---
title: Dropzone
seoTitle: Dropzone file upload
order: 14
summary: A file field users can drop files onto, with a list of the chosen files, validation and optional uploads with a progress bar.
description: Add a drag-and-drop file upload to a form with the native Tabler Dropzone plugin. No extra library is needed.
related: [/ui/forms/elements, /ui/forms/validation, /ui/components/progress]
added-in: '1.7.0'
source: core/scss/ui/forms/_form-dropzone.scss
css-vars: dropzone
classnames:
  component:
    - class: dropzone
      desc: Wrapper; stacks the drop area and the file list and holds the CSS variables
  part:
    - class: dropzone-area
      desc: Dashed drop area; a label around the file input, so a click opens the file dialog
    - class: dropzone-input
      desc: The real file input, hidden visually but still focusable
    - class: dropzone-title
      desc: Main line of text in the drop area
    - class: dropzone-hint
      desc: Smaller second line, for the accepted types and the size limit
    - class: dropzone-list
      desc: Column of file rows; hidden while it is empty
    - class: dropzone-item
      desc: One file row with a border, the text and a remove button
    - class: dropzone-item-body
      desc: Text column of a row; takes the free width
    - class: dropzone-item-name
      desc: File name, cut with an ellipsis when it is too long
    - class: dropzone-item-meta
      desc: Small muted line for the file size or a message
  behavior:
    - class: dropzone-dragover
      desc: Set on the wrapper while a file is dragged over it; highlights the drop area
    - class: dropzone-item-success
      desc: Row of an uploaded file; hides the progress bar
    - class: dropzone-item-error
      desc: Row of a rejected or failed file; shows the message in red and hides the progress bar
---

import Example from '@components/Example.astro';
import CodeDocs from '@components/CodeDocs.astro';
import Icon from '@ui/Icon.astro';

## Overview

A dropzone is a file field with a large drop area. Users can drop files on it or click it to open the file dialog. The chosen files are shown in a list below, each with its name, its size and a remove button.

The plugin is part of `tabler.js` and needs no extra library. The drop area is a `<label>` around a real `<input type="file">`, so the field works with the keyboard and with a normal form submit.

Add `data-bs-toggle="dropzone"` to a `.dropzone` element with a `.dropzone-area` label and a file input inside.

<Example column columnFullWidth>
<div class="dropzone" data-bs-toggle="dropzone">
  <label class="dropzone-area">
    <input class="dropzone-input" type="file" name="file" />
    <span class="dropzone-title">Drop a file here or click to upload</span>
    <span class="dropzone-hint">PNG, JPG or PDF, up to 5 MB</span>
  </label>
</div>
</Example>

Without the `url` option the plugin does not send anything. It writes the chosen files back to the input, so they are sent when the form is submitted, like with any file field.

## Usage

### Multiple files

Add the `multiple` attribute to the input to collect several files. Without it, a new file replaces the old one, the same way the native input does.

<Example column columnFullWidth>
<div class="dropzone" data-bs-toggle="dropzone">
  <label class="dropzone-area">
    <input class="dropzone-input" type="file" name="files" multiple />
    <span class="dropzone-title">Drop files here or click to upload</span>
  </label>
</div>
</Example>

### With an icon

Put an icon before the title to make the drop area easier to spot.

<Example column columnFullWidth>
<div class="dropzone" data-bs-toggle="dropzone">
  <label class="dropzone-area">
    <input class="dropzone-input" type="file" name="files" multiple />
    <Icon name="cloud-upload" size="md" />
    <span class="dropzone-title">Drop files here or click to upload</span>
    <span class="dropzone-hint">Any file, up to 10 MB</span>
  </label>
</div>
</Example>

### Restrictions

Limit what users can add:

- `accept` on the input sets the allowed types. It takes the same values as the native attribute: an extension (`.pdf`), a MIME type (`image/png`) or a group (`image/*`). The file dialog filters by it and the plugin checks dropped files against it.
- `data-bs-max-size` sets the largest file size in bytes.
- `data-bs-max-files` sets how many files the dropzone takes.

A file that breaks a rule is still shown in the list, with the reason in red, but it is not part of the value and is never uploaded.

<Example column columnFullWidth>
<div class="dropzone" data-bs-toggle="dropzone" data-bs-max-size="2097152" data-bs-max-files="3">
  <label class="dropzone-area">
    <input class="dropzone-input" type="file" name="images" accept="image/*" multiple />
    <span class="dropzone-title">Drop images here or click to upload</span>
    <span class="dropzone-hint">Up to 3 images, 2 MB each</span>
  </label>
</div>
</Example>

### Disabled

Add `disabled` to the input. The area is dimmed and takes no clicks or drops.

