diff --git a/telegram/bot.py b/telegram/bot.py
index ee6ba4e10d5..d72c21b0571 100644
--- a/telegram/bot.py
+++ b/telegram/bot.py
@@ -36,7 +36,6 @@
     Tuple,
     TypeVar,
     Union,
-    cast,
     no_type_check,
 )
 
@@ -63,7 +62,6 @@
     File,
     GameHighScore,
     InlineQueryResult,
-    InputFile,
     InputMedia,
     LabeledPrice,
     Location,
@@ -94,9 +92,15 @@
 )
 from telegram.constants import MAX_INLINE_QUERY_RESULTS
 from telegram.error import InvalidToken, TelegramError
-from telegram.utils.helpers import DEFAULT_NONE, DefaultValue, to_timestamp
+from telegram.utils.helpers import (
+    DEFAULT_NONE,
+    DefaultValue,
+    to_timestamp,
+    is_local_file,
+    parse_file_input,
+)
 from telegram.utils.request import Request
-from telegram.utils.types import FileLike, JSONDict
+from telegram.utils.types import FileInput, JSONDict
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from telegram.ext import Defaults
@@ -582,7 +586,8 @@ def send_photo(
         Args:
             chat_id (:obj:`int` | :obj:`str`): Unique identifier for the target chat or username
                 of the target channel (in the format @channelusername).
-            photo (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`telegram.PhotoSize`): Photo to send.
+            photo (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path` | \
+                :class:`telegram.PhotoSize`): Photo to send.
                 Pass a file_id as String to send a photo that exists on the Telegram servers
                 (recommended), pass an HTTP URL as a String for Telegram to get a photo from the
                 Internet, or upload a new photo using multipart/form-data. Lastly you can pass
@@ -615,13 +620,7 @@ def send_photo(
             :class:`telegram.TelegramError`
 
         """
-        if isinstance(photo, PhotoSize):
-            photo = photo.file_id
-        elif InputFile.is_file(photo):
-            photo = cast(IO, photo)
-            photo = InputFile(photo)  # type: ignore[assignment]
-
-        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'photo': photo}
+        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'photo': parse_file_input(photo, PhotoSize)}
 
         if caption:
             data['caption'] = caption
@@ -645,7 +644,7 @@ def send_photo(
     def send_audio(
         self,
         chat_id: Union[int, str],
-        audio: Union[str, Audio, FileLike],
+        audio: Union[FileInput, Audio],
         duration: int = None,
         performer: str = None,
         title: str = None,
@@ -655,7 +654,7 @@ def send_audio(
         reply_markup: ReplyMarkup = None,
         timeout: float = 20,
         parse_mode: str = None,
-        thumb: FileLike = None,
+        thumb: FileInput = None,
         api_kwargs: JSONDict = None,
         allow_sending_without_reply: bool = None,
         caption_entities: Union[List[MessageEntity], Tuple[MessageEntity, ...]] = None,
@@ -676,7 +675,8 @@ def send_audio(
         Args:
             chat_id (:obj:`int` | :obj:`str`): Unique identifier for the target chat or username
                 of the target channel (in the format @channelusername).
-            audio (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`telegram.Audio`): Audio file to send.
+            audio (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path` | \
+                :class:`telegram.Audio`): Audio file to send.
                 Pass a file_id as String to send an audio file that exists on the Telegram servers
                 (recommended), pass an HTTP URL as a String for Telegram to get an audio file from
                 the Internet, or upload a new one using multipart/form-data. Lastly you can pass
@@ -701,7 +701,8 @@ def send_audio(
             reply_markup (:class:`telegram.ReplyMarkup`, optional): Additional interface options. A
                 JSON-serialized object for an inline keyboard, custom reply keyboard, instructions
                 to remove reply keyboard or to force a reply from the user.
-            thumb (`filelike object`, optional): Thumbnail of the file sent; can be ignored if
+            thumb (`filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): Thumbnail of the file
+                sent; can be ignored if
                 thumbnail generation for the file is supported server-side. The thumbnail should be
                 in JPEG format and less than 200 kB in size. A thumbnail's width and height should
                 not exceed 320. Ignored if the file is not uploaded using multipart/form-data.
@@ -717,13 +718,7 @@ def send_audio(
             :class:`telegram.TelegramError`
 
         """
-        if isinstance(audio, Audio):
-            audio = audio.file_id
-        elif InputFile.is_file(audio):
-            audio = cast(IO, audio)
-            audio = InputFile(audio)
-
-        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'audio': audio}
+        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'audio': parse_file_input(audio, Audio)}
 
         if duration:
             data['duration'] = duration
@@ -738,10 +733,7 @@ def send_audio(
         if caption_entities:
             data['caption_entities'] = [me.to_dict() for me in caption_entities]
         if thumb:
-            if InputFile.is_file(thumb):
-                thumb = cast(IO, thumb)
-                thumb = InputFile(thumb, attach=True)
-            data['thumb'] = thumb
+            data['thumb'] = parse_file_input(thumb, attach=True)
 
         return self._message(  # type: ignore[return-value]
             'sendAudio',
@@ -758,7 +750,7 @@ def send_audio(
     def send_document(
         self,
         chat_id: Union[int, str],
-        document: Union[str, Document, FileLike],
+        document: Union[FileInput, Document],
         filename: str = None,
         caption: str = None,
         disable_notification: bool = False,
@@ -766,7 +758,7 @@ def send_document(
         reply_markup: ReplyMarkup = None,
         timeout: float = 20,
         parse_mode: str = None,
-        thumb: FileLike = None,
+        thumb: FileInput = None,
         api_kwargs: JSONDict = None,
         disable_content_type_detection: bool = None,
         allow_sending_without_reply: bool = None,
@@ -785,7 +777,8 @@ def send_document(
         Args:
             chat_id (:obj:`int` | :obj:`str`): Unique identifier for the target chat or username
                 of the target channel (in the format @channelusername).
-            document (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`telegram.Document`): File to send.
+            document (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path` | \
+                :class:`telegram.Document`): File to send.
                 Pass a file_id as String to send a file that exists on the Telegram servers
                 (recommended), pass an HTTP URL as a String for Telegram to get a file from the
                 Internet, or upload a new one using multipart/form-data. Lastly you can pass
@@ -811,7 +804,8 @@ def send_document(
             reply_markup (:class:`telegram.ReplyMarkup`, optional): Additional interface options. A
                 JSON-serialized object for an inline keyboard, custom reply keyboard, instructions
                 to remove reply keyboard or to force a reply from the user.
-            thumb (`filelike object`, optional): Thumbnail of the file sent; can be ignored if
+            thumb (`filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): Thumbnail of the file
+                sent; can be ignored if
                 thumbnail generation for the file is supported server-side. The thumbnail should be
                 in JPEG format and less than 200 kB in size. A thumbnail's width and height should
                 not exceed 320. Ignored if the file is not uploaded using multipart/form-data.
@@ -827,13 +821,10 @@ def send_document(
             :class:`telegram.TelegramError`
 
         """
-        if isinstance(document, Document):
-            document = document.file_id
-        elif InputFile.is_file(document):
-            document = cast(IO, document)
-            document = InputFile(document, filename=filename)
-
-        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'document': document}
+        data: JSONDict = {
+            'chat_id': chat_id,
+            'document': parse_file_input(document, Document, filename=filename),
+        }
 
         if caption:
             data['caption'] = caption
@@ -844,10 +835,7 @@ def send_document(
         if disable_content_type_detection is not None:
             data['disable_content_type_detection'] = disable_content_type_detection
         if thumb:
-            if InputFile.is_file(thumb):
-                thumb = cast(IO, thumb)
-                thumb = InputFile(thumb, attach=True)
-            data['thumb'] = thumb
+            data['thumb'] = parse_file_input(thumb, attach=True)
 
         return self._message(  # type: ignore[return-value]
             'sendDocument',
@@ -864,7 +852,7 @@ def send_document(
     def send_sticker(
         self,
         chat_id: Union[int, str],
-        sticker: Union[str, Sticker, FileLike],
+        sticker: Union[FileInput, Sticker],
         disable_notification: bool = False,
         reply_to_message_id: Union[int, str] = None,
         reply_markup: ReplyMarkup = None,
@@ -882,7 +870,8 @@ def send_sticker(
         Args:
             chat_id (:obj:`int` | :obj:`str`): Unique identifier for the target chat or username
                 of the target channel (in the format @channelusername).
-            sticker (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` :class:`telegram.Sticker`): Sticker to send.
+            sticker (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path` | \
+                :class:`telegram.Sticker`): Sticker to send.
                 Pass a file_id as String to send a file that exists on the Telegram servers
                 (recommended), pass an HTTP URL as a String for Telegram to get a .webp file from
                 the Internet, or upload a new one using multipart/form-data. Lastly you can pass
@@ -907,13 +896,7 @@ def send_sticker(
             :class:`telegram.TelegramError`
 
