Gravity Forms has no fixed upload size limit of its own. Each File Upload field has a Maximum File Size setting in megabytes, and if you leave it blank, the limit is your server's maximum upload size. Every file is checked against it, and you can also cap the number of files and the allowed extensions.
If a client tells you their form won't accept a large file, the fix is rarely in Gravity Forms alone. There are two ceilings, one in the field and one on the server, and the lower one wins.
Two ceilings, and the lower one wins
The File Upload field, found under Advanced Fields in the form editor, has a Maximum File Size setting that sets the maximum size in megabytes for each file. Gravity Forms checks each file against that number. If you leave the setting blank, it checks against the server's maximum upload size instead.
Gravity Forms Documentation makes the consequence clear: the real ceiling is usually the server. Raising the field's Maximum File Size above the server limit changes nothing, because the server stops the file first. If you need bigger uploads, the server setting has to rise too, which is normally a job for your host.
Every upload rule in one table
| Item | Limit | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum file size | Set per field in MB; falls back to the server maximum upload size | Each uploaded file |
| Files per field | 1 by default; more with Enable Multi-File Upload and a maximum file count | File Upload field |
| Allowed extensions | Set per field; otherwise a global disallowed list applies | File Upload field |
| Repeater field | File Upload not supported inside | Repeater field |
What the visitor sees at the limit
Files that go over the limit return a message telling the visitor the maximum size in MB, so they know what to aim for. With multiple files enabled and a maximum file count set, validation checks the total number of files, including any already saved to the entry during an edit. If the count's exceeded, all the files are rejected with a single error message, not just the extra one. It's worth saying the limit in the field description so people don't find out by trial and error.
Multiple files, file types and checks
Enable Multi-File Upload is off by default, so a field takes one file unless you switch it on. Allowed file extensions let you restrict what people upload, such as PDFs only for a CV form. If you don't set any, each file is checked against a global list of disallowed extensions.
There's a further check underneath. Unless a filter disables it, the file's actual type is checked against its extension using WordPress's file type check, and mismatches are rejected. A file renamed to look like a PDF won't get through.
Who can download uploaded files
This matters for anything sensitive. Download URLs are obscured but not access-controlled, so anyone with the URL can download an uploaded file unless you add extra configuration. If your form collects ID documents, contracts or medical details, treat that as a reason to tighten things before launch.
Files follow the entry's life. When an entry is trashed or sent to Spam, the file's kept. When the entry is deleted permanently, the file's deleted too.
Storage and layout restrictions
Plugins that move the WordPress uploads directory to external services such as Amazon S3 aren't officially supported, and Gravity Forms recommends keeping the uploads directory local. The File Upload field can't be added inside a Repeater field either, so a form that repeats a block of questions needs the upload outside the repeating section.
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Other form builders
WPForms lists a range of integrations for forms, including Mailchimp, Google Sheets, Salesforce, HubSpot, Stripe and PayPal. Jotform has a help centre covering file upload and payment forms. For more options, see my lists of Gravity Forms alternatives and WPForms alternatives.
My advice for upload fields that just work
Find out your server's maximum upload size first, then set each field's Maximum File Size at or below it and say the limit in the field description. Restrict extensions to the types you need, enable multiple files only where it helps, and remember the download links aren't private by default. Keep uploads stored locally, as Gravity Forms recommends.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Gravity Forms upload size limit?
Whatever you set in the field's Maximum File Size, or the server's maximum upload size if it's blank.
Can I upload multiple files?
Yes. Enable Multi-File Upload; you can also set a maximum file count.
Can I restrict file types?
Yes, with Allowed file extensions on the field.
Are uploaded files private?
Download URLs are obscured but not access-controlled.
What happens to files when I delete an entry?
They're kept when an entry is trashed or spammed, and deleted when it's permanently deleted.
