How to Fix File Upload Errors on Your Forms
Fix file upload errors on FormRobin forms: check the size limit and allowed file types shown under the upload area, then try a smaller or different file.
The File upload question works the same on both plans, Free Plan and Individual Plan.
Common File Upload Issues
Each File upload question shows its rules under the upload area: "Maximum size: …MB" and, if the form owner restricted them, "Allowed types: …". Most upload problems come from one of these:
| Message or problem | Most likely cause | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| "File size must be less than …MB" | The file is over the question's limit (10 MB unless the owner changed it) | Compress the file, or the owner raises the limit (up to 50 MB) |
| "This file type is not allowed" | The question accepts only one group of file types | Convert the file to an accepted format |
| The file does not attach, or the form will not submit | The file was not chosen, or another question still needs an answer | Choose the file again and answer the marked question |
| The form owner cannot find the file | It is on the form's Sessions page | Look in the File upload question's column |
For form owners, the settings are explained in File Upload Field Setup and Limits.
Troubleshooting
"File size must be less than …MB"
Cause: the file is larger than the limit the form owner set for that question (10 MB unless they changed it; the highest possible limit is 50 MB).
- Compress images, or save photos at a lower resolution
- Export or save documents as a smaller PDF, or split them
- Form owners: raise Maximum file size (MB) in the question's Field settings (up to 50)
"This file type is not allowed"
Cause: the question accepts only one group of file types, listed under the upload area (for example .pdf).
- Convert the file to an accepted format, for example save a Word file as PDF
- Check the file ends in the right extension (.pdf, .jpg, .png…)
- Form owners: set File types allowed to All file types if any file is fine
The file does not attach or the form does not submit
- After choosing a file, its name and size should appear in the upload area. If they do not, choose the file again, or drag it onto the area
- Each question takes one file. To replace it, click the X and choose another
- If the form shows a message above a question (for example "… is required."), answer that question and submit again (see Troubleshooting: Responses Not Saving)
- Check your connection: larger files take longer to send
- Try another browser, or a private window with extensions turned off
Uploading from a phone or tablet
- Allow the browser to access your photos or files when it asks
- Pick the file from your Photos or Files app
- If the form opened inside another app (for example a social media app), open it in your regular browser instead
The form owner cannot find the file
- Uploaded files appear on the form's Sessions page, in the column of the File upload question, as a download link with the file name and size (see Viewing and Managing Form Responses)
- If that column is empty, the submission was sent without a file; make the question required to prevent this
- Image files are stored scaled down to at most 1200 pixels on their longest side
Still stuck? Contact the form owner, or email FormRobin support at support@formrobin.com with the form's link, the file's type and size, and the message you see.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file size is supported?
Each File upload question has its own limit, 10 MB by default and up to 50 MB. The limit is shown under the upload area.
Which file types can I upload?
Any type, unless the form owner limited the question to images, PDF, Word, Excel, text or archive files. The allowed types are shown under the upload area.
Can I upload several files?
One file per File upload question. A form can have several File upload questions if the owner needs more files.
What happens after I upload?
The file is sent with your submission and stored privately for the form owner, who can download it from the form's Sessions page.