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 user uploads, Inboxes, Share Links, renames that result in restricted length, manual copy or move actions, and automated processes like Syncs and Automations.

Archive Removed Files disregards this restriction on its destination to preserve existing content. Files.com's maximum path length still applies.

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.

The automatic shortening option also keeps the resulting name unique within the destination folder. If that name is already in use, Files.com shortens the base name further or adds a numeric suffix such as _2, keeping the complete name within the limit instead of overwriting the existing file. In the example above, if Text_fil.TXT already exists, the upload is saved as Text_fi.TXT if that name is available. If no unique name can fit within the limit, the upload fails.

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.

Folder moves or copies into restricted folders fail when the destination path enforces stricter filename length limits than the source path.

Individual files copied or moved into any folder within a Remote Server Mount must meet the applicable filename rule, including one inherited from above the mount. Through _/Sites/, the storing Site's rule applies; through a Partner Channel Route Path, the final target's rule applies. Access Across Sites and Storage explains these boundaries.

Overriding Settings in Subfolders or Excluding Subfolders Entirely

Subfolders can use different filename length limits by overriding the parent folder's settings. An admin with the appropriate permissions can configure length restrictions directly on a subfolder to apply its own limit or bypass inherited restrictions.