# init(contentsOf:named:sourceLocation:) Initialize an instance of this type with the contents of the given URL. ``` init(contentsOf url: URL, named preferredName: String? = nil, sourceLocation: SourceLocation = #_sourceLocation) async throws ``` ## Parameters `url` The URL containing the attachment’s data. `preferredName` The preferred name of the attachment when writing it to a test report or to disk. If `nil`, the name of the attachment is derived from the last path component of `url`. `sourceLocation` The source location of the call to this initializer. This value is used when recording issues associated with the attachment. ## Discussion> Throws: Any error that occurs attempting to read from `url`. Use this initializer to create an instance of [`Attachment`](/documentation/Testing/Attachment) that represents a local file or directory: ```swift let url = try await FoodTruck.saveMenu(as: .pdf) let attachment = try await Attachment(contentsOf: url) Attachment.record(attachment) ``` When you call this initializer and pass it the URL of a file, it reads or maps the contents of that file into memory. When you call this initializer and pass it the URL of a directory, it creates a temporary ZIP file of the directory before reading or mapping it into memory. These operations may take some time, so this initializer suspends the calling task until they are complete. > Important: This initializer supports creating attachments from file URLs > only. If you pass it a URL other than a file URL, such as an HTTPS URL, > the testing library throws an error. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)