How to Upload Large Files Over 8MB on WordPress

WordPress is a versatile platform that allows users to create a wide range of websites. However, when it comes to file uploads, the default settings may limit the file size you can upload. If you have files larger than 8MB that you need to upload to your WordPress site, you can modify your server's configuration to increase the file size limits. This guide will walk you through the process of modifying the file to allow for larger file uploads.

Understanding File Upload Limits on WordPress

When you try to upload a file that exceeds the file size limits set by your server, WordPress may display an error message such as 'An error occurred during the upload'. The default file size limits are set to upload_max_filesize and post_max_size, and these settings can be adjusted to allow for larger file uploads.

Step-by-Step Guide to Modify Your File

Modifying your file is a simple process that involves editing just a few lines of code. Here's how you can do it:

1. Access Your File

The first step is to find and access your file. This file can be found in your WordPress installation directory. You can usually find under the wp-content or wp-content/uploads directories. Alternatively, you can ask your hosting provider to provide you with a copy of the file.

2. Edit the File

Open the file with a text editor. Look for the following lines:

upload_max_filesize  2Mpost_max_size  8Mmax_execution_time  300

Modify these lines to increase the file size limits to a value that suits your requirements. For example:

upload_max_filesize  64Mpost_max_size  64Mmax_execution_time  300

Note that the max_execution_time is set to 300 seconds (5 minutes) in this example. If your file uploads take longer than 5 minutes, consider increasing this value as well.

3. Save and Apply Changes

After modifying the file, save your changes and upload it back to your WordPress installation. If you are using a hosting provider, you may need to restart your web server for the changes to take effect.

4. Testing the Changes

It's important to test your file uploads after making these changes. Try uploading a file larger than 8MB to ensure that the changes have been applied correctly.

Additional Tips for Large File Uploads on WordPress

In addition to modifying your file, there are a few other things you can do to optimize file uploads on WordPress:

1. Use a File Uploader Plugin

Consider using a file uploader plugin such as "MediaManager" or "Reliable File Upload". These plugins can help you manage large file uploads more efficiently and provide additional features such as progress bars, direct uploads, and better error handling.

2. Compress Your Files

If you have large image files, consider compressing them using a tool like Adobe Photoshop or an online service like TinyPNG. Compressing your files can reduce their size and make the upload process faster and more efficient.

3. Optimize Your Hosting Plan

In some cases, the file size limits may be set by your hosting provider as part of their package. If you frequently need to upload large files, consider upgrading to a hosting plan that allows for larger file uploads.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily modify your file to allow for larger file uploads on WordPress. However, it's important to note that excessively large files may still be problematic and may slow down your site. Always ensure that your file uploads are optimized for both your site and your users.