         """
-        if isinstance(sticker, Sticker):
-            sticker = sticker.file_id
-        elif InputFile.is_file(sticker):
-            sticker = cast(IO, sticker)
-            sticker = InputFile(sticker)
-
-        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'sticker': sticker}
+        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'sticker': parse_file_input(sticker, Sticker)}
 
         return self._message(  # type: ignore[return-value]
             'sendSticker',
@@ -930,7 +913,7 @@ def send_sticker(
     def send_video(
         self,
         chat_id: Union[int, str],
-        video: Union[str, Video, FileLike],
+        video: Union[FileInput, Video],
         duration: int = None,
         caption: str = None,
         disable_notification: bool = False,
@@ -941,7 +924,7 @@ def send_video(
         height: int = None,
         parse_mode: str = None,
         supports_streaming: bool = None,
-        thumb: FileLike = None,
+        thumb: FileInput = None,
         api_kwargs: JSONDict = None,
         allow_sending_without_reply: bool = None,
         caption_entities: Union[List[MessageEntity], Tuple[MessageEntity, ...]] = None,
@@ -963,7 +946,8 @@ def send_video(
         Args:
             chat_id (:obj:`int` | :obj:`str`): Unique identifier for the target chat or username
                 of the target channel (in the format @channelusername).
-            video (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`telegram.Video`): Video file to send.
+            video (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path` | \
+                :class:`telegram.Video`): Video file to send.
                 Pass a file_id as String to send an video file that exists on the Telegram servers
                 (recommended), pass an HTTP URL as a String for Telegram to get an video file from
                 the Internet, or upload a new one using multipart/form-data. Lastly you can pass
@@ -990,7 +974,8 @@ def send_video(
             reply_markup (:class:`telegram.ReplyMarkup`, optional): Additional interface options. A
                 JSON-serialized object for an inline keyboard, custom reply keyboard, instructions
                 to remove reply keyboard or to force a reply from the user.
-            thumb (`filelike object`, optional): Thumbnail of the file sent; can be ignored if
+            thumb (`filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): Thumbnail of the file
+                sent; can be ignored if
                 thumbnail generation for the file is supported server-side. The thumbnail should be
                 in JPEG format and less than 200 kB in size. A thumbnail's width and height should
                 not exceed 320. Ignored if the file is not uploaded using multipart/form-data.
@@ -1006,13 +991,7 @@ def send_video(
             :class:`telegram.TelegramError`
 
         """
-        if isinstance(video, Video):
-            video = video.file_id
-        elif InputFile.is_file(video):
-            video = cast(IO, video)
-            video = InputFile(video)
-
-        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'video': video}
+        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'video': parse_file_input(video, Video)}
 
         if duration:
             data['duration'] = duration
@@ -1029,10 +1008,7 @@ def send_video(
         if height:
             data['height'] = height
         if thumb:
-            if InputFile.is_file(thumb):
-                thumb = cast(IO, thumb)
-                thumb = InputFile(thumb, attach=True)
-            data['thumb'] = thumb
+            data['thumb'] = parse_file_input(thumb, attach=True)
 
         return self._message(  # type: ignore[return-value]
             'sendVideo',
@@ -1049,14 +1025,14 @@ def send_video(
     def send_video_note(
         self,
         chat_id: Union[int, str],
-        video_note: Union[str, FileLike, VideoNote],
+        video_note: Union[FileInput, VideoNote],
         duration: int = None,
         length: int = None,
         disable_notification: bool = False,
         reply_to_message_id: Union[int, str] = None,
         reply_markup: ReplyMarkup = None,
         timeout: float = 20,
-        thumb: FileLike = None,
+        thumb: FileInput = None,
         api_kwargs: JSONDict = None,
         allow_sending_without_reply: bool = None,
     ) -> Optional[Message]:
@@ -1074,7 +1050,8 @@ def send_video_note(
         Args:
             chat_id (:obj:`int` | :obj:`str`): Unique identifier for the target chat or username
                 of the target channel (in the format @channelusername).
-            video_note (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`telegram.VideoNote`): Video note
+            video_note (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path` | \
+                :class:`telegram.VideoNote`): Video note
                 to send. Pass a file_id as String to send a video note that exists on the Telegram
                 servers (recommended) or upload a new video using multipart/form-data. Or you can
                 pass an existing :class:`telegram.VideoNote` object to send. Sending video notes by
@@ -1091,7 +1068,8 @@ def send_video_note(
             reply_markup (:class:`telegram.ReplyMarkup`, optional): Additional interface options. A
                 JSON-serialized object for an inline keyboard, custom reply keyboard,
                 instructions to remove reply keyboard or to force a reply from the user.
-            thumb (`filelike object`, optional): Thumbnail of the file sent; can be ignored if
+            thumb (`filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): Thumbnail of the file
+                sent; can be ignored if
                 thumbnail generation for the file is supported server-side. The thumbnail should be
                 in JPEG format and less than 200 kB in size. A thumbnail's width and height should
                 not exceed 320. Ignored if the file is not uploaded using multipart/form-data.
@@ -1107,23 +1085,17 @@ def send_video_note(
             :class:`telegram.TelegramError`
 
         """
-        if isinstance(video_note, VideoNote):
-            video_note = video_note.file_id
-        elif InputFile.is_file(video_note):
-            video_note = cast(IO, video_note)
-            video_note = InputFile(video_note)
-
-        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'video_note': video_note}
+        data: JSONDict = {
+            'chat_id': chat_id,
+            'video_note': parse_file_input(video_note, VideoNote),
+        }
 
         if duration is not None:
             data['duration'] = duration
         if length is not None:
             data['length'] = length
         if thumb:
-            if InputFile.is_file(thumb):
-                thumb = cast(IO, thumb)
-                thumb = InputFile(thumb, attach=True)
-            data['thumb'] = thumb
+            data['thumb'] = parse_file_input(thumb, attach=True)
 
         return self._message(  # type: ignore[return-value]
             'sendVideoNote',
@@ -1140,11 +1112,11 @@ def send_video_note(
     def send_animation(
         self,
         chat_id: Union[int, str],
-        animation: Union[str, FileLike, Animation],
+        animation: Union[FileInput, Animation],
         duration: int = None,
         width: int = None,
         height: int = None,
-        thumb: FileLike = None,
+        thumb: FileInput = None,
         caption: str = None,
         parse_mode: str = None,
         disable_notification: bool = False,
@@ -1168,7 +1140,8 @@ def send_animation(
         Args:
             chat_id (:obj:`int` | :obj:`str`): Unique identifier for the target chat or username
                 of the target channel (in the format @channelusername).
-            animation (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`telegram.Animation`): Animation to
+            animation (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path` | \
+                :class:`telegram.Animation`): Animation to
                 send. Pass a file_id as String to send an animation that exists on the Telegram
                 servers (recommended), pass an HTTP URL as a String for Telegram to get an
                 animation from the Internet, or upload a new animation using multipart/form-data.
@@ -1176,7 +1149,8 @@ def send_animation(
             duration (:obj:`int`, optional): Duration of sent animation in seconds.
             width (:obj:`int`, optional): Animation width.
             height (:obj:`int`, optional): Animation height.
-            thumb (`filelike object`, optional): Thumbnail of the file sent; can be ignored if
+            thumb (`filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): Thumbnail of the file
+                sent; can be ignored if
                 thumbnail generation for the file is supported server-side. The thumbnail should be
                 in JPEG format and less than 200 kB in size. A thumbnail's width and height should
                 not exceed 320. Ignored if the file is not uploaded using multipart/form-data.
@@ -1209,13 +1183,7 @@ def send_animation(
             :class:`telegram.TelegramError`
 
         """
-        if isinstance(animation, Animation):
-            animation = animation.file_id
-        elif InputFile.is_file(animation):
-            animation = cast(IO, animation)
-            animation = InputFile(animation)
-
-        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'animation': animation}
+        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'animation': parse_file_input(animation, Animation)}
 
         if duration:
             data['duration'] = duration
@@ -1224,10 +1192,7 @@ def send_animation(
         if height:
             data['height'] = height
         if thumb:
-            if InputFile.is_file(thumb):
-                thumb = cast(IO, thumb)
-                thumb = InputFile(thumb, attach=True)
-            data['thumb'] = thumb
+            data['thumb'] = parse_file_input(thumb, attach=True)
         if caption:
             data['caption'] = caption
         if parse_mode:
@@ -1250,7 +1215,7 @@ def send_animation(
     def send_voice(
         self,
         chat_id: Union[int, str],
-        voice: Union[str, FileLike, Voice],
+        voice: Union[FileInput, Voice],
         duration: int = None,
         caption: str = None,
         disable_notification: bool = False,
@@ -1275,7 +1240,8 @@ def send_voice(
         Args:
             chat_id (:obj:`int` | :obj:`str`): Unique identifier for the target chat or username
                 of the target channel (in the format @channelusername).
-            voice (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`telegram.Voice`): Voice file to send.
+            voice (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path` | \
+                :class:`telegram.Voice`): Voice file to send.
                 Pass a file_id as String to send an voice file that exists on the Telegram servers
                 (recommended), pass an HTTP URL as a String for Telegram to get an voice file from
                 the Internet, or upload a new one using multipart/form-data. Lastly you can pass
@@ -1309,13 +1275,7 @@ def send_voice(
             :class:`telegram.TelegramError`
 
