Maximum Upload Filesize and how to Increase it

The upload_max_filesize directive is a PHP configuration setting that defines the maximum allowable size of a file that can be uploaded to a server. This setting plays a crucial role in managing server resources by limiting file upload sizes, helping to prevent memory exhaustion or disk space issues.

Key Points:

• Unit of Measurement: The value of upload_max_filesize is typically expressed in bytes but can also be specified in megabytes (M) or gigabytes (G) by appending the appropriate letter (e.g., 64M for 64 megabytes).
• Error Handling: If a user attempts to upload a file larger than the specified limit, an error message will appear indicating that the file exceeds the maximum allowed size.

Related Configuration Directives

When adjusting upload_max_filesize, it’s essential to consider other PHP directives that can affect its operation:

1. post_max_size: This setting must be larger than upload_max_filesize because it dictates the maximum size of all POST data that can be sent, including files.

2. memory_limit: This should be set larger than post_max_size to ensure that PHP has enough memory to process the request.

Example

For instance, if upload_max_filesize is set to 128M, it allows uploads of files up to 128 megabytes. Any attempt to upload a file exceeding this limit will result in an error.

How to Increase upload_max_filesize in cPanel

To change the upload_max_filesize setting in cPanel, follow these steps:

1. Log into your cPanel account.
2. Navigate to the Software section and click on Select PHP Version.
3. Locate the upload_max_filesize option and increase its value to your desired limit (e.g., 64M).
4. Click the Apply button to save your changes.

Make sure that this value is at least as large as post_max_size.

Alternative Method: Using .htaccess

You can also modify the upload_max_filesize by adding the following line to your .htaccess file:

Setting the upload_max_filesize value appropriately is crucial for ensuring that your server can effectively manage file uploads without compromising performance or stability. By understanding this directive and related settings, you can better configure your PHP environment to meet your needs.