Troubleshooting
Fix a file that will not upload
In short
A file usually fails to upload in Slaide for one of a few reasons: it is larger than 30 MB, you added more than 10 files at once, it is an old .doc, .xls or .ppt file, it is a password-protected PDF, its format is not accepted, or the connection dropped. Slaide names the reason in a message that starts with the file name, so read it first and match it in the table below.
What does my error message mean?
Slaide shows the reason as a notice that starts with the file name, for example report.pdf: file too large (max. 30 MB). Find your message in the table.
| Message | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| file too large (max. 30 MB) | The file is over the limit of 30 MB. | Compress it, split it or export only the part you need. |
| Too many files at once (max. 10). | You added more than 10 files in one go. | Add them in several rounds. |
| old .xls format, please save it as .xlsx in Excel and upload again | Old Office formats (.xls, .doc, .ppt) cannot be read. | Save the file as .xlsx, .docx or .pptx, or as a PDF, and upload that. |
| this format isn’t supported, please upload PDF, .docx, .xlsx or .pptx. | The file type is not accepted, for example SVG, HEIC or .xlsm. | Convert it, for example a logo to PNG, then upload again. |
| this PDF is password-protected | The PDF needs a password to open. | Open it, save a copy without the password and upload that. |
| this PDF can’t be read - it looks damaged or incompletely transferred | The PDF is broken or was only partly downloaded. | Download or export it again. |
| the file is damaged or doesn’t match its file type | The content does not fit the file ending, or the file is empty or broken. | Open it on your computer and save it again in its real format. |
| context item limit reached | The document already holds its maximum of 100 attachments. | Remove an attachment you no longer need, or continue in a new document. |
| this document’s storage limit is reached | The files of this document already add up to 200 MB. | Remove files you no longer need, or continue in a new document. |
| this document’s storage or context limit is reached | The document holds its maximum of 100 attachments or 200 MB, or your account storage is full. | Continue in a new document, or delete documents you no longer need. |
| This document already holds the maximum number of attachments. | The document already holds 100 attachments, so another image or file cannot be added. | Remove an attachment first. |
| Upload failed due to a connection problem | The connection dropped during the upload. | Check your internet connection and add the file again. |
Which files and sizes does the upload accept?
- Documents: PDF, Word (.docx), PowerPoint (.pptx) and Excel (.xlsx).
- Images: PNG, JPG, GIF and WebP. SVG, HEIC and other image formats are refused.
- Text files: .csv, .txt, .md, .json and .html.
- Size and number: up to 30 MB per file, up to 10 files at once and up to 100 attachments per document.
Why is my upload slow or waiting?
- An AI run is in progress. The file waits and is added automatically as soon as the run ends. Slaide tells you with a notice.
- The file is being prepared. The chip shows Reading content, Rendering page and Uploading. Large PowerPoint files take a moment longer.
- The connection is weak. Slaide retries on its own. If it still fails, you see a connection message. Check your internet and add the file again.
What if the AI says my attachments are too large?
All active attachments have to fit into one request, about 60 MB together. If they do not, the run stops with the message that the attached material is too large for one request. Its advice mentions a shelf: that is the row of attachment chips under the message box. Attachments you have already sent stay part of the document.
- Every attached file shows as a chip with its name.
- The cross removes the file before you send.
- Before you send, remove attachments you do not need with the cross on their chips.
- Switch a workbook off in its Options menu by clicking Active in context.
- Attach smaller files, for example only the pages of a PDF that you need, or continue in a new document.
What do I send to support if it still fails?
- The exact message, including the file name.
- The file type and size, and whether the file opens on your computer.
- How you added it: the Attach button, drag and drop onto the message box, or the Media dialog.
- Your browser and device.
- The email address of your Slaide account. Never send your password: Slaide will never ask for it.
Write to info@slaide.de. Support usually answers within one business day. More in Contact Slaide support.
Frequently asked questions
Does Slaide accept PDFs with copy or print protection?
Yes. Only a PDF that asks for a password to open is refused. A PDF that opens without a password but forbids copying or printing uploads normally.
Can I upload a scanned PDF?
Yes. A scan has no text layer, so Slaide reads its pages as images, the first 12 right away and the others when it needs them. Check figures taken from a scan against the original.
Why is my SVG logo or HEIC photo refused?
The upload accepts PNG, JPG, GIF and WebP images. Convert the logo or photo to one of these and upload it again. A brand kit also takes SVG logos, see Brand kit.
Can I upload old .doc, .xls or .ppt files?
Not directly, because Slaide cannot read the old formats. Open the file in Word, Excel or PowerPoint, save it as .docx, .xlsx or .pptx, or as a PDF, and upload that copy.