When I started working with file uploads in Laravel 12, I quickly realized how important good validation is. It’s not just about making sure the file uploads — it’s about protecting the app and the users.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to validate file uploads properly in Laravel 12, using simple and clean code.

Step-by-Step Guide: Mastering File Upload Validation in Laravel 12

 

Step 1: Create a New Controller

php artisan make:controller FileUploadController

 

Step 2: Set Up the Upload Form (Blade File)

<form action="{{ route('file.upload') }}" method="POST" enctype="multipart/form-data">
    @csrf
    <input type="file" name="file">
    <button type="submit">Upload</button>
</form>

 

Step 3: Define the Route in web.php

use App\Http\Controllers\FileUploadController;

Route::get('/upload', function () {
    return view('upload');
});

Route::post('/upload', [FileUploadController::class, 'store'])->name('file.upload');

 

Step 4: Add Validation Logic in Controller

namespace App\Http\Controllers;

use Illuminate\Http\Request;

class FileUploadController extends Controller
{
    public function store(Request $request)
    {
        $request->validate([
            'file' => 'required|mimes:jpg,jpeg,png,pdf|max:2048',
        ]);

        $file = $request->file('file');
        $fileName = time().'_'.$file->getClientOriginalName();
        $file->move(public_path('uploads'), $fileName);

        return back()->with('success', 'File uploaded successfully!');
    }
}

 

Step 5: Customize Error Messages

$request->validate([
    'file' => 'required|mimes:jpg,jpeg,png,pdf|max:2048',
], [
    'file.required' => 'Please choose a file to upload.',
    'file.mimes' => 'Only jpg, jpeg, png, and pdf files are allowed.',
    'file.max' => 'File size must not exceed 2MB.',
]);

 

Step 6: Advanced Validation Example (Multiple Files)

$request->validate([
    'files.*' => 'required|mimes:jpg,jpeg,png,pdf|max:2048',
]);

Handle multiple uploads easily:

foreach ($request->file('files') as $file) {
    $fileName = time().'_'.$file->getClientOriginalName();
    $file->move(public_path('uploads'), $fileName);
}

 

Conclusion:

File upload validation in Laravel 12 isn't just about checking file types — it's about keeping your application strong and user-friendly. By following clean, simple validation rules, you make sure your app runs safely without annoying users.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I validate multiple file uploads in Laravel 12?

   Use files.* in your validation rule and loop through uploaded files.

2. What is the best way to limit file size in Laravel validation?

   Use the max: rule, like max:2048 for a 2MB file size limit.

3. Can I validate only images in Laravel 12?

   Yes, use mimes:jpg,jpeg,png or the image rule to allow only image uploads.

4. How to show custom validation messages in Laravel?

   Pass an array of custom messages as the second argument in $request->validate().

5. Is it safe to store uploaded files in the public folder?

   It's common, but for sensitive files, you should use Laravel's storage system with private visibility settings.

 

For more detailed information, refer to the official Laravel documentation on validation.

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