image file upload with safecracker error, when file becomes too big

Question

I let users upload images via safecracker.

The process is very standard:

1. User submit form (fields: name, email, selected file from users HD)
2. Safecracker uploads the file into the appropriate directory
3. Safecracker adds an entry to the submit channel in the database
4. The users gets redirected to the submit/thanks page
5. I get a mail announcing the upload

My problem: This only works for files with a certain size. I can confirm, that it is fine for files with the size 840kb and that files with more than 2577kb will not work. Somewhere in between will be the breakpoint, which I haven´t figured out yet.

For the big files EE will just do point 2. The file upload will be fine, but the redirect won´t work. The submit-page will turn blank, as if the browser attempts to redirect, but can´t get the thanks-page to load. 3 and 5 aren´t executed.

I think, I found the error

Fatal error: Out of memory (allocated 49020928) (tried to allocate 4000 bytes)
in www/frogcroc.com/www/system/codeigniter/system/libraries/Image_lib.php on 
line 1246

I assume, that I get this error, because my memory limit on the server is exhausted (shared hosting). I assume, that EE tries to make one of those "internal" thumbnails that are needed for watching the entry in the CP.

I need to know: Are my assumptions right? If yes, what are my options?

I can ask my provider to give me more memory. Question: For how much should I ask, and what kind of memory is it, the PHP image memory? What are the technical terms to describe what I want?

Preferred method: Let the users upload all images, how big they might be, but avoid the memory issue, by not invoking the thumbnail routine. I don´t need to see the picture in the CP entry. I´m fine to just get the file name. Preferrably as part of the mail. How can I change the file-fieldtype in the channel "submit", that shows the thumbnal into a text field, that just shows me the filename?

Answer 1

Here´s what I did: I iterated til I found the max file size, which is around 2,2 MB. I set this as a limit in the CP file manager in order to avoid, that users can upload bigger files. I also ask users to sumbit images with a least 1200 px width. This will give me a sufficient image quality. This is a very pragmatic solution, that doesn´t solve the problem, but something I can live with. It´s easier to take this route, than to discuss this issue with my hosting company or to upgerade to my own server.

Answer 2

It sounds like a limit on upload size so I'd check this first. In the control panel go to Tools > Utilities > PHP Info. Search for:

• post_max_size
• upload_max_filesize

What are those set to?

Answer 3

Looks like PHP needs more memory to complete the upload process.

With most hosts you can adjust this in your .htacccess file. Add the following to your file:

php_value memory_limit 128M

If PHP throws the error at 128MB, increase it until you hit a number that works for what you're doing.