Big File Uploads

This document covers how to install and set up Big File Uploads to increase maximum file upload size and enable file chunking so you can upload large files directly to your server without getting a timeout error.

The Big File Uploads plugin includes the ability to:

Set maximum file upload file size for your WordPress media library as large as your host's available storage
Add file chunking (upload large files in small pieces preventing timeout errors)
Control over maximum upload size limit
Set maximum file size for each user role with upload capabilities (Administrator, Editor, Author)
Set the max file size in Megabytes (MB) or Gigabytes (GB)
Upload any size file directly to a connected Infinite Uploads cloud account
Uploads directory disk utility for quickly analyzing storage in your media library

The Big File Uploads plugin is free and can be used on an unlimited number of sites, with any host or server.

Getting Started

The Big File Uploads plugin is located in the WordPress repository. This makes it easy to install right from the dashboard and simplifies update management.

From the WordPress dashboard under the Plugins tab, click the Add New button. Type "Big File Uploads" into the search bar, click Install Now, and then Activate.

When the Big File Uploads plugin is activated, a new menu Big File Uploads tab will be added in the Settings menu.

Big File Uploads Settings

The Big File Uploads Settings module is where you get the ability to set your maximum upload size. This is useful for fixing the upload_max_filesize error. Big File Uploads allows you to either set a new maximum upload size for all users or to set the maximum file size for each user role with upload capabilities. In this section, we will guide you through the Settings configuration options.

Default File Size Limits

Big File Uploads will automatically detect the limits set by WordPress and your host and set these as the default upload limit. This limit varies from host to host. If you deactivate Big File Uploads, the Max Uploads File size will revert to the default size.

Estimated maximum supported size

Big File Uploads will provide an estimated maximum supported size based on the available space in your server's temp directory. If you are using the Infinite Uploads cloud to offload your uploads directory you can upload any size file.

All Users

Using the All Users setting to change the maximum upload size will set the file size to the same for all users with upload capabilities. You can set the upload size of your files by both:

Megabytes (MB)
Gigabytes (GB)

Use the dropdown menu to change between MB or GB.

Customize by user role

Big File Uploads gives you the option to set a custom maximum upload size based on user role. Toggle the "Customize by user role" switch to open a list of users with upload capabilities. The default users with upload capabilities are:

Administrator
Editor
Author

This feature also supports roles created by third-party plugins including ecommerce plugins like WooCommerce and LMS plugins such as LifterLMS.

Adjust the maximum upload size by either Megabyte or Gigabyte for each user role.

After setting the file size for each role and clicking save, when users visit the upload directory the max upload file size will be determined by their role.

Storage Usage Analyzer

Big File Uploads also includes a storage usage utility for quickly assessing storage and usage.

Note: this is the same file scan included With Infinite Uploads. If Infinite Uploads is installed on your site the scan feature will be hidden on Big File Uploads to save space and streamline your interface.

To run the storage usage scan, go to the Big File Uploads screen and click the Run Scan button. This will quickly analyze the existing content in your Media Library. While the scan is in progress you can sign up for our mailing list. If you do not wish to join click the view results without subscribing link.

When the scan is complete the Storage Usage Analysis overview provides a breakdown of the files that are currently being stored in the uploads directory on your server.

This includes:

Total bytes
Total files
Breakdown of file types
A graphic visual

The files will be categorized as:

Images
Video
Code
Documents
Archives
Other

Use this information to make decisions about managing large files on your website.

Change Maximum Upload Limit From Media Uploads

Big File Uploads is built to have a minimal impact on your WordPress dashboard. The only changes you will see in the uploads process is the adjusted "Maximum upload file size" displayed under the file uploader and a change option.

Clicking change will take you back to the settings screen, where you can increase or decrease the upload limit for your users.

Get Support

Need help with Big File Uploads or have questions? Submit a support request and a member of our team will get back to you within 24 hours. If you are having a problem uploading your big files, we would love the opportunity to resolve any issues. Create a ticket at https://infiniteuploads.com/support/