Access input files[] using ngModel

Question

I have an image upload input in my form:

<input type="file" [(ngModel)]="item.image" name="image" #image>

Is it possible to access #image.files[0] using item.image ngModel (instead of creating a reference)?

If not, what does ngModel stores anyway when the input type is file?

Answer 1

Is it possible to access #image.files[0] using item.image ngModel (instead of creating a reference)?

Yes, you can subscribe to the change event of the input and pass the file to the method:

<input type="file" name="image" (change)="fileSelected($event.target.files[0])" />

What does ngModel stores anyway when the input type is file?

Nothing. DefaultValueAccessor does not work with input[type="file"] and I don't think there is a specific value accessor for it at the moment.