         """
-        if isinstance(voice, Voice):
-            voice = voice.file_id
-        elif InputFile.is_file(voice):
-            voice = cast(IO, voice)
-            voice = InputFile(voice)
-
-        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'voice': voice}
+        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'voice': parse_file_input(voice, Voice)}
 
         if duration:
             data['duration'] = duration
@@ -2155,9 +2115,11 @@ def get_file(
 
         result = self._post('getFile', data, timeout=timeout, api_kwargs=api_kwargs)
 
-        if result.get('file_path'):  # type: ignore
-            result['file_path'] = '{}/{}'.format(  # type: ignore
-                self.base_file_url, result['file_path']  # type: ignore
+        if result.get('file_path') and not is_local_file(  # type: ignore[union-attr]
+            result['file_path']  # type: ignore[index]
+        ):
+            result['file_path'] = '{}/{}'.format(  # type: ignore[index]
+                self.base_file_url, result['file_path']  # type: ignore[index]
             )
 
         return File.de_json(result, self)  # type: ignore
@@ -2680,7 +2642,7 @@ def get_updates(
     def set_webhook(
         self,
         url: str = None,
-        certificate: FileLike = None,
+        certificate: FileInput = None,
         timeout: float = None,
         max_connections: int = 40,
         allowed_updates: List[str] = None,
@@ -2754,10 +2716,7 @@ def set_webhook(
         if url is not None:
             data['url'] = url
         if certificate:
-            if InputFile.is_file(certificate):
-                certificate = cast(IO, certificate)
-                certificate = InputFile(certificate)
-            data['certificate'] = certificate
+            data['certificate'] = parse_file_input(certificate)
         if max_connections is not None:
             data['max_connections'] = max_connections
         if allowed_updates is not None:
@@ -3671,7 +3630,7 @@ def export_chat_invite_link(
     def set_chat_photo(
         self,
         chat_id: Union[str, int],
-        photo: FileLike,
+        photo: FileInput,
         timeout: float = 20,
         api_kwargs: JSONDict = None,
     ) -> bool:
@@ -3683,7 +3642,7 @@ def set_chat_photo(
         Args:
             chat_id (:obj:`int` | :obj:`str`): Unique identifier for the target chat or username
                 of the target channel (in the format @channelusername).
-            photo (`filelike object`): New chat photo.
+            photo (`filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`): New chat photo.
             timeout (:obj:`int` | :obj:`float`, optional): If this value is specified, use it as
                 the read timeout from the server (instead of the one specified during creation of
                 the connection pool).
@@ -3697,11 +3656,7 @@ def set_chat_photo(
             :class:`telegram.TelegramError`
 
         """
-        if InputFile.is_file(photo):
-            photo = cast(IO, photo)
-            photo = InputFile(photo)
-
-        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'photo': photo}
+        data: JSONDict = {'chat_id': chat_id, 'photo': parse_file_input(photo)}
 
         result = self._post('setChatPhoto', data, timeout=timeout, api_kwargs=api_kwargs)
 
@@ -3962,7 +3917,7 @@ def get_sticker_set(
     def upload_sticker_file(
         self,
         user_id: Union[str, int],
-        png_sticker: Union[str, FileLike],
+        png_sticker: FileInput,
         timeout: float = 20,
         api_kwargs: JSONDict = None,
     ) -> File:
@@ -3977,7 +3932,8 @@ def upload_sticker_file(
 
         Args:
             user_id (:obj:`int`): User identifier of sticker file owner.
-            png_sticker (:obj:`str` | `filelike object`): Png image with the sticker,
+            png_sticker (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`): Png image with
+                the sticker,
                 must be up to 512 kilobytes in size, dimensions must not exceed 512px,
                 and either width or height must be exactly 512px.
             timeout (:obj:`int` | :obj:`float`, optional): If this value is specified, use it as
@@ -3993,10 +3949,7 @@ def upload_sticker_file(
             :class:`telegram.TelegramError`
 
         """
-        if InputFile.is_file(png_sticker):
-            png_sticker = InputFile(png_sticker)  # type: ignore[assignment,arg-type]
-
-        data: JSONDict = {'user_id': user_id, 'png_sticker': png_sticker}
+        data: JSONDict = {'user_id': user_id, 'png_sticker': parse_file_input(png_sticker)}
 
         result = self._post('uploadStickerFile', data, timeout=timeout, api_kwargs=api_kwargs)
 
@@ -4009,11 +3962,11 @@ def create_new_sticker_set(
         name: str,
         title: str,
         emojis: str,
-        png_sticker: Union[str, FileLike] = None,
+        png_sticker: FileInput = None,
         contains_masks: bool = None,
         mask_position: MaskPosition = None,
         timeout: float = 20,
-        tgs_sticker: Union[str, FileLike] = None,
+        tgs_sticker: FileInput = None,
         api_kwargs: JSONDict = None,
     ) -> bool:
         """
@@ -4038,13 +3991,15 @@ def create_new_sticker_set(
                 must end in "_by_<bot username>". <bot_username> is case insensitive.
                 1-64 characters.
             title (:obj:`str`): Sticker set title, 1-64 characters.
-            png_sticker (:obj:`str` | `filelike object`, optional): Png image with the sticker,
+            png_sticker (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): Png
+                image with the sticker,
                 must be up to 512 kilobytes in size, dimensions must not exceed 512px,
                 and either width or height must be exactly 512px. Pass a file_id as a String to
                 send a file that already exists on the Telegram servers, pass an HTTP URL as a
                 String for Telegram to get a file from the Internet, or upload a new one
                 using multipart/form-data.
-            tgs_sticker (:obj:`str` | `filelike object`, optional): TGS animation with the sticker,
+            tgs_sticker (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): TGS
+                animation with the sticker,
                 uploaded using multipart/form-data. See
                 https://core.telegram.org/animated_stickers#technical-requirements for technical
                 requirements.
@@ -4066,18 +4021,12 @@ def create_new_sticker_set(
             :class:`telegram.TelegramError`
 
         """
-        if InputFile.is_file(png_sticker):
-            png_sticker = InputFile(png_sticker)  # type: ignore[assignment,arg-type]
-
-        if InputFile.is_file(tgs_sticker):
-            tgs_sticker = InputFile(tgs_sticker)  # type: ignore[assignment,arg-type]
-
         data: JSONDict = {'user_id': user_id, 'name': name, 'title': title, 'emojis': emojis}
 
         if png_sticker is not None:
-            data['png_sticker'] = png_sticker
+            data['png_sticker'] = parse_file_input(png_sticker)
         if tgs_sticker is not None:
-            data['tgs_sticker'] = tgs_sticker
+            data['tgs_sticker'] = parse_file_input(tgs_sticker)
         if contains_masks is not None:
             data['contains_masks'] = contains_masks
         if mask_position is not None:
@@ -4095,10 +4044,10 @@ def add_sticker_to_set(
         user_id: Union[str, int],
         name: str,
         emojis: str,
-        png_sticker: Union[str, FileLike] = None,
+        png_sticker: FileInput = None,
         mask_position: MaskPosition = None,
         timeout: float = 20,
-        tgs_sticker: Union[str, FileLike] = None,
+        tgs_sticker: FileInput = None,
         api_kwargs: JSONDict = None,
     ) -> bool:
         """
@@ -4119,13 +4068,15 @@ def add_sticker_to_set(
         Args:
             user_id (:obj:`int`): User identifier of created sticker set owner.
             name (:obj:`str`): Sticker set name.
-            png_sticker (:obj:`str` | `filelike object`, optional): PNG image with the sticker,
+            png_sticker (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): PNG
+                image with the sticker,
                 must be up to 512 kilobytes in size, dimensions must not exceed 512px,
                 and either width or height must be exactly 512px. Pass a file_id as a String to
                 send a file that already exists on the Telegram servers, pass an HTTP URL as a
                 String for Telegram to get a file from the Internet, or upload a new one
                 using multipart/form-data.
-            tgs_sticker (:obj:`str` | `filelike object`, optional): TGS animation with the sticker,
+            tgs_sticker (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): TGS
+                animation with the sticker,
                 uploaded using multipart/form-data. See
                 https://core.telegram.org/animated_stickers#technical-requirements for technical
                 requirements.
@@ -4145,18 +4096,12 @@ def add_sticker_to_set(
             :class:`telegram.TelegramError`
 
