Supported Files and Size Limits
Which file types you can upload, how large a contract can be, and what to do with scanned PDFs or very long agreements.
You can give Freelancer Shield a contract in two ways: upload a file, or paste the text.
File types
| Type | Extensions |
|---|---|
.pdf | |
| Word | .docx |
| Plain text | .txt |
| Markdown | .md, .markdown |
Older Word files (.doc), Pages documents, Google Docs links and images are not accepted. Export them to PDF or .docx first, or copy the text and paste it.
Size limits
| Limit | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum file size | 10 MB |
| Maximum PDF length | 400 pages |
| Minimum contract text | 200 characters |
| Maximum contract text | 300,000 characters |
The text limit applies whether you upload or paste. 300,000 characters is roughly 150 to 200 pages of dense contract text, so almost every freelance agreement fits comfortably.
Scanned PDFs
The review works from the text inside the file. A scanned PDF that is really a set of page images has no selectable text, and the upload is rejected with a message saying no text could be found. Open the PDF, try selecting a sentence, and if you cannot, paste the text instead or ask the client for the original Word file.
Very long contracts
If a document is over the character limit, split it into parts and review each part separately. Keep related sections together: for example, the master agreement in one review and the statement of work with its exhibits in another. Each part uses its own credit, and the follow-up chat for each review only sees that part.
Pasting text
Pasting is the most reliable option when a file will not parse. Paste the whole agreement, including the exhibits, schedules and any statement of work, not only the clauses you are worried about. The report is only as complete as the text you provide, and the review will say so in the summary if the text looks incomplete or does not appear to be a contract.
Where the file goes
Uploaded files are stored privately under your account, are used only to produce your review and answer your follow-up questions, and are deleted along with the review when you delete it. See How your contract is handled.