---
title: File Size Upload Limits
description: "Learn about direct upload limits for images, avatars, and files, and how to resolve \"File Too Large\" errors."
---

[Skip to content](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/file-size-upload-limits#main-content)

[![Logo (Black Text)-1.svg\]](https://support.haystackteam.com/hubfs/Logo%20(Black%20Text)-1.svg)](https://support.haystackteam.com/en?hsLang=en)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- [Contact Support](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/customer-support-submit-a-ticket)

[Contact Support](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/customer-support-submit-a-ticket?hsLang=en)

 Hi there, how can we help?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [Help Desk](https://support.haystackteam.com/en?hsLang=en)
2. [Troubleshooting](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/troubleshooting?hsLang=en)
3. [Other](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#other)

# File Size Upload Limits

## Learn about direct upload limits for images, avatars, and files, and how to resolve "File Too Large" errors.

At Haystack, we want your intranet to be a visual and engaging hub for your team. However, to ensure that pages load quickly for everyone—whether they are in the office or on a mobile device—we have established specific file size limits for direct uploads.

This guide will help you understand those limits and provide quick workarounds if your content exceeds them. 

---

### Understanding the Limits

Regardless of where you are in the Haystack platform, the general rule of thumb for a direct upload is **5MB**.

| **Upload Type** | **Size Limit** |
| --- | --- |
| **Profile Avatars** | 5MB |
| **Group Avatars** | 5MB |
| **General Images** (Articles, Events, etc.) | 5MB |
| **Editor File Uploads** | 5MB |

**Note:** If you are embedding content from an external source using an embed link or an embed code (like a video from YouTube or a document from Google Drive), these limits do not apply, as the file is hosted elsewhere.

---

### Step-by-Step: Resolving "File Too Large" Errors

If you receive an error message stating your file is too large to upload, follow these steps to get your content live:

#### 1. For Images and Avatars (Compressing)

High-resolution photos from modern smartphones are often larger than 5MB. You can reduce the size without losing visible quality:

- **Use a Compression Tool:** Use free online tools (like TinyPNG or ILoveIMG) to shrink the file size.
- **Export as "Web Safe":** If you are using Photoshop or Canva, choose the "Export for Web" option and select **JPG** or **PNG**.
- **Resize Dimensions:** Often, an image is unnecessarily large (e.g., 5000px wide). Scaling the width down to 1200px–2000px will drastically reduce the file size.

#### 2. For Documents and Inline Files (Embedding)

If you need to share a large PDF, PowerPoint, or video that exceeds 5MB:

- **Use an Integration:** Upload the file to your company’s cloud storage (Google Drive, SharePoint, or OneDrive).
- **Copy the Link:** Ensure the sharing permissions are set correctly so your colleagues can view it.
- **Embed in Haystack:** Use the **Embed** tool in the Haystack Editor to paste the link. This allows users to view or download the file without it taking up "local" space on the page.

---

### Best Practices

- **JPG vs. PNG:** Use **JPG** for photographs to keep file sizes low. Use **PNG** only if you need a transparent background.
- **Check Before You Upload:** Hover over your file on your computer to check its size. If it's over 5MB, compress it first to save time.
- **External Hosting for Video:** We always recommend hosting videos on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Loom and embedding them to ensure the best playback experience for your team.

---

### Still Need Help?

If you've compressed your file and are still having trouble uploading, our team is here to help!

- **Support Chat:** Click the chat bubble in the bottom right corner of this Help Desk page.
- **Email Us:** Reach out to **support@haystackteam.com** and attach the file you are trying to upload so we can take a look.

---

**Keywords:** troubleshooting, file size, upload limit, avatar, image compression, error, 5mb, embed, editor, file upload

