Bolt
api
File Upload Exceeds Size Limit - Large File Rejection
Users get errors when uploading files larger than limit. Upload fails even though file size seems reasonable.
Errors: 'payload too large', '413', or upload hangs indefinitely.
Error Messages You Might See
413 Payload Too Large
Request entity too large
File exceeds maximum upload size
Upload failed - out of memory
Common Causes
- Server body size limit too small (default often 1MB)
- Client-side validation but server doesn't enforce same limit
- No chunked upload for large files
- Streaming upload not configured
- Temporary file storage full
How to Fix It
Increase server limit: in Next.js middleware or server config
Add client validation: show error before uploading if file too large
For large files: implement chunked upload (send 1MB chunks, reassemble server-side)
Use multipart/form-data with streaming: don't load entire file in memory
Monitor disk space: ensure temp storage has enough room
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Get HelpFrequently Asked Questions
What's reasonable file size limit?
Small files: 5-10MB. Medium: 50-100MB. Large: use chunked upload
How do I implement chunked upload?
Split file into 1MB chunks client-side. Upload each chunk. Server reassembles when all received
Should I validate size client-side?
Yes for UX (error before upload). Also validate server-side for security