Updating a File
Overview
This guide walks you through updating an existing file on the Hedera network using the Transaction Tool. The file update process allows you to modify file metadata and/or replace the file contents stored on the Hedera File Service. After a successful update, the changes are recorded on the Hedera network.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, you should have completed the following:
Transaction Tool Setup: Follow the New User Installation Guide or Install: Existing Users.
User Account Configuration: Complete the Account Setup process to create user account.
You should also have:
File ID: The unique identifier of the file you want to update (format: 0.0.xxxxx).
Payer Account: An account with sufficient HBAR balance to pay transaction fees.
Signing Authority: Access to the keys that currently control the file.
Understanding File Update Permissions
The signature requirements for updating a file depend on what you're changing:
Updating file metadata or contents: Requires signatures from all keys in the current owner key list.
Changing owner keys: Requires signatures from both the current owner keys and the new owner keys.
Transaction Properties
Payer ID
All transactions submitted to the Hedera network require a Payer ID. This is the Hedera account ID that will pay the transaction fees. The account must have enough HBAR to cover the fee. Transaction Fee Table
Yes
0.0.12345 - View examples on HashScan
Valid Start
The date and time the transaction should be submitted to the network.
Yes
2025-04-05T10:00:00Z
Max Transaction Fee
The maximum amount of HBARs you're willing to pay for the transaction. If the required fee exceeds this value, the transaction will fail. Helps avoid accidentally overspending.
Yes
2 HBAR (Default)
Transaction Memo
Optional text description attached to the transaction
No
Updating file metadata
File Update Properties
File ID
The unique identifier of the file you want to update on the Hedera network
Yes
0.0.12345
Signature Key
The current key(s) that must sign updates to modify contents or keys
Yes
121c3e1bd....
Search by or paste the public key
New Key
The replacement key(s) are used when rotating keys. Requires signatures from both the current Signature Key and the New Key in the same transaction.
Optional
b6911f79a...
File Memo
A short description of this file (max 100 bytes UTF-8)
No
Network config v2.1
Expiration
The date/time after which the file expires on the network. Must be later than the current expiration time.
No
2025-12-31 23:59:59
Upload File
Upload a local file whose contents will be stored on the Hedera network. Or Enter the File Content manually
Optional
config.json
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Navigate to the File Create Transaction interface
You can access the Update File form in three ways:
Method 1 – Using the Main Menu
Select Create New, then choose Transaction.
Select File, then choose Update File.
Method 2 – From the left navigation panel
Select Files.
On the Files page, select Add New then choose Update from the dropdown menu.
Method 3 – From the list of Files
Select Files, then in the list, select the file you want to update.
On the right-hand side, the File Information is displayed. Select Update.
Step 2: Configure Transaction Properties
Fill in the required file parameters in the form. Refer to the Transaction Properties and File update properties table above for descriptions and examples.
Step 3: Submit the Transaction
Select Sign and Execute on the top right corner.
In the authentication prompt, confirm the transaction.
If you set up the Transaction Tool using an email address and password, you will be prompted to enter your application password.
If you set up the Transaction Tool using the keychain option, the transaction executes automatically. However, if you haven’t recently entered your keychain password, a system prompt may appear before execution.
The system processes the transaction and updates the file on the Hedera network.
Step 4: View the Updated File
Once the transaction is successful, the transaction details will be displayed.
You can also view the updated file details in the following locations:
Transaction History: View the transaction record with the File ID.
Files Page: The updated file appears in your files list with its modified metadata.
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