The image max rule is kilobytes

max:2048 on a file is 2 MB. PHP can reject the upload first, and Laravel then looks like the field was empty.

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Read https://laravel-vuejs.space/laravel-image-max-kilobytes-vue.md
max:2048 on a file is 2 MB. PHP can reject the upload first, and Laravel then looks like the field was empty.
Do not compare the size in Vue and skip the rule.
Do not write max:2 and add a comment that says "2 MB".
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On this page · 3 sections
  1. The fix
  2. What to avoid
  3. FAQ

People searching “Laravel image max size” set max:2 and then a normal photo fails. On a file, max is kilobytes. 2048 is 2 MB. The upload guide is the form. This page is the number.

TL;DR

  • max:2048 on a file is 2 MB.
  • PHP can reject the upload first, and Laravel then looks like the field was empty.
  • Do not compare the size in Vue and skip the rule.
  • Do not write max:2 and add a comment that says “2 MB”.

Who it's for: Laravel + Vue developers

Applies to: Laravel 13 · Vue 3

The fix#

php
'cover' => ['nullable', 'image', 'max:2048'],

If php.ini upload_max_filesize is smaller, PHP drops the file before Laravel. The field arrives empty. The error looks like required failed, or the nullable field is quietly missing. Raise upload_max_filesize and post_max_size together, above the Laravel rule, so the rule is the one the user sees.

The Vue input can set accept="image/*". That does not enforce the size. Print form.errors.cover.

What to avoid#

Gotcha

Do not compare the size in Vue and skip the rule. A person can POST a larger body without your component. Do not write max:2 and add a comment that says “2 MB”. The next reader will believe the comment.

FAQ#

Is the Laravel image max rule in kilobytes?

max:2048 on a file is 2 MB. PHP can reject the upload first, and Laravel then looks like the field was empty.

What goes wrong with Laravel image max size?

Many developers set max:2 and then a normal photo fails. Do not compare the size in Vue and skip the rule.

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