Validating File Size Before Form Submit (HTML5)

Earlier browsers did not support HTML5 File API, so normally people would use flash or Java Applets to validate file format and sizes in HTML upload forms, and most of us preferred to skip the client part letting server handle the problem. But in recent years, the HTML5 is doing wonders, it comes with many features including the client-side file objects manipulation (File API). Which means no more 3rd party plug-ins such as flash or Java applets.

Browser Support

For More info click here.
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File Size Validation (Client-side)

Here's what I did to an upload form that uses jQuery. When the button is clicked, the Javascript checks whether the client browser supports this feature called File API or not, and then we move to next part where we actually access the size from selected file and decide our next move.
JQUERY
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$('#i_submit').click( function() { //check whether browser fully supports all File API if (window.File && window.FileReader && window.FileList && window.Blob) { //get the file size and file type from file input field var fsize = $('#i_file')[0].files[0].size; if(fsize>1048576) //do something if file size more than 1 mb (1048576) { alert(fsize +" bites\nToo big!"); }else{ alert(fsize +" bites\nYou are good to go!"); } }else{ alert("Please upgrade your browser, because your current browser lacks some new features we need!"); } });
The code below contains the HTML file input field and a submit button :
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<input type="file" value="" id="i_file" /> <input type="button" value="Submit" id="i_submit" />
Demo :

Returning File Name, Type and Size

You can easily retrieve other important file variables too. The code below returns name, size and type of the file:
JQUERY
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$('#i_submit').click( function() { //check whether browser fully supports all File API if (window.File && window.FileReader && window.FileList && window.Blob) { //get the file size and file type from file input field var fsize = $('#i_file')[0].files[0].size; var ftype = $('#i_file')[0].files[0].type; var fname = $('#i_file')[0].files[0].name; if(fsize>1048576) //do something if file size more than 1 mb (1048576) { alert("Type :"+ ftype +" | "+ fsize +" bites\n(File: "+fname+") Too big!"); }else{ alert("Type :"+ ftype +" | "+ fsize +" bites\n(File :"+fname+") You are good to go!"); } }else{ alert("Please upgrade your browser, because your current browser lacks some new features we need!"); } });
Demo :

File type validation (Client-side)

How about restricting file type user can upload?
JQUERY
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$('#i_submit').click( function() { //check whether browser fully supports all File API if (window.File && window.FileReader && window.FileList && window.Blob) { //get the file size and file type from file input field var fsize = $('#i_file')[0].files[0].size; var ftype = $('#i_file')[0].files[0].type; var fname = $('#i_file')[0].files[0].name; switch(ftype) { case 'image/png': case 'image/gif': case 'image/jpeg': case 'image/pjpeg': alert("Acceptable image file!"); break; default: alert('Unsupported File!'); } }else{ alert("Please upgrade your browser, because your current browser lacks some new features we need!"); } });
Demo :

Conclusion

The above examples shows the basic things you can do with File API, directly interact with client files without the use of alternative methods. All modern browsers should support HTML5's File API, you can check caniuse.com for any changes. Good luck!
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