         """
-        if InputFile.is_file(png_sticker):
-            png_sticker = InputFile(png_sticker)  # type: ignore[assignment,arg-type]
-
-        if InputFile.is_file(tgs_sticker):
-            tgs_sticker = InputFile(tgs_sticker)  # type: ignore[assignment,arg-type]
-
         data: JSONDict = {'user_id': user_id, 'name': name, 'emojis': emojis}
 
         if png_sticker is not None:
-            data['png_sticker'] = png_sticker
+            data['png_sticker'] = parse_file_input(png_sticker)
         if tgs_sticker is not None:
-            data['tgs_sticker'] = tgs_sticker
+            data['tgs_sticker'] = parse_file_input(tgs_sticker)
         if mask_position is not None:
             # We need to_json() instead of to_dict() here, because we're sending a media
             # message here, which isn't json dumped by utils.request
@@ -4228,7 +4173,7 @@ def set_sticker_set_thumb(
         self,
         name: str,
         user_id: Union[str, int],
-        thumb: FileLike = None,
+        thumb: FileInput = None,
         timeout: float = None,
         api_kwargs: JSONDict = None,
     ) -> bool:
@@ -4241,7 +4186,8 @@ def set_sticker_set_thumb(
         Args:
             name (:obj:`str`): Sticker set name
             user_id (:obj:`int`): User identifier of created sticker set owner.
-            thumb (:obj:`str` | `filelike object`, optional): A PNG image with the thumbnail, must
+            thumb (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): A PNG image
+                with the thumbnail, must
                 be up to 128 kilobytes in size and have width and height exactly 100px, or a TGS
                 animation with the thumbnail up to 32 kilobytes in size; see
                 https://core.telegram.org/animated_stickers#technical-requirements for animated
@@ -4262,12 +4208,10 @@ def set_sticker_set_thumb(
             :class:`telegram.TelegramError`
 
         """
+        data: JSONDict = {'name': name, 'user_id': user_id}
 
-        if InputFile.is_file(thumb):
-            thumb = cast(IO, thumb)
-            thumb = InputFile(thumb)
-
-        data: JSONDict = {'name': name, 'user_id': user_id, 'thumb': thumb}
+        if thumb is not None:
+            data['thumb'] = parse_file_input(thumb)
 
         result = self._post('setStickerSetThumb', data, timeout=timeout, api_kwargs=api_kwargs)
 
diff --git a/telegram/files/file.py b/telegram/files/file.py
index 7a6d9917f8d..b1a347501d7 100644
--- a/telegram/files/file.py
+++ b/telegram/files/file.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 """This module contains an object that represents a Telegram File."""
 import os
+import shutil
 import urllib.parse as urllib_parse
 from base64 import b64decode
 from os.path import basename
@@ -25,6 +26,7 @@
 
 from telegram import TelegramObject
 from telegram.passport.credentials import decrypt
+from telegram.utils.helpers import is_local_file
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from telegram import Bot, FileCredentials
@@ -98,7 +100,10 @@ def download(
         the ``out.write`` method.
 
         Note:
-            :attr:`custom_path` and :attr:`out` are mutually exclusive.
+            * :attr:`custom_path` and :attr:`out` are mutually exclusive.
+            * If neither :attr:`custom_path` nor :attr:`out` is provided and :attr:`file_path` is
+              the path of a local file (which is the case when a Bot API Server is running in
+              local mode), this method will just return the path.
 
         Args:
             custom_path (:obj:`str`, optional): Custom path.
@@ -110,7 +115,7 @@ def download(
 
         Returns:
             :obj:`str` | :obj:`io.BufferedWriter`: The same object as :attr:`out` if specified.
-            Otherwise, returns the filename downloaded to.
+            Otherwise, returns the filename downloaded to or the file path of the local file.
 
         Raises:
             ValueError: If both :attr:`custom_path` and :attr:`out` are passed.
@@ -119,20 +124,35 @@ def download(
         if custom_path is not None and out is not None:
             raise ValueError('custom_path and out are mutually exclusive')
 
-        # Convert any UTF-8 char into a url encoded ASCII string.
-        url = self._get_encoded_url()
+        local_file = is_local_file(self.file_path)
+
+        if local_file:
+            url = self.file_path
+        else:
+            # Convert any UTF-8 char into a url encoded ASCII string.
+            url = self._get_encoded_url()
 
         if out:
-            buf = self.bot.request.retrieve(url)
-            if self._credentials:
-                buf = decrypt(
-                    b64decode(self._credentials.secret), b64decode(self._credentials.hash), buf
-                )
+            if local_file:
+                with open(url, 'rb') as file:
+                    buf = file.read()
+            else:
+                buf = self.bot.request.retrieve(url)
+                if self._credentials:
+                    buf = decrypt(
+                        b64decode(self._credentials.secret), b64decode(self._credentials.hash), buf
+                    )
             out.write(buf)
             return out
 
+        if custom_path and local_file:
+            shutil.copyfile(self.file_path, custom_path)
+            return custom_path
+
         if custom_path:
             filename = custom_path
+        elif local_file:
+            return self.file_path
         elif self.file_path:
             filename = basename(self.file_path)
         else:
@@ -169,8 +189,11 @@ def download_as_bytearray(self, buf: bytearray = None) -> bytes:
         """
         if buf is None:
             buf = bytearray()
-
-        buf.extend(self.bot.request.retrieve(self._get_encoded_url()))
+        if is_local_file(self.file_path):
+            with open(self.file_path, "rb") as file:
+                buf.extend(file.read())
+        else:
+            buf.extend(self.bot.request.retrieve(self._get_encoded_url()))
         return buf
 
     def set_credentials(self, credentials: 'FileCredentials') -> None:
diff --git a/telegram/files/inputmedia.py b/telegram/files/inputmedia.py
index 6cc69406c99..50091b853bd 100644
--- a/telegram/files/inputmedia.py
+++ b/telegram/files/inputmedia.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 """Base class for Telegram InputMedia Objects."""
 
-from typing import IO, Union, cast, List, Tuple
+from typing import Union, List, Tuple
 
 from telegram import (
     Animation,
@@ -30,8 +30,8 @@
     Video,
     MessageEntity,
 )
-from telegram.utils.helpers import DEFAULT_NONE, DefaultValue
-from telegram.utils.types import FileLike, JSONDict
+from telegram.utils.helpers import DEFAULT_NONE, DefaultValue, parse_file_input
+from telegram.utils.types import FileInput, JSONDict
 
 
 class InputMedia(TelegramObject):
@@ -73,11 +73,13 @@ class InputMediaAnimation(InputMedia):
 
 
     Args:
-        media (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`telegram.Animation`): File to send. Pass a
+        media (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path` | \
+            :class:`telegram.Animation`): File to send. Pass a
             file_id to send a file that exists on the Telegram servers (recommended), pass an HTTP
             URL for Telegram to get a file from the Internet. Lastly you can pass an existing
             :class:`telegram.Animation` object to send.
-        thumb (`filelike object`, optional): Thumbnail of the file sent; can be ignored if
+        thumb (`filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): Thumbnail of the file sent;
+            can be ignored if
             thumbnail generation for the file is supported server-side. The thumbnail should be
             in JPEG format and less than 200 kB in size. A thumbnail's width and height should
             not exceed 320. Ignored if the file is not uploaded using multipart/form-data.
@@ -101,8 +103,8 @@ class InputMediaAnimation(InputMedia):
 
     def __init__(
         self,
-        media: Union[str, FileLike, Animation],
-        thumb: FileLike = None,
+        media: Union[FileInput, Animation],
+        thumb: FileInput = None,
         caption: str = None,
         parse_mode: Union[str, DefaultValue] = DEFAULT_NONE,
         width: int = None,
@@ -117,18 +119,11 @@ def __init__(
             self.width = media.width
             self.height = media.height
             self.duration = media.duration
-        elif InputFile.is_file(media):
-            media = cast(IO, media)
-            self.media = InputFile(media, attach=True)
         else:
-            self.media = media  # type: ignore[assignment]
+            self.media = parse_file_input(media, attach=True)
 
         if thumb:
-            if InputFile.is_file(thumb):
-                thumb = cast(IO, thumb)
-                self.thumb = InputFile(thumb, attach=True)
-            else:
-                self.thumb = thumb  # type: ignore[assignment]
+            self.thumb = parse_file_input(thumb, attach=True)
 
         if caption:
             self.caption = caption
@@ -154,7 +149,8 @@ class InputMediaPhoto(InputMedia):
             entities that appear in the caption.
 
