ChatGPT will not upload an Excel file, Word document or image: what to do

Symptoms

• The paperclip button is inactive or the file hangs while uploading
• An unsupported format message
• The file uploaded, but the model says it cannot see the content

Causes and fixes

1. The file format is not supported or the file is archived

What to do: Save as xlsx, docx, csv, pdf, png or jpg; unpack archives and upload files separately

2. The file exceeds the size limit for your plan

What to do: Compress images, delete extra sheets from the workbook or split the document into parts

3. A browser extension or corporate proxy blocks uploads to oaiusercontent.com

What to do: Try an incognito window or mobile internet and ask the admin to allow the domain

4. An Excel file with macros, external links or sheet protection reads as empty

What to do: Save a copy without macros as xlsx or csv and remove sheet protection

5. The daily upload limit on the free plan is used up

What to do: Paste the text or table into the chat in parts or wait for the limit to reset

Common problems and fixes

• ChatGPT not working: six causes and what to do
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• ChatGPT message limits: how much you get on Free, Plus and Pro and how not to burn through it in an hour
• ChatGPT will not open a PDF or reads it with errors: causes and workarounds
• How to delete your data from ChatGPT and turn off training on your chats
• ChatGPT for business: company invoices, VAT and billing for a sole trader
• ChatGPT account suspended or deactivated: causes and how to get it back

About ChatGPT

All-purpose chat assistant with web search, file and spreadsheet analysis, voice and custom GPTs. Paid plans from $20/mo. Free plan available.

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