• Success Criterion 3.3.3
  • Conformance level AA

Rejected File Upload With No Stated Size or Type Limits

3.3.3 — Error Suggestion

Scenario

Setting

A webinar platform's registration form

What’s wrong

File upload rejected without stating allowed types/size.

Example 

<input type="file" id="headshot">
<p role="alert">Upload failed.</p>
<!-- doesn't state the 5MB limit or that only JPG/PNG are accepted -->

Why it matters

A speaker uploading a 12MB PNG has no idea the file is too large or if the format itself is the problem, so they keep resubmitting the same file.

How to test

Upload a rejected file: if the message doesn't state allowed types/size, it fails.

How to fix

State both the accepted formats and the size limit before and after a failed upload.

<label for="headshot">Headshot (JPG or PNG, under 5MB)</label>
<input type="file" id="headshot" aria-describedby="headshot-error">
<p id="headshot-error" role="alert">This file is 12MB. Upload a JPG or PNG under 5MB.</p>

Outcome

The speaker resizes the photo to the stated limit and completes registration on the next upload.

Who is affected

People with cognitive disabilities and screen reader users who need the exact size and format limits stated to correct the file themselves.

Learn more

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