You should check if all dirs in the path exist.

About visibility of your files: if you put file named .nomedia in your dir you are telling Android that you don't want it to scan it for media files and they will not appear in the gallery.

Puppis

Answer 10

For API level 23 (Marshmallow) and later, additional to uses-permission in manifest, pop up permission should also be implemented, and user needs to grant it while using the app in run-time.

Below, there is an example to save hello world! as content of myFile.txt file in Test directory inside picture directory.

In the manifest:

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" />

Where you want to create the file:

int permission = ActivityCompat.checkSelfPermission(MainActivity.this, Manifest.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE);

String[] PERMISSIONS_STORAGE = {Manifest.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE, Manifest.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE};

if (permission != PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED)
{
     ActivityCompat.requestPermissions(MainActivity.this,PERMISSIONS_STORAGE, 1);
}

File myDir = new File(Environment.getExternalStoragePublicDirectory(Environment.DIRECTORY_PICTURES), "Test");

myDir.mkdirs();

try 
{
    String FILENAME = "myFile.txt";
    File file = new File (myDir, FILENAME);
    String string = "hello world!";
    FileOutputStream fos = new FileOutputStream(file);
    fos.write(string.getBytes());
    fos.close();
 }
 catch (IOException e) {
    e.printStackTrace();
 }

Retrorocket

Answer 11

since android 4.4 file saving has been changed. there is

ContextCompat.getExternalFilesDirs(context, name);

it retuns an array.

when name is null

the first value is like /storage/emulated/0/Android/com.my.package/files

the second value is like /storage/extSdCard/Android/com.my.package/files

android 4.3 and less it retuns a single item array

parts of little messy code but it demonstrates how it works:

    /** Create a File for saving an image or video 
     * @throws Exception */
    private File getOutputMediaFile(int type) throws Exception{

        // Check that the SDCard is mounted
        File mediaStorageDir;
        if(internalstorage.isChecked())
        {
            mediaStorageDir = new File(getFilesDir().getAbsolutePath() );
        }
        else
        {
            File[] dirs=ContextCompat.getExternalFilesDirs(this, null);
            mediaStorageDir = new File(dirs[dirs.length>1?1:0].getAbsolutePath() );
        }


        // Create the storage directory(MyCameraVideo) if it does not exist
        if (! mediaStorageDir.exists()){

            if (! mediaStorageDir.mkdirs()){

                output.setText("Failed to create directory.");

                Toast.makeText(this, "Failed to create directory.", Toast.LENGTH_LONG).show();

                Log.d("myapp", "Failed to create directory");
                return null;
            }
        }


        // Create a media file name

        // For unique file name appending current timeStamp with file name
        java.util.Date date= new java.util.Date();
        String timeStamp = new SimpleDateFormat("yyyyMMdd_HHmmss",Locale.ENGLISH)  .format(date.getTime());

        File mediaFile;

        if(type == MEDIA_TYPE_VIDEO) {

            // For unique video file name appending current timeStamp with file name
            mediaFile = new File(mediaStorageDir.getPath() + File.separator + slpid + "_" + pwsid + "_" + timeStamp + ".mp4");

        }
        else if(type == MEDIA_TYPE_AUDIO) {

            // For unique video file name appending current timeStamp with file name
            mediaFile = new File(mediaStorageDir.getPath() + File.separator + slpid + "_" + pwsid + "_" + timeStamp + ".3gp");

        } else {
            return null;
        }

        return mediaFile;
    }



    /** Create a file Uri for saving an image or video 
     * @throws Exception */
    private  Uri getOutputMediaFileUri(int type) throws Exception{

          return Uri.fromFile(getOutputMediaFile(type));
    }

//usage:
        try {
            file=getOutputMediaFileUri(MEDIA_TYPE_AUDIO).getPath();
        } catch (Exception e1) {
            e1.printStackTrace();
            return;
        }

Cockloft

Answer 12

This code is Working great & Worked on KitKat as well. Appreciate @RajaReddy PolamReddy
Added few more steps here and also Visible on Gallery as well.

public void SaveOnClick(View v){
File mainfile;
String fpath;


    try {
//i.e  v2:My view to save on own folder     
        v2.setDrawingCacheEnabled(true);
//Your final bitmap according to my code.
        bitmap_tmp = v2.getDrawingCache();

File(getExternalFilesDir(Environment.DIRECTORY_PICTURES)+File.separator+"/MyFolder");

          Random random=new Random();
          int ii=100000;
          ii=random.nextInt(ii);
          String fname="MyPic_"+ ii + ".jpg";
            File direct = new File(Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory() + "/MyFolder");

            if (!direct.exists()) {
                File wallpaperDirectory = new File("/sdcard/MyFolder/");
                wallpaperDirectory.mkdirs();
            }

            mainfile = new File(new File("/sdcard/MyFolder/"), fname);
            if (mainfile.exists()) {
                mainfile.delete();
            }

              FileOutputStream fileOutputStream;
        fileOutputStream = new FileOutputStream(mainfile);

        bitmap_tmp.compress(CompressFormat.JPEG, 100, fileOutputStream);
        Toast.makeText(MyActivity.this.getApplicationContext(), "Saved in Gallery..", Toast.LENGTH_LONG).show();
        fileOutputStream.flush();
        fileOutputStream.close();
        fpath=mainfile.toString();
        galleryAddPic(fpath);
    } catch(FileNotFoundException e){
        e.printStackTrace();
    } catch (IOException e) {
        // TODO Auto-generated catch block
        e.printStackTrace();
    }

}

This is Media scanner to Visible in Gallery.

private void galleryAddPic(String fpath) {
    Intent mediaScanIntent = new Intent("android.intent.action.MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE");
    File f = new File(fpath);
    Uri contentUri = Uri.fromFile(f);
    mediaScanIntent.setData(contentUri);
    this.sendBroadcast(mediaScanIntent);
}

Absolutism

Answer 13

Click Here for full description and source code

public void saveImage(Context mContext, Bitmap bitmapImage) {

  File sampleDir = new File(Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory() + "/" + "ApplicationName");

  TextView tvImageLocation = (TextView) findViewById(R.id.tvImageLocation);
  tvImageLocation.setText("Image Store At : " + sampleDir);

  if (!sampleDir.exists()) {
      createpathForImage(mContext, bitmapImage, sampleDir);
  } else {
      createpathForImage(mContext, bitmapImage, sampleDir);
  }
}

Idea

Add some description here – Pardoner