Limit Uploaded Files By File Name Length

This folder setting controls the maximum allowed length of file names when files are uploaded into the folder. It is useful when downstream systems enforce filename length limits and cannot accept files with longer names.

The length of a file name includes the base name, any punctuation or periods, and the file extension. For example, a file named Text_file(1).TXT has a length of 16.

You can configure this setting to allow uploads only when the file name length is equal to or shorter than the specified limit. Uploads with longer file names fail and return an error indicating that the file name exceeds the allowed length.

This restriction applies to any action that places files or folders directly into the folder, including uploads, Inboxes, Share Links, renames that result in restricted length, manual copy or move actions, and automated processes like Syncs and Automations.

You can also choose to automatically shorten uploaded file names. When this option is enabled, the base name is shortened to meet the length limit while the file extension is preserved. For example, with a length limit of 12, uploading Text_file(1).TXT results in the file name Text_fil.TXT.

This setting applies to files or folders uploaded directly into the folder. This includes user uploads, Inboxes, Share Links, Syncs, Automations, and other processes that write files directly into the folder.

You can apply this setting to the folder only or allow it to be inherited by subfolders. If the setting is not applied directly to the folder and is not inherited from a parent folder, the folder accepts file names of any length.

Moving or copying files or folders into restricted folders fails when the destination path enforces stricter filename length limits than the source path.

Overriding Settings in Subfolders or Excluding Subfolders Entirely

Subfolders can use different file extension rules by overriding the parent folder’s settings. An admin with the appropriate permissions can configure file extension restrictions directly on a subfolder to apply unique rules or bypass inherited restrictions.