If you’ve been searching everywhere online for a tutorial showing you how to install WordPress, and you’ve finally found one.
You attempt to upload, let’s say a photograph, to your WordPress website. Instead of seeing your carefully arranged high resolution photograph screaming ‘buy me’ on your website, you are greeted with: “file name exceeds the maximum upload size for this site.” You begin to breathe rapidly as panic sets in; despair overwhelms you. You forego the upload; all is lost.
Leveraging the use of product photography on the websites of small to medium-sized businesses plays a vital role in their survival. So all could certainly be lost if you did choose to abandon the upload. Luckily, you can try again using one of the four methods for increasing your WordPress upload size that you will learn today.
Knowing what your current upload limit is might be a good place to start. This information is found on the same page you upload your files: Dashboard >> Media >> Add New. Your maximum upload size should be the last line of text.
Now what?
Now you need to know about the three server settings used to control your upload size. The three values are:
Do I need to know what they are currently?
You do not need to know what their limits are to increase your maximum upload size. What really matters is that you have a fair grasp of your site’s needs.
WordPress increases upload size using plugins. While there are a few such plugins, our example will be using Increase Maximum Upload File Size. It is currently the most popular with approximately 70,000 installations. Also, it automatically detects what your current post_max_filesize and upload_max_filesize are and explains your limits in easily understood language. However, you are free to use your plugin of choice.
To install this plugin:
To use this plugin:
You are now able to upload larger files. But don’t start celebrating yet. A few things to note when using a plugin to increase your upload size:
This method’s changes are somewhat superficial in that they are limited to the current theme. Should you change themes, the upload size values will revert to default. But since you did choose your website’s theme carefully, there is little chance of a change, right?
To try this method:
@ini_set( ‘upload_max_size’ , ‘xxM’ );
@ini_set( ‘post_max_size’ , ‘xxM’ );
@ini_set( ‘memory_limit’ , ‘xxM’ );
The remaining methods put you in direct contact with your server’s settings. Given this, backing up your site before attempting to change server settings may be a good idea.
This method allows you greater access to all the values involved in determining your maximum upload sizes.
Option 1
The php.ini file is a super important. Among variables, it controls your upload size limits. There may not be one present or visible, so you will need to create such a file. If you need to create one, copy the below:
upload_max_filesize = xxM
post_max_size = xxM
memory_limit = xxM
Option 2
If you have MultiPHP INI Editor, you may also adjust your php.ini files:
This method is pretty much the same as the previous except you will be accessing a different file within which the changes will be made. Just like php.ini files, .htaccess files (the final method we are exploring to increase your WordPress upload size) can be absent or hidden.
What if I have to create the file?
The possibility exists that the file has been created but is hidden. Hidden files can be revealed through: cPanel >> Files >> File Manager >> Settings >> Show Hidden Files >> Save
If not, create the file and input the syntax below:
php_value upload_max_filesize = xxM
php_value post_max_size = xxM
php_value memory_limit = xxM
How will I know if I am successful?
If your changes are unsuccessful, you will be greeted with an ‘Internal Error Server’ message.
From choosing a theme to posting high quality media files, small to medium-sized enterprises rely heavily on their websites. Choosing a reliable and helpful WordPress website host provider will not only guarantee success, but also give you access to a fifth method to increase WordPress upload file size, that is, online support.
Overall, particular methods may appeal to different people. For example, plugins are ideal for persons unwilling (or unable) to adjust their server’s settings. On the other hand, some methods do not allow for advanced access to all variables. Regardless, you may need to try multiple methods until successful. Server settings vary so there are no guarantees that any one method will definitely let you increase your WordPress upload size.