<Example column columnFullWidth>
<div class="dropzone" data-bs-toggle="dropzone">
  <label class="dropzone-area">
    <input class="dropzone-input" type="file" name="file" disabled />
    <span class="dropzone-title">Drop a file here or click to upload</span>
  </label>
</div>
</Example>

### File list

The plugin adds a `.dropzone-list` to the wrapper and one `.dropzone-item` row per file. If the wrapper already has a `.dropzone-list`, the plugin uses it, so you can put the list where you want it.

You can also write the rows by hand, for example to show files that are already on the server. A row holds a `.dropzone-item-body` with the name and the meta line, and a remove button (`.btn-close.dropzone-item-remove`). The plugin adds `.dropzone-item-uploading`, `.dropzone-item-success` or `.dropzone-item-error` to a row to mark its state. Rows written by hand are not tracked by the plugin, so its remove button does not act on them.

<Example column columnFullWidth>
<div class="dropzone" data-bs-toggle="dropzone">
  <label class="dropzone-area">
    <input class="dropzone-input" type="file" name="files" multiple />
    <span class="dropzone-title">Drop files here or click to upload</span>
  </label>
  <div class="dropzone-list" aria-live="polite">
    <div class="dropzone-item dropzone-item-uploading">
      <div class="dropzone-item-body">
        <div class="dropzone-item-name">annual-report-2025.pdf</div>
        <div class="dropzone-item-meta">3.4 MB</div>
        <div class="progress progress-sm">
          <div class="progress-bar" style="width: 62%" role="progressbar" aria-label="annual-report-2025.pdf" aria-valuenow="62" aria-valuemin="0" aria-valuemax="100"></div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <button type="button" class="btn-close dropzone-item-remove" aria-label="Remove file"></button>
    </div>
    <div class="dropzone-item dropzone-item-success">
      <div class="dropzone-item-body">
        <div class="dropzone-item-name">team-photo.jpg</div>
        <div class="dropzone-item-meta">1.2 MB</div>
      </div>
      <button type="button" class="btn-close dropzone-item-remove" aria-label="Remove file"></button>
    </div>
    <div class="dropzone-item dropzone-item-error">
      <div class="dropzone-item-body">
        <div class="dropzone-item-name">product-demo.mp4</div>
        <div class="dropzone-item-meta">Upload failed</div>
      </div>
      <button type="button" class="btn-close dropzone-item-remove" aria-label="Remove file"></button>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>
</Example>

## Uploading files

Set `data-bs-url` to send the files yourself instead of with the form. Each file goes to that address in its own `XMLHttpRequest`, as soon as it is added, and its row shows a progress bar. The input is kept empty in this mode, so a form submit does not send the files a second time.

```html
<div class="dropzone" data-bs-toggle="dropzone" data-bs-url="/api/upload" data-bs-param-name="attachment">
  <label class="dropzone-area">
    <input class="dropzone-input" type="file" multiple />
    <span class="dropzone-title">Drop files here or click to upload</span>
    <span class="dropzone-hint">Files are uploaded right away</span>
  </label>
</div>
```

The file is sent as `multipart/form-data`. The field name is the `paramName` option, then the `name` of the input, then `file`. A response with a 2xx status marks the row as done; any other status or a network error marks it as failed and shows the `textFailed` message.

Use the `upload.bs.dropzone` event to add fields or headers to a request before it is sent, for example a CSRF token:

```javascript
const el = document.querySelector('.dropzone')

el.addEventListener('upload.bs.dropzone', (event) => {
  event.formData.append('folder', 'invoices')
  event.xhr.setRequestHeader('X-CSRF-Token', token)
})

el.addEventListener('uploaded.bs.dropzone', (event) => {
  console.log(event.file.name, JSON.parse(event.xhr.responseText))
})
```

To wait for a button instead, set `data-bs-auto-upload="false"` and call `upload()`:

```javascript
document.querySelector('#send').addEventListener('click', () => {
  tabler.Dropzone.getInstance(el).upload()
})
```

## Options

Options are read from `data-bs-*` attributes on the `.dropzone` element (the `data-tblr-*` alias also works), or passed to the constructor. Write an option in kebab-case as an attribute: `maxFiles` is `data-bs-max-files`.

| Option | Type | Default | Description |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `accept` | string or null | `null` | Allowed file types, in the format of the native `accept` attribute. When `null`, the `accept` attribute of the input is used. |
| `maxFiles` | number or null | `null` | How many files the dropzone takes. |
| `maxSize` | number or null | `null` | Largest file size, in bytes. |
| `url` | string or null | `null` | Address the files are uploaded to. When `null`, the files stay in the input and go with the form. |
| `method` | string | `'post'` | HTTP method of the upload request. |
| `paramName` | string or null | `null` | Field name of the file in the upload request. When `null`, the `name` of the input is used, or `file`. |
| `headers` | object or null | `null` | Extra request headers, for example `{ "X-CSRF-Token": "..." }`. As an attribute, write it as JSON. |
| `autoUpload` | boolean | `true` | Uploads a file as soon as it is added. Set it to `false` and call `upload()` yourself. |
| `textFailed` | string | `'Upload failed'` | Message for a failed upload. |
| `textInvalidType` | string | `'This file type is not allowed'` | Message for a file of a type that is not allowed. |
| `textRemove` | string | `'Remove file'` | Accessible name of the remove button. |
| `textTooLarge` | string | `'File is too large (max {size})'` | Message for a file over `maxSize`. `{size}` is replaced with the limit. |
| `textTooMany` | string | `'Too many files (max {count})'` | Message for a file over `maxFiles`. `{count}` is replaced with the limit. |

