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Question

Uploaded Image Files Showing up as Empty in Box

  • May 27, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 107 views
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My team is trying to upload image files (.jpeg) into one of our folders in Box. The files upload; however, when we go to open or download them, they are showing up as empty files. Is Box eating our image files?

    2 replies

    • silksonic587
    • New Member
    • August 12, 2026

    I’m having the same aggravating issue. I’d like to know what’s happening to my files as well.

    • Jill
    • Community Manager
    • August 12, 2026

    Hi ​@silksonic587,

     

    Welcome to Box Community!

     

    I understand how frustrating it can be when your uploaded image files appear empty or fail to display correctly in Box. I would be happy to explain what might be happening and provide you with some straightforward troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue.

     

    There are a few common technical reasons why an uploaded image file might show up as empty or fail to generate a preview:

    1. When a file is newly uploaded, Box's backend services must convert it into a web-compatible preview representation. During periods of high traffic or temporary system delays, this conversion process can get stuck or fail, resulting in a blank preview.
    2. An outdated web browser or a corrupted local cache can prevent the Box Web App from properly loading and rendering image previews.
    3. Box has strict naming requirements. If an image file or its parent folder contains trailing spaces (for example, 'image.png ') or unsupported special characters, it can disrupt the syncing and preview generation process.
    4. Files with names starting with a tilde (~) or a dot-underscore (._) are often treated as temporary or companion files by Box Sync and Box Drive, which can prevent them from syncing or displaying properly.

    To resolve this issue, please try the following steps:

    • Try uploading the image file again. This will trigger a fresh preview conversion process on our backend, which often resolves temporary conversion failures.
    • Clear your web browser's cache and cookies, or try opening the file in an Incognito/Private browsing window to rule out local browser issues.
    • Ensure that neither the image file name nor its parent folder name contains trailing spaces or unsupported special characters. If they do, please rename them and try again.
    • Make sure your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) is fully updated to the latest version.

    Please let me know if trying these steps resolves the issue, or if you need any further assistance. We are here to help!

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