- [Haystack Basics](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/haystack-basics?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Profile](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/haystack-basics?hsLang=en#profile)
    - [Notifications](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/haystack-basics?hsLang=en#notifications)
    - [Mobile App](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/haystack-basics?hsLang=en#mobile-app)
    - [Workspace Navigation](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/haystack-basics?hsLang=en#workspace-navigation)
    - [Logging In](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/haystack-basics?hsLang=en#logging-in)
- [Content Creation & Management](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/content-creation-management?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Text & Rich Content Editor](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/content-creation-management?hsLang=en#text-rich-content-editor)
    - [Posts](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/content-creation-management?hsLang=en#posts)
    - [Pages & Subpages](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/content-creation-management?hsLang=en#pages-subpages)
    - [Events](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/content-creation-management?hsLang=en#events)
    - [Glossary](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/content-creation-management?hsLang=en#glossary)
    - [Links](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/content-creation-management?hsLang=en#links)
    - [Drafts, Submissions, and Archive](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/content-creation-management?hsLang=en#drafts-submissions-and-archive)
    - [Templates](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/content-creation-management?hsLang=en#templates)
    - [Content Feedback](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/content-creation-management?hsLang=en#content-feedback)
    - [Inspiration Hub](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/content-creation-management?hsLang=en#inspiration-hub)
    - [GIFs](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/content-creation-management?hsLang=en#gifs)
    - [Data Hygiene](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/content-creation-management?hsLang=en#data-hygiene)
- [Managing Your Workspace](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/managing-your-workspace?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Groups and Group Owners](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/managing-your-workspace?hsLang=en#groups-and-group-owners)
    - [Admins & Users](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/managing-your-workspace?hsLang=en#admins-users)
    - [Analytics](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/managing-your-workspace?hsLang=en#analytics)
    - [Security](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/managing-your-workspace?hsLang=en#security)
    - [Branding](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/managing-your-workspace?hsLang=en#branding)
    - [Dashboard](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/managing-your-workspace?hsLang=en#dashboard)
    - [Feedback Tools](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/managing-your-workspace?hsLang=en#feedback-tools)
    - [Language & Translation](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/managing-your-workspace?hsLang=en#language-translation)
    - [Managing Archived & Deleted Content](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/managing-your-workspace?hsLang=en#managing-archived-deleted-content)
    - [Assigning Home Pages & Location-Based Home Pages](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/managing-your-workspace?hsLang=en#assigning-home-pages-location-based-home-pages)
- [Platform Integrations](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/platform-integrations?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [AI Integrations](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/platform-integrations?hsLang=en#ai-integrations)
    - [Embedded Content Integrations](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/platform-integrations?hsLang=en#embedded-content-integrations)
    - [Notifications Integrations](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/platform-integrations?hsLang=en#notifications-integrations)
    - [Single Sign-On and People Data Management Integrations](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/platform-integrations?hsLang=en#single-sign-on-and-people-data-management-integrations)
    - [HRIS Integrations](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/platform-integrations?hsLang=en#hris-integrations)
    - [Search Integrations](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/platform-integrations?hsLang=en#search-integrations)
    - [Browser Extensions](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/platform-integrations?hsLang=en#browser-extensions)
    - [Advanced Analytics with Looker](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/platform-integrations?hsLang=en#advanced-analytics-with-looker)
    - [Calendar Integrations](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/platform-integrations?hsLang=en#calendar-integrations)
- [Haystack AI](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/haystack-ai?hsLang=en)
- [Employee Recognition](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/employee-recognition?hsLang=en)
- [Digital Signage](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/digital-signage?hsLang=en)
- [SMS Alerts](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/sms-alerts?hsLang=en)
- [Troubleshooting](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Trouble Logging In](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#trouble-logging-in)
    - [Email Notification Issues](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#email-notification-issues)
    - [Submit A Ticket](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#submit-a-ticket)
    - [Other](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#other)
- [Product Updates](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [2025, December](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2025-december)
    - [2025, November](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2025-november)
    - [2025, October](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2025-october)
    - [2025, September](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2025-september)
    - [2025, August](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2025-august)
    - [2025, July](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2025-july)
    - [2025, June](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2025-june)
    - [2025, May](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2025-may)
    - [2025, April](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2025-april)
    - [2025, March](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2025-march)
    - [2026, January](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2026-january)
    - [2026, February](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2026-february)
    - [2026, March](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2026-march)
    - [2026, April](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2026-april)
    - [2026, May](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2026-may)
    - [2026, June](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2026-june)
    - [2026, July](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2026-july)
    - [2026, August](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2026-august)
    - [2026, September](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/product-updates?hsLang=en#2026-september)
- [Accessibility](https://support.haystackteam.com/en/accessibility?hsLang=en)

[![7e073a72-1924-46d0-87d0-05dfb17c1d82](https://support.haystackteam.com/hs-fs/hubfs/7e073a72-1924-46d0-87d0-05dfb17c1d82.png?width=50&height=50&name=7e073a72-1924-46d0-87d0-05dfb17c1d82.png "7e073a72-1924-46d0-87d0-05dfb17c1d82")](https://support.haystackteam.com/?hsLang=en)

www.haystackteam.com

Copyright © 2025, Haystack Team, Inc.