     Args:
-        media (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`telegram.PhotoSize`): File to send. Pass a
+        media (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path` | \
+            :class:`telegram.PhotoSize`): File to send. Pass a
             file_id to send a file that exists on the Telegram servers (recommended), pass an HTTP
             URL for Telegram to get a file from the Internet. Lastly you can pass an existing
             :class:`telegram.PhotoSize` object to send.
@@ -169,20 +165,13 @@ class InputMediaPhoto(InputMedia):
 
     def __init__(
         self,
-        media: Union[str, FileLike, PhotoSize],
+        media: Union[FileInput, PhotoSize],
         caption: str = None,
         parse_mode: Union[str, DefaultValue] = DEFAULT_NONE,
         caption_entities: Union[List[MessageEntity], Tuple[MessageEntity, ...]] = None,
     ):
         self.type = 'photo'
-
-        if isinstance(media, PhotoSize):
-            self.media: Union[str, InputFile] = media.file_id
-        elif InputFile.is_file(media):
-            media = cast(IO, media)
-            self.media = InputFile(media, attach=True)
-        else:
-            self.media = media  # type: ignore[assignment]
+        self.media = parse_file_input(media, PhotoSize, attach=True)
 
         if caption:
             self.caption = caption
@@ -208,7 +197,8 @@ class InputMediaVideo(InputMedia):
         thumb (:class:`telegram.InputFile`): Optional. Thumbnail of the file to send.
 
     Args:
-        media (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`telegram.Video`): File to send. Pass a
+        media (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path` | :class:`telegram.Video`):
+            File to send. Pass a
             file_id to send a file that exists on the Telegram servers (recommended), pass an HTTP
             URL for Telegram to get a file from the Internet. Lastly you can pass an existing
             :class:`telegram.Video` object to send.
@@ -224,7 +214,8 @@ class InputMediaVideo(InputMedia):
         duration (:obj:`int`, optional): Video duration.
         supports_streaming (:obj:`bool`, optional): Pass :obj:`True`, if the uploaded video is
             suitable for streaming.
-        thumb (`filelike object`, optional): Thumbnail of the file sent; can be ignored if
+        thumb (`filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): Thumbnail of the file sent;
+            can be ignored if
             thumbnail generation for the file is supported server-side. The thumbnail should be
             in JPEG format and less than 200 kB in size. A thumbnail's width and height should
             not exceed 320. Ignored if the file is not uploaded using multipart/form-data.
@@ -241,14 +232,14 @@ class InputMediaVideo(InputMedia):
 
     def __init__(
         self,
-        media: Union[str, FileLike, Video],
+        media: Union[FileInput, Video],
         caption: str = None,
         width: int = None,
         height: int = None,
         duration: int = None,
         supports_streaming: bool = None,
         parse_mode: Union[str, DefaultValue] = DEFAULT_NONE,
-        thumb: FileLike = None,
+        thumb: FileInput = None,
         caption_entities: Union[List[MessageEntity], Tuple[MessageEntity, ...]] = None,
     ):
         self.type = 'video'
@@ -258,18 +249,11 @@ def __init__(
             self.width = media.width
             self.height = media.height
             self.duration = media.duration
-        elif InputFile.is_file(media):
-            media = cast(IO, media)
-            self.media = InputFile(media, attach=True)
         else:
-            self.media = media  # type: ignore[assignment]
+            self.media = parse_file_input(media, attach=True)
 
         if thumb:
-            if InputFile.is_file(thumb):
-                thumb = cast(IO, thumb)
-                self.thumb = InputFile(thumb, attach=True)
-            else:
-                self.thumb = thumb  # type: ignore[assignment]
+            self.thumb = parse_file_input(thumb, attach=True)
 
         if caption:
             self.caption = caption
@@ -302,7 +286,8 @@ class InputMediaAudio(InputMedia):
         thumb (:class:`telegram.InputFile`): Optional. Thumbnail of the file to send.
 
     Args:
-        media (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`telegram.Audio`): File to send. Pass a
+        media (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path` | :class:`telegram.Audio`):
+            File to send. Pass a
             file_id to send a file that exists on the Telegram servers (recommended), pass an HTTP
             URL for Telegram to get a file from the Internet. Lastly you can pass an existing
             :class:`telegram.Audio` object to send.
@@ -317,7 +302,8 @@ class InputMediaAudio(InputMedia):
         performer (:obj:`str`, optional): Performer of the audio as defined by sender or by audio
             tags.
         title (:obj:`str`, optional): Title of the audio as defined by sender or by audio tags.
-        thumb (`filelike object`, optional): Thumbnail of the file sent; can be ignored if
+        thumb (`filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): Thumbnail of the file sent;
+            can be ignored if
             thumbnail generation for the file is supported server-side. The thumbnail should be
             in JPEG format and less than 200 kB in size. A thumbnail's width and height should
             not exceed 320. Ignored if the file is not uploaded using multipart/form-data.
@@ -331,8 +317,8 @@ class InputMediaAudio(InputMedia):
 
     def __init__(
         self,
-        media: Union[str, FileLike, Audio],
-        thumb: FileLike = None,
+        media: Union[FileInput, Audio],
+        thumb: FileInput = None,
         caption: str = None,
         parse_mode: Union[str, DefaultValue] = DEFAULT_NONE,
         duration: int = None,
@@ -347,18 +333,11 @@ def __init__(
             self.duration = media.duration
             self.performer = media.performer
             self.title = media.title
-        elif InputFile.is_file(media):
-            media = cast(IO, media)
-            self.media = InputFile(media, attach=True)
         else:
-            self.media = media  # type: ignore[assignment]
+            self.media = parse_file_input(media, attach=True)
 
         if thumb:
-            if InputFile.is_file(thumb):
-                thumb = cast(IO, thumb)
-                self.thumb = InputFile(thumb, attach=True)
-            else:
-                self.thumb = thumb  # type: ignore[assignment]
+            self.thumb = parse_file_input(thumb, attach=True)
 
         if caption:
             self.caption = caption
@@ -388,7 +367,8 @@ class InputMediaDocument(InputMedia):
             the document is sent as part of an album.
 
     Args:
-        media (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`telegram.Document`): File to send. Pass a
+        media (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path` | \
+            :class:`telegram.Document`): File to send. Pass a
             file_id to send a file that exists on the Telegram servers (recommended), pass an HTTP
             URL for Telegram to get a file from the Internet. Lastly you can pass an existing
             :class:`telegram.Document` object to send.
@@ -399,7 +379,8 @@ class InputMediaDocument(InputMedia):
             in :class:`telegram.ParseMode` for the available modes.
         caption_entities (List[:class:`telegram.MessageEntity`], optional): List of special
             entities that appear in the caption, which can be specified instead of parse_mode.
-        thumb (`filelike object`, optional): Thumbnail of the file sent; can be ignored if
+        thumb (`filelike object` | :class:`pathlib.Path`, optional): Thumbnail of the file sent;
+            can be ignored if
             thumbnail generation for the file is supported server-side. The thumbnail should be
             in JPEG format and less than 200 kB in size. A thumbnail's width and height should
             not exceed 320. Ignored if the file is not uploaded using multipart/form-data.
@@ -411,29 +392,18 @@ class InputMediaDocument(InputMedia):
 
     def __init__(
         self,
-        media: Union[str, FileLike, Document],
-        thumb: FileLike = None,
+        media: Union[FileInput, Document],
+        thumb: FileInput = None,
         caption: str = None,
         parse_mode: Union[str, DefaultValue] = DEFAULT_NONE,
         disable_content_type_detection: bool = None,
         caption_entities: Union[List[MessageEntity], Tuple[MessageEntity, ...]] = None,
     ):
         self.type = 'document'
-
-        if isinstance(media, Document):
-            self.media: Union[str, InputFile] = media.file_id
-        elif InputFile.is_file(media):
-            media = cast(IO, media)
-            self.media = InputFile(media, attach=True)
-        else:
-            self.media = media  # type: ignore[assignment]
+        self.media = parse_file_input(media, Document, attach=True)
 
         if thumb:
-            if InputFile.is_file(thumb):
-                thumb = cast(IO, thumb)
-                self.thumb = InputFile(thumb, attach=True)
-            else:
-                self.thumb = thumb  # type: ignore[assignment]
+            self.thumb = parse_file_input(thumb, attach=True)
 
         if caption:
             self.caption = caption
diff --git a/telegram/utils/helpers.py b/telegram/utils/helpers.py
index a736a75fb1b..4aa9d67d6c9 100644
--- a/telegram/utils/helpers.py
+++ b/telegram/utils/helpers.py
@@ -26,15 +26,16 @@
 from collections import defaultdict
 from html import escape
 from numbers import Number
+from pathlib import Path
 