## JavaScript

Tabler creates a `Dropzone` for every element matching `[data-bs-toggle="dropzone"]` (or `[data-tblr-toggle="dropzone"]`):

<CodeDocs name="dropzone-init" file="core/js/src/dropzone.ts" />

Create one manually, or get an existing instance:

```javascript
const el = document.querySelector('.dropzone')
const dropzone = tabler.Dropzone.getOrCreateInstance(el, { maxFiles: 5, maxSize: 5 * 1024 * 1024 })
```

### Methods

| Method | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `getFiles()` | Returns the accepted files as an array of `File` objects. Rejected files are left out. |
| `addFiles(files)` | Adds files from a `FileList` or an array, with the same checks as a drop. |
| `removeFile(file)` | Removes one file and its row. Stops its upload if it is still running. |
| `clear()` | Removes all files. |
| `upload()` | Uploads the files that are waiting. Does nothing without the `url` option. |
| `dispose()` | Removes the listeners, the rows and the instance. |
| `getInstance(element)` | Static. Returns the instance bound to the element, or `null`. |
| `getOrCreateInstance(element, config)` | Static. Returns the existing instance, or creates one. |

A form `reset` clears the dropzone too.

### Events

All events fire on the `.dropzone` element and carry the file as `event.file`.

| Event | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `add.bs.dropzone` | Fires before a valid file is added. Call `event.preventDefault()` to skip the file. |
| `added.bs.dropzone` | Fires after a file is added to the list. |
| `removed.bs.dropzone` | Fires after a file is removed from the list. |
| `rejected.bs.dropzone` | Fires when a file breaks a rule. `event.reason` is `type`, `size` or `count`. |
| `upload.bs.dropzone` | Fires before a file is sent. `event.formData` and `event.xhr` can be changed. Call `event.preventDefault()` to stop this request. |
| `progress.bs.dropzone` | Fires while a file is uploading. `event.progress` is a number from 0 to 100. |
| `uploaded.bs.dropzone` | Fires after a successful upload. `event.xhr` holds the response. |
| `failed.bs.dropzone` | Fires after a failed upload. `event.xhr` holds the response. |

```javascript
el.addEventListener('rejected.bs.dropzone', (event) => {
  console.log(`${event.file.name} was rejected: ${event.reason}`)
})
```

## Accessibility

- The drop area is a `<label>` around a real file input. The input is hidden visually but stays focusable, so <kbd>Tab</kbd> reaches it, <kbd>Enter</kbd> or <kbd>Space</kbd> opens the file dialog, and the area shows a focus ring.
- The text in the label is the accessible name of the field. Keep a `.dropzone-title` that says what to do, and say in `.dropzone-hint` which files are accepted and how large they can be.
- Drag and drop is only a shortcut. Everything it does can also be done through the file dialog.
- The list the plugin creates has `aria-live="polite"`, so added files and error messages are announced. Add the attribute yourself when you write the `.dropzone-list` by hand.
- Errors are written as text in the row, not shown by color alone.
- Every remove button has an accessible name from the `textRemove` option. Translate it together with the other `text*` options.

## Migration from Dropzone.js

Tabler 1.6 and older used the [Dropzone.js](https://www.dropzone.dev/) library for this. It is deprecated: `dist/libs/dropzone` and its styles in `tabler-vendors.css` stay until 2.0, so existing pages keep working.

Both use the `.dropzone` class. The old styles apply only to a `.dropzone` without a `.dropzone-area` inside, so the two can live on the same page, but do not use both on the same `.dropzone` element.

| Dropzone.js | Dropzone plugin |
| --- | --- |
| `new Dropzone('#el')` | `data-bs-toggle="dropzone"` on the element |
| `<form class="dropzone" action="...">` | `<div class="dropzone" data-bs-url="...">`, or no `url` and a normal form submit |
| `.dz-message` | `.dropzone-area` with `.dropzone-title` and `.dropzone-hint` |
| `acceptedFiles` | `accept` on the input, or `data-bs-accept` |
| `maxFilesize` (in MB) | `data-bs-max-size` (in bytes) |
| `maxFiles` | `data-bs-max-files` |
| `autoProcessQueue: false` and `processQueue()` | `data-bs-auto-upload="false"` and `upload()` |
| `addedfile`, `removedfile`, `success`, `error` events | `added.bs.dropzone`, `removed.bs.dropzone`, `uploaded.bs.dropzone`, `failed.bs.dropzone` |