In JavaScript is it possible to launch a file browser dialog programmatically?

Question

Instead of using the tag I\'d like to have a button that launches a file browser dialog.

My first thought was to have a hidd

Answer 1

I've done this (see ceejayoz' answer) in the past, but now recommend against it. It is a security issue and can't be relied upon for the future. A much better solution is to progressively enhance your upload form so that the file input is replaced with a Flash- or Java-based uploader with more features (or use better features in HTML 5 if they become available).