-from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any, DefaultDict, Dict, Optional, Tuple, Union
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any, DefaultDict, Dict, Optional, Tuple, Union, Type, cast, IO
 
 import pytz  # pylint: disable=E0401
 
-from telegram.utils.types import JSONDict
+from telegram.utils.types import JSONDict, FileInput
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
-    from telegram import MessageEntity
+    from telegram import MessageEntity, TelegramObject, InputFile
 
 try:
     import ujson as json
@@ -55,6 +56,73 @@ def get_signal_name(signum: int) -> str:
     return _signames[signum]
 
 
+def is_local_file(obj: Optional[Union[str, Path]]) -> bool:
+    """
+    Checks if a given string is a file on local system.
+
+    Args:
+        obj (:obj:`str`): The string to check.
+    """
+    if obj is None:
+        return False
+
+    path = Path(obj)
+    try:
+        return path.is_file()
+    except Exception:
+        return False
+
+
+def parse_file_input(
+    file_input: Union[FileInput, 'TelegramObject'],
+    tg_type: Type['TelegramObject'] = None,
+    attach: bool = None,
+    filename: str = None,
+) -> Union[str, 'InputFile', Any]:
+    """
+    Parses input for sending files:
+
+    * For string input, if the input is an absolute path of a local file,
+      adds the ``file://`` prefix. If the input is a relative path of a local file, computes the
+      absolute path and adds the ``file://`` prefix. Returns the input unchanged, otherwise.
+    * :class:`pathlib.Path` objects are treated the same way as strings.
+    * For IO input, returns an :class:`telegram.InputFile`.
+    * If :attr:`tg_type` is specified and the input is of that type, returns the ``file_id``
+      attribute.
+
+    Args:
+        file_input (:obj:`str` | `filelike object` | Telegram media object): The input to parse.
+        tg_type (:obj:`type`, optional): The Telegram media type the input can be. E.g.
+            :class:`telegram.Animation`.
+        attach (:obj:`bool`, optional): Whether this file should be send as one file or is part of
+            a collection of files. Only relevant in case an :class:`telegram.InputFile` is
+            returned.
+        filename (:obj:`str`, optional): The filename. Only relevant in case an
+            :class:`telegram.InputFile` is returned.
+
+    Returns:
+        :obj:`str` | :class:`telegram.InputFile` | :obj:`object`: The parsed input or the untouched
+            :attr:`file_input`, in case it's no valid file input.
+    """
+    # Importing on file-level yields cyclic Import Errors
+    from telegram import InputFile  # pylint: disable=C0415
+
+    if isinstance(file_input, str) and file_input.startswith('file://'):
+        return file_input
+    if isinstance(file_input, (str, Path)):
+        if is_local_file(file_input):
+            out = f'file://{Path(file_input).absolute()}'
+        else:
+            out = file_input  # type: ignore[assignment]
+        return out
+    if InputFile.is_file(file_input):
+        file_input = cast(IO, file_input)
+        return InputFile(file_input, attach=attach, filename=filename)
+    if tg_type and isinstance(file_input, tg_type):
+        return file_input.file_id  # type: ignore[attr-defined]
+    return file_input
+
+
 def escape_markdown(text: str, version: int = 1, entity_type: str = None) -> str:
     """
     Helper function to escape telegram markup symbols.
diff --git a/telegram/utils/types.py b/telegram/utils/types.py
index 1ac4f6dcd0c..6100cd243b9 100644
--- a/telegram/utils/types.py
+++ b/telegram/utils/types.py
@@ -17,13 +17,18 @@
 # You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser Public License
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 """This module contains custom typing aliases."""
+from pathlib import Path
 from typing import IO, TYPE_CHECKING, Any, Dict, List, Optional, Tuple, TypeVar, Union
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from telegram import InputFile, Update
 
 FileLike = Union[IO, 'InputFile']
-"""Either an open file handler or in :class:`telegram.InputFile`."""
+"""Either an open file handler or a :class:`telegram.InputFile`."""
+
+FileInput = Union[str, FileLike, Path]
+"""Valid input for passing files to Telegram. Either a file id as string, a file like object or
+a local file path as string or :class:`pathlib.Path`."""
 
 JSONDict = Dict[str, Any]
 """Dictionary containing response from Telegram or data to send to the API."""
diff --git a/tests/data/local_file.txt b/tests/data/local_file.txt
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..85d6e1c2f61
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/data/local_file.txt
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Saint-Saëns
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/test_animation.py b/tests/test_animation.py
index abf5dbbad35..91b86153aa2 100644
--- a/tests/test_animation.py
+++ b/tests/test_animation.py
@@ -18,6 +18,8 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 
 import os
+from pathlib import Path
+
 import pytest
 from flaky import flaky
 
@@ -178,6 +180,20 @@ def test_send_animation_default_parse_mode_3(self, default_bot, chat_id, animati
         assert message.caption == test_markdown_string
         assert message.caption_markdown == escape_markdown(test_markdown_string)
 
+    def test_send_animation_local_files(self, monkeypatch, bot, chat_id):
+        # For just test that the correct paths are passed as we have no local bot API set up
+        test_flag = False
+        expected = f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+        file = 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+
+        def make_assertion(_, data, *args, **kwargs):
+            nonlocal test_flag
+            test_flag = data.get('animation') == expected and data.get('thumb') == expected
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', make_assertion)
+        bot.send_animation(chat_id, file, thumb=file)
+        assert test_flag
+
     @flaky(3, 1)
     @pytest.mark.timeout(10)
     @pytest.mark.parametrize(
diff --git a/tests/test_audio.py b/tests/test_audio.py
index c720853da95..340dc631d9c 100644
--- a/tests/test_audio.py
+++ b/tests/test_audio.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 # You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser Public License
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 import os
+from pathlib import Path
 
 import pytest
 from flaky import flaky
@@ -201,6 +202,20 @@ def test_send_audio_default_parse_mode_3(self, default_bot, chat_id, audio_file,
         assert message.caption == test_markdown_string
         assert message.caption_markdown == escape_markdown(test_markdown_string)
 
+    def test_send_audio_local_files(self, monkeypatch, bot, chat_id):
+        # For just test that the correct paths are passed as we have no local bot API set up
+        test_flag = False
+        expected = f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+        file = 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+
+        def make_assertion(_, data, *args, **kwargs):
+            nonlocal test_flag
+            test_flag = data.get('audio') == expected and data.get('thumb') == expected
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', make_assertion)
+        bot.send_audio(chat_id, file, thumb=file)
+        assert test_flag
+
     def test_de_json(self, bot, audio):
         json_dict = {
             'file_id': self.audio_file_id,
diff --git a/tests/test_bot.py b/tests/test_bot.py
index 0e8149e3332..0139e358131 100644
--- a/tests/test_bot.py
+++ b/tests/test_bot.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 import time
 import datetime as dtm
+from pathlib import Path
 from platform import python_implementation
 
 import pytest
@@ -769,6 +770,23 @@ def test_get_one_user_profile_photo(self, bot, chat_id):
         assert user_profile_photos.photos[0][0].file_size == 5403
 
     # get_file is tested multiple times in the test_*media* modules.
+    # Here we only test the behaviour for bot apis in local mode
+    def test_get_file_local_mode(self, bot, monkeypatch):
+        path = str(Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data' / 'game.gif')
+
+        def _post(*args, **kwargs):
+            return {
+                'file_id': None,
+                'file_unique_id': None,
+                'file_size': None,
+                'file_path': path,
+            }
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', _post)
+
+        resulting_path = bot.get_file('file_id').file_path
+        assert bot.token not in resulting_path
+        assert resulting_path == path
 
     # TODO: Needs improvement. No feasable way to test until bots can add members.
     def test_kick_chat_member(self, monkeypatch, bot):
@@ -1431,6 +1449,20 @@ def func():
         with open('tests/data/telegram_test_channel.jpg', 'rb') as f:
             expect_bad_request(func, 'Type of file mismatch', 'Telegram did not accept the file.')
 
