File upload with strongly typed view and model validation

File upload with strongly typed view and model validation

02 Aug 2025
Intermediate
15K Views
4 min read
Learn with an interactive course and practical hands-on labs

ASP.NET MVC with Web API Online Course - Learn & Certify

File upload: An Overview

Many times, we were required to upload files with a strongly typed view and also apply validation on uploading files using data annotation validators. In this MVC Tutorial, we will explore more about MVC which will include files using data annotation, uploading files in mvc4 in strongly typed view, and files validating using jQuery in mvc3 mvc4 in strongly typed view. Consider our ASP.NET MVC Course for a better understanding of all MVC core concepts.

How to do it.

Step 1: Designing model with data annotation validation

public class RegistrationModel
{
 [Required(ErrorMessage = "Please Enter Your Full Name")]
 [Display(Name = "Full Name")]
 public string Name { get; set; }
 
 [Required(ErrorMessage = "Please Enter Address")]
 [Display(Name = "Address")]
 [MaxLength(200)]
 public string Address { get; set; }
 
 [Required(ErrorMessage = "Please Upload File")]
 [Display(Name = "Upload File")]
 [ValidateFile]
 public HttpPostedFileBase file { get; set; }
}

//Customized data annotation validator for uploading file
public class ValidateFileAttribute : ValidationAttribute
{
 public override bool IsValid(object value)
 {
 int MaxContentLength = 1024 * 1024 * 3; //3 MB
 string[] AllowedFileExtensions = new string[] { ".jpg", ".gif", ".png", ".pdf" };
 
 var file = value as HttpPostedFileBase;
 
 if (file == null)
 return false;
 else if (!AllowedFileExtensions.Contains(file.FileName.Substring(file.FileName.LastIndexOf('.'))))
 {
 ErrorMessage = "Please upload Your Photo of type: " + string.Join(", ", AllowedFileExtensions);
 return false;
 }
 else if (file.ContentLength > MaxContentLength)
 {
 ErrorMessage = "Your Photo is too large, maximum allowed size is : " + (MaxContentLength / 1024).ToString() + "MB";
 return false;
 }
 else
 return true;
 }
}
  

Step 2: Designing view based on the model


<h2>File upload with model validation</h2>
<h3 style="color: green">@ViewBag.Message</h3>

@using (Html.BeginForm("FileUpload", "Home", FormMethod.Post, new { enctype = "multipart/form-data" }))
{ 
 <fieldset>
 <legend></legend>
 <ol>
 <li>
 @Html.LabelFor(m => m.Name)
 @Html.TextBoxFor(m => m.Name, new { maxlength = 50 })
 @Html.ValidationMessageFor(m => m.Name)
 </li>
 <li>
 @Html.LabelFor(m => m.Address)
 @Html.TextAreaFor(m => m.Address, new { maxlength = 200 })
 @Html.ValidationMessageFor(m => m.Address)
 </li>
 <li class="lifile">
 @Html.TextBoxFor(m => m.file, new { type = "file" })
 @Html.ValidationMessageFor(m => m.file)
 </li>
 </ol>
 <input type="submit" value="Submit" />
 </fieldset>
}
    

Step 3: Applying jQuery validation to validate the file

<script type="text/jscript">
//get file size
function GetFileSize(fileid) {
 try {
 var fileSize = 0;
 //for IE
 if ($.browser.msie) {
 //before making an object of ActiveXObject, 
 //please make sure ActiveX is enabled in your IE browser
 var objFSO = new ActiveXObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject"); var filePath = $("#" + fileid)[0].value;
 var objFile = objFSO.getFile(filePath);
 var fileSize = objFile.size; //size in kb
 fileSize = fileSize / 1048576; //size in mb 
 }
 //for FF, Safari, Opeara and Others
 else {
 fileSize = $("#" + fileid)[0].files[0].size //size in kb
 fileSize = fileSize / 1048576; //size in mb 
 }
 
 return fileSize;
 }
 catch (e) {
 alert("Error is :" + e);
 }
}

//get file path from client system
function getNameFromPath(strFilepath) {
 var objRE = new RegExp(/([^\/\\]+)$/);
 var strName = objRE.exec(strFilepath);
 
 if (strName == null) {
 return null;
 }
 else {
 return strName[0];
 }
}

$(function () {
 $("#file").change(function () {
 var file = getNameFromPath($(this).val());
 if (file != null) {
 var extension = file.substr((file.lastIndexOf('.') + 1));
 switch (extension) {
 case 'jpg':
 case 'png':
 case 'gif':
 case 'pdf':
 flag = true;
 break;
 default:
 flag = false;
 }
 }
 if (flag == false) {
 $(".lifile > span").text("You can upload only jpg,png,gif,pdf extension file");
 return false;
 }
 else {
 var size = GetFileSize('file');
 if (size > 3) {
 $(".lifile > span").text("You can upload file up to 3 MB");
 }
 else {
 $(".lifile > span").text("");
 }
 }
 });
});
</script>
  

Step 4: Designing Controller

public ActionResult FileUpload()
{
 return View();
}

[HttpPost]
public ActionResult FileUpload(RegistrationModel mRegister)
{
 //Check server side validation using data annotation
 if (ModelState.IsValid)
 {
 //TO:DO
 var fileName = Path.GetFileName(mRegister.file.FileName);
 var path = Path.Combine(Server.MapPath("~/Content/Upload"), fileName);
 mRegister.file.SaveAs(path);
 ViewBag.Message = "File has been uploaded successfully";
 ModelState.Clear();
 }
 return View();
}

How it works...

Read More Articles Related to Design patterns

Conclusion
So in this article, we have learned about File upload with strongly typed view and model validation. I hope you enjoyed learning these concepts while programming with Asp.Net. Feel free to ask any questions from your side. Your valuable feedback or comments about this article are always welcome. Level up your career in MVC with our ASP.Net Core Certification.

FAQs

To check the file content and extract the file signature.

The uploader control allows you to upload a minimum file size of 0 bytes and a maximum file size as 28.4 MB using the minFileSize and maxFileSize properties.

It is the process of using an algorithm for verifying the integrity of a computer file, usually by checksum
Share Article
About Author
Shailendra Chauhan (Microsoft MVP, Founder & CEO at ScholarHat)

He is a renowned Speaker, Solution Architect, Mentor, and 10-time Microsoft MVP (2016–2025). With expertise in AI/ML, GenAI, System Design, Azure Cloud, .NET, Angular, React, Node.js, Microservices, DevOps, and Cross-Platform Mobile App Development, he bridges traditional frameworks with next-gen innovations.

He has trained 1 Lakh+ professionals across the globe, authored 45+ bestselling eBooks and 1000+ technical articles, and mentored 20+ free courses. As a corporate trainer for leading MNCs like IBM, Cognizant, and Dell, Shailendra continues to deliver world-class learning experiences through technology & AI.
Live Training - Book Free Demo
ASP.NET Core Certification Training
21 Sep
07:00AM - 09:00AM IST
Checkmark Icon
Get Job-Ready
Certification
Accept cookies & close this