By default, WordPress only allows a predefined list of file types to be uploaded through the Media Library. This restriction exists primarily for security reasons, helping to prevent potentially dangerous file types from being uploaded to the website.
However, some websites require support for additional file formats that are not enabled by default. In such cases, you can extend the list of allowed file types using a plugin.
One of the simplest solutions is the File Upload Types by WPForms plugin.
Table of Contents
Default File Types Supported by WordPress
Images
.png
.gif
.jpg
.jpeg
.ico
Documents
.pdf
.doc
.docx
.xls
.xlsx
.ppt
.pptx
.pps
.ppsx
.odt
.psd
Audio
.wav
.mp3
.m4a
.ogg
Video
.mp4
.m4v
.mpg
.mov
.wmv
.avi
.ogv
.3gp
.3g2
If you need to upload other file types, additional configuration is required.
Installing the Plugin
Step 1
Log in to your WordPress administration panel.
Step 2
Navigate to:
Plugins → Add New
Step 3
In the search field, enter:
File Upload Types by WPForms
Step 4
Locate the plugin in the search results.
Step 5
Click:
Install Now
Step 6
After installation is complete, click:
Activate
Configuring Additional File Types
After activating the plugin:
Step 1
Navigate to:
Settings → File Upload Types
Step 2
The plugin will display a list of commonly requested file extensions that can be enabled with a single click.
Examples may include:
.svg
.json
.zip
.csv
.epub
.ai
Step 3
Enable the file types you want to allow by checking the corresponding options.
Step 4
If the required extension is not available in the predefined list, you can add a custom file type manually.
Typically, you will need to specify:
- File extension
- MIME type
- Description (optional)
Example:
Extension: svg
MIME Type: image/svg+xml
Step 5
Click:
Save Settings
to apply the changes.
Uploading Files
Once the configuration is saved, the newly enabled file types can be uploaded through:
Media → Add New
just like any other supported media file.
Security Considerations
Before enabling additional file types, consider the following:
- Only allow file types you actually need.
- Avoid enabling executable file formats.
- Restrict Media Library access to trusted users.
- Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.
Some file formats, such as SVG, can contain embedded code and may require additional security measures before being uploaded.
Common Use Cases
Additional file type support is often useful for:
Design Files
.ai
.ps
.eps
Data Files
.csv
.xml
.json
Archives
.zip
.rar
.7z
Vector Graphics
.svg
E-books
.epub
.mobi
Summary
To allow additional file types in WordPress:
- Install and activate the File Upload Types by WPForms plugin.
- Navigate to:
Settings → File Upload Types
- Enable the desired file extensions or add custom ones.
- Save the settings.
- Upload the newly supported file types through the Media Library.
This provides a simple and safe way to extend WordPress file upload capabilities without modifying core files or adding custom code.