+    def test_set_chat_photo_local_files(self, monkeypatch, bot, chat_id):
+        # For just test that the correct paths are passed as we have no local bot API set up
+        test_flag = False
+        expected = f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+        file = 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+
+        def make_assertion(_, data, *args, **kwargs):
+            nonlocal test_flag
+            test_flag = data.get('photo') == expected
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', make_assertion)
+        bot.set_chat_photo(chat_id, file)
+        assert test_flag
+
     @flaky(3, 1)
     @pytest.mark.timeout(10)
     def test_delete_chat_photo(self, bot, channel_id):
diff --git a/tests/test_document.py b/tests/test_document.py
index 434cf268920..875a09e1534 100644
--- a/tests/test_document.py
+++ b/tests/test_document.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 # You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser Public License
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 import os
+from pathlib import Path
 
 import pytest
 from flaky import flaky
@@ -236,6 +237,20 @@ def test_send_document_default_allow_sending_without_reply(
                     chat_id, document, reply_to_message_id=reply_to_message.message_id
                 )
 
+    def test_send_document_local_files(self, monkeypatch, bot, chat_id):
+        # For just test that the correct paths are passed as we have no local bot API set up
+        test_flag = False
+        expected = f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+        file = 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+
+        def make_assertion(_, data, *args, **kwargs):
+            nonlocal test_flag
+            test_flag = data.get('document') == expected and data.get('thumb') == expected
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', make_assertion)
+        bot.send_document(chat_id, file, thumb=file)
+        assert test_flag
+
     def test_de_json(self, bot, document):
         json_dict = {
             'file_id': self.document_file_id,
diff --git a/tests/test_file.py b/tests/test_file.py
index a4e0556041d..35281c599f2 100644
--- a/tests/test_file.py
+++ b/tests/test_file.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 # You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser Public License
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 import os
+from pathlib import Path
 from tempfile import TemporaryFile, mkstemp
 
 import pytest
@@ -37,6 +38,17 @@ def file(bot):
     )
 
 
+@pytest.fixture(scope='class')
+def local_file(bot):
+    return File(
+        TestFile.file_id,
+        TestFile.file_unique_id,
+        file_path=str(Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data' / 'local_file.txt'),
+        file_size=TestFile.file_size,
+        bot=bot,
+    )
+
+
 class TestFile:
     file_id = 'NOTVALIDDOESNOTMATTER'
     file_unique_id = 'adc3145fd2e84d95b64d68eaa22aa33e'
@@ -88,6 +100,9 @@ def test(*args, **kwargs):
         finally:
             os.unlink(out_file)
 
+    def test_download_local_file(self, local_file):
+        assert local_file.download() == local_file.file_path
+
     def test_download_custom_path(self, monkeypatch, file):
         def test(*args, **kwargs):
             return self.file_content
@@ -104,6 +119,18 @@ def test(*args, **kwargs):
             os.close(file_handle)
             os.unlink(custom_path)
 
+    def test_download_custom_path_local_file(self, local_file):
+        file_handle, custom_path = mkstemp()
+        try:
+            out_file = local_file.download(custom_path)
+            assert out_file == custom_path
+
+            with open(out_file, 'rb') as fobj:
+                assert fobj.read() == self.file_content
+        finally:
+            os.close(file_handle)
+            os.unlink(custom_path)
+
     def test_download_no_filename(self, monkeypatch, file):
         def test(*args, **kwargs):
             return self.file_content
@@ -132,6 +159,14 @@ def test(*args, **kwargs):
             out_fobj.seek(0)
             assert out_fobj.read() == self.file_content
 
+    def test_download_file_obj_local_file(self, local_file):
+        with TemporaryFile() as custom_fobj:
+            out_fobj = local_file.download(out=custom_fobj)
+            assert out_fobj is custom_fobj
+
+            out_fobj.seek(0)
+            assert out_fobj.read() == self.file_content
+
     def test_download_bytearray(self, monkeypatch, file):
         def test(*args, **kwargs):
             return self.file_content
@@ -149,6 +184,18 @@ def test(*args, **kwargs):
         assert buf2[len(buf) :] == buf
         assert buf2[: len(buf)] == buf
 
+    def test_download_bytearray_local_file(self, local_file):
+        # Check that a download to a newly allocated bytearray works.
+        buf = local_file.download_as_bytearray()
+        assert buf == bytearray(self.file_content)
+
+        # Check that a download to a given bytearray works (extends the bytearray).
+        buf2 = buf[:]
+        buf3 = local_file.download_as_bytearray(buf=buf2)
+        assert buf3 is buf2
+        assert buf2[len(buf) :] == buf
+        assert buf2[: len(buf)] == buf
+
     def test_equality(self, bot):
         a = File(self.file_id, self.file_unique_id, bot)
         b = File('', self.file_unique_id, bot)
diff --git a/tests/test_helpers.py b/tests/test_helpers.py
index 3ef3270620f..ffdb928242c 100644
--- a/tests/test_helpers.py
+++ b/tests/test_helpers.py
@@ -18,10 +18,11 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 import time
 import datetime as dtm
+from pathlib import Path
 
 import pytest
 
-from telegram import Sticker
+from telegram import Sticker, InputFile, Animation
 from telegram import Update
 from telegram import User
 from telegram import MessageEntity
@@ -258,3 +259,68 @@ def test_mention_markdown_2(self):
         expected = r'[the\_name](tg://user?id=1)'
 
         assert expected == helpers.mention_markdown(1, 'the_name')
+
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        'string,expected',
+        [
+            ('tests/data/game.gif', True),
+            ('tests/data', False),
+            (str(Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data' / 'game.gif'), True),
+            (str(Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data'), False),
+            (Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data' / 'game.gif', True),
+            (Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data', False),
+            ('https:/api.org/file/botTOKEN/document/file_3', False),
+            (None, False),
+        ],
+    )
+    def test_is_local_file(self, string, expected):
+        assert helpers.is_local_file(string) == expected
+
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        'string,expected',
+        [
+            ('tests/data/game.gif', f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data' / 'game.gif'}"),
+            ('tests/data', 'tests/data'),
+            ('file://foobar', 'file://foobar'),
+            (
+                str(Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data' / 'game.gif'),
+                f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data' / 'game.gif'}",
+            ),
+            (str(Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data'), str(Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data')),
+            (
+                Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data' / 'game.gif',
+                f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data' / 'game.gif'}",
+            ),
+            (Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data', Path.cwd() / 'tests' / 'data'),
+            (
+                'https:/api.org/file/botTOKEN/document/file_3',
+                'https:/api.org/file/botTOKEN/document/file_3',
+            ),
+        ],
+    )
+    def test_parse_file_input_string(self, string, expected):
+        assert helpers.parse_file_input(string) == expected
+
+    def test_parse_file_input_file_like(self):
+        with open('tests/data/game.gif', 'rb') as file:
+            parsed = helpers.parse_file_input(file)
+
+        assert isinstance(parsed, InputFile)
+        assert not parsed.attach
+        assert parsed.filename == 'game.gif'
+
+        with open('tests/data/game.gif', 'rb') as file:
+            parsed = helpers.parse_file_input(file, attach=True, filename='test_file')
+
+        assert isinstance(parsed, InputFile)
+        assert parsed.attach
+        assert parsed.filename == 'test_file'
+
+    def test_parse_file_input_tg_object(self):
+        animation = Animation('file_id', 'unique_id', 1, 1, 1)
+        assert helpers.parse_file_input(animation, Animation) == 'file_id'
+        assert helpers.parse_file_input(animation, MessageEntity) is animation
+
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize('obj', [{1: 2}, [1, 2], (1, 2)])
+    def test_parse_file_input_other(self, obj):
+        assert helpers.parse_file_input(obj) is obj
diff --git a/tests/test_inputmedia.py b/tests/test_inputmedia.py
index b13025b65cd..ba32507900b 100644
--- a/tests/test_inputmedia.py
+++ b/tests/test_inputmedia.py
@@ -16,6 +16,8 @@
 #
 # You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
+from pathlib import Path
+
 import pytest
 from flaky import flaky
 
@@ -167,6 +169,13 @@ def test_with_video_file(self, video_file):  # noqa: F811
         assert isinstance(input_media_video.media, InputFile)
         assert input_media_video.caption == "test 3"
 
+    def test_with_local_files(self):
+        input_media_video = InputMediaVideo(
+            'tests/data/telegram.mp4', thumb='tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+        )
+        assert input_media_video.media == f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.mp4'}"
+        assert input_media_video.thumb == f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+
 
 class TestInputMediaPhoto:
     type_ = "photo"
@@ -206,6 +215,10 @@ def test_with_photo_file(self, photo_file):  # noqa: F811
         assert isinstance(input_media_photo.media, InputFile)
         assert input_media_photo.caption == "test 2"
 
+    def test_with_local_files(self):
+        input_media_photo = InputMediaPhoto('tests/data/telegram.mp4')
+        assert input_media_photo.media == f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.mp4'}"
+
 
 class TestInputMediaAnimation:
     type_ = "animation"
@@ -252,6 +265,17 @@ def test_with_animation_file(self, animation_file):  # noqa: F811
         assert isinstance(input_media_animation.media, InputFile)
         assert input_media_animation.caption == "test 2"
 
+    def test_with_local_files(self):
+        input_media_animation = InputMediaAnimation(
+            'tests/data/telegram.mp4', thumb='tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+        )
+        assert input_media_animation.media == 'file://' + str(
+            Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.mp4'
+        )
+        assert input_media_animation.thumb == 'file://' + str(
+            Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+        )
+
 
 class TestInputMediaAudio:
     type_ = "audio"
@@ -304,6 +328,13 @@ def test_with_audio_file(self, audio_file):  # noqa: F811
         assert isinstance(input_media_audio.media, InputFile)
         assert input_media_audio.caption == "test 3"
 
+    def test_with_local_files(self):
+        input_media_audio = InputMediaAudio(
+            'tests/data/telegram.mp4', thumb='tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+        )
+        assert input_media_audio.media == f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.mp4'}"
+        assert input_media_audio.thumb == f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+
 
 class TestInputMediaDocument:
     type_ = "document"
@@ -353,6 +384,17 @@ def test_with_document_file(self, document_file):  # noqa: F811
         assert isinstance(input_media_document.media, InputFile)
         assert input_media_document.caption == "test 3"
 
+    def test_with_local_files(self):
+        input_media_document = InputMediaDocument(
+            'tests/data/telegram.mp4', thumb='tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+        )
+        assert input_media_document.media == 'file://' + str(
+            Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.mp4'
+        )
+        assert input_media_document.thumb == 'file://' + str(
+            Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+        )
+
 
 @pytest.fixture(scope='function')  # noqa: F811
 def media_group(photo, thumb):  # noqa: F811
diff --git a/tests/test_photo.py b/tests/test_photo.py
index def14290a47..4d8cc1798bb 100644
--- a/tests/test_photo.py
+++ b/tests/test_photo.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 import os
 from io import BytesIO
+from pathlib import Path
 
 import pytest
 from flaky import flaky
@@ -218,6 +219,20 @@ def test_send_photo_default_parse_mode_3(self, default_bot, chat_id, photo_file,
         assert message.caption == test_markdown_string
         assert message.caption_markdown == escape_markdown(test_markdown_string)
 
+    def test_send_photo_local_files(self, monkeypatch, bot, chat_id):
+        # For just test that the correct paths are passed as we have no local bot API set up
+        test_flag = False
+        expected = f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+        file = 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+
+        def make_assertion(_, data, *args, **kwargs):
+            nonlocal test_flag
+            test_flag = data.get('photo') == expected
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', make_assertion)
+        bot.send_photo(chat_id, file)
+        assert test_flag
+
     @flaky(3, 1)
     @pytest.mark.timeout(10)
     @pytest.mark.parametrize(
diff --git a/tests/test_sticker.py b/tests/test_sticker.py
index 906474b24e7..e107985a1d1 100644
--- a/tests/test_sticker.py
+++ b/tests/test_sticker.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 # You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser Public License
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 import os
+from pathlib import Path
 from time import sleep
 
 import pytest
@@ -203,6 +204,20 @@ def test(url, data, **kwargs):
         message = bot.send_sticker(sticker=sticker, chat_id=chat_id)
         assert message
 
+    def test_send_sticker_local_files(self, monkeypatch, bot, chat_id):
+        # For just test that the correct paths are passed as we have no local bot API set up
+        test_flag = False
+        expected = f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+        file = 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+
+        def make_assertion(_, data, *args, **kwargs):
+            nonlocal test_flag
+            test_flag = data.get('sticker') == expected
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', make_assertion)
+        bot.send_sticker(chat_id, file)
+        assert test_flag
+
     @flaky(3, 1)
     @pytest.mark.timeout(10)
     @pytest.mark.parametrize(
@@ -433,6 +448,64 @@ def test_bot_methods_4_tgs(self, bot, animated_sticker_set):
         file_id = animated_sticker_set.stickers[-1].file_id
         assert bot.delete_sticker_from_set(file_id)
 
+    def test_upload_sticker_file_local_files(self, monkeypatch, bot, chat_id):
+        # For just test that the correct paths are passed as we have no local bot API set up
+        test_flag = False
+        expected = f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+        file = 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+
+        def make_assertion(_, data, *args, **kwargs):
+            nonlocal test_flag
+            test_flag = data.get('png_sticker') == expected
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', make_assertion)
+        bot.upload_sticker_file(chat_id, file)
+        assert test_flag
+
+    def test_create_new_sticker_set_local_files(self, monkeypatch, bot, chat_id):
+        # For just test that the correct paths are passed as we have no local bot API set up
+        test_flag = False
+        expected = f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+        file = 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+
+        def make_assertion(_, data, *args, **kwargs):
+            nonlocal test_flag
+            test_flag = data.get('png_sticker') == expected and data.get('tgs_sticker') == expected
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', make_assertion)
+        bot.create_new_sticker_set(
+            chat_id, 'name', 'title', 'emoji', png_sticker=file, tgs_sticker=file
+        )
+        assert test_flag
+
+    def test_add_sticker_to_set_local_files(self, monkeypatch, bot, chat_id):
+        # For just test that the correct paths are passed as we have no local bot API set up
+        test_flag = False
+        expected = f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+        file = 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+
+        def make_assertion(_, data, *args, **kwargs):
+            nonlocal test_flag
+            test_flag = data.get('png_sticker') == expected and data.get('tgs_sticker') == expected
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', make_assertion)
+        bot.add_sticker_to_set(chat_id, 'name', 'emoji', png_sticker=file, tgs_sticker=file)
+        assert test_flag
+
+    def test_set_sticker_set_thumb_local_files(self, monkeypatch, bot, chat_id):
+        # For just test that the correct paths are passed as we have no local bot API set up
+        test_flag = False
+        expected = f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+        file = 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+
+        def make_assertion(_, data, *args, **kwargs):
+            nonlocal test_flag
+            test_flag = data.get('thumb') == expected
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', make_assertion)
+        bot.set_sticker_set_thumb('name', chat_id, thumb=file)
+        assert test_flag
+
     def test_get_file_instance_method(self, monkeypatch, sticker):
         def test(*args, **kwargs):
             return args[1] == sticker.file_id
diff --git a/tests/test_video.py b/tests/test_video.py
index 7b3cf4e7158..fe9f5108b42 100644
--- a/tests/test_video.py
+++ b/tests/test_video.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 # You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser Public License
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 import os
+from pathlib import Path
 
 import pytest
 from flaky import flaky
@@ -217,6 +218,20 @@ def test_send_video_default_parse_mode_3(self, default_bot, chat_id, video):
         assert message.caption == test_markdown_string
         assert message.caption_markdown == escape_markdown(test_markdown_string)
 
+    def test_send_video_local_files(self, monkeypatch, bot, chat_id):
+        # For just test that the correct paths are passed as we have no local bot API set up
+        test_flag = False
+        expected = f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+        file = 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+
+        def make_assertion(_, data, *args, **kwargs):
+            nonlocal test_flag
+            test_flag = data.get('video') == expected and data.get('thumb') == expected
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', make_assertion)
+        bot.send_video(chat_id, file, thumb=file)
+        assert test_flag
+
     @flaky(3, 1)
     @pytest.mark.timeout(10)
     @pytest.mark.parametrize(
diff --git a/tests/test_videonote.py b/tests/test_videonote.py
index a33b83895d8..517a07d0b2a 100644
--- a/tests/test_videonote.py
+++ b/tests/test_videonote.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 # You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser Public License
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 import os
+from pathlib import Path
 
 import pytest
 from flaky import flaky
@@ -150,6 +151,20 @@ def test_to_dict(self, video_note):
         assert video_note_dict['duration'] == video_note.duration
         assert video_note_dict['file_size'] == video_note.file_size
 
+    def test_send_video_note_local_files(self, monkeypatch, bot, chat_id):
+        # For just test that the correct paths are passed as we have no local bot API set up
+        test_flag = False
+        expected = f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+        file = 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+
+        def make_assertion(_, data, *args, **kwargs):
+            nonlocal test_flag
+            test_flag = data.get('video_note') == expected and data.get('thumb') == expected
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', make_assertion)
+        bot.send_video_note(chat_id, file, thumb=file)
+        assert test_flag
+
     @flaky(3, 1)
     @pytest.mark.timeout(10)
     @pytest.mark.parametrize(
diff --git a/tests/test_voice.py b/tests/test_voice.py
index 718e251ca2b..4ebed9f3517 100644
--- a/tests/test_voice.py
+++ b/tests/test_voice.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 # You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser Public License
 # along with this program.  If not, see [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/].
 import os
+from pathlib import Path
 
 import pytest
 from flaky import flaky
@@ -179,6 +180,20 @@ def test_send_voice_default_parse_mode_3(self, default_bot, chat_id, voice):
         assert message.caption == test_markdown_string
         assert message.caption_markdown == escape_markdown(test_markdown_string)
 
+    def test_send_voice_local_files(self, monkeypatch, bot, chat_id):
+        # For just test that the correct paths are passed as we have no local bot API set up
+        test_flag = False
+        expected = f"file://{Path.cwd() / 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'}"
+        file = 'tests/data/telegram.jpg'
+
+        def make_assertion(_, data, *args, **kwargs):
+            nonlocal test_flag
+            test_flag = data.get('voice') == expected
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(bot, '_post', make_assertion)
+        bot.send_voice(chat_id, file)
+        assert test_flag
+
     @flaky(3, 1)
     @pytest.mark.timeout(10)
     @pytest.mark.parametrize(