When you try to upload a photo to Discord and see the error message ‘Image File Type Not Supported’, your file likely has an uncommon extension or a corrupted header. Discord accepts only specific image formats: PNG, JPEG, GIF, WebP, and BMP. This article explains why the error appears and gives two workarounds to make your image upload successfully.
The error is caused by Discord’s file-type validation. The server checks both the file extension and the internal binary data called the magic number. If either does not match a supported format, Discord blocks the upload. A common trigger is a file renamed from .png to .jpg without proper conversion, or an image saved with a rare extension like .heic or .tiff.
Below you will learn how to identify the real file format and how to convert any image to a Discord-friendly type without losing quality.
Key Takeaways: How to Fix ‘Image File Type Not Supported’ in Discord
- Convert the image to PNG or JPEG using Paint or Preview: This changes both the extension and internal format to a supported type.
- Check the file extension in File Explorer: Hidden extensions can hide the real format and cause the error.
- Use an online converter for rare formats like HEIC or TIFF: These formats are never accepted by Discord, so conversion is mandatory.
Why Discord Rejects Your Image File
Discord uses two checks to verify image files. First, it looks at the file extension. Second, it reads the first few bytes of the file, called the magic number. The magic number is a signature that tells the system what format the data really is. If the extension says .png but the magic number says .jpg, Discord rejects the file.
The error also appears when you try to upload formats that Discord never supports. These include HEIC (iPhone default), TIFF, SVG, and PSD. Even if the extension is changed to .png, the internal data remains in the original format, so the magic number check fails.
Another cause is a corrupted file header. A partial download or a failed save can leave the file without a valid magic number. In that case, no conversion will fix it unless you re-download or re-save the original image.
Workaround 1: Convert the Image Using Windows Paint or Mac Preview
The most reliable workaround is to open the image in a basic editor and save it as a supported format. This rewrites both the extension and the internal data.
- Open the image in Paint (Windows) or Preview (Mac)
Right-click the file and choose Open with > Paint on Windows. On Mac, double-click the file to open it in Preview. - Save as PNG or JPEG
In Paint, go to File > Save as > PNG picture or JPEG picture. In Preview, go to File > Export, then choose PNG or JPEG from the Format dropdown. - Choose a new file name and location
Use a name that does not contain special characters like # or %. Save it to your desktop for easy access. - Upload the new file to Discord
Open Discord, drag the saved image into a channel or click the + icon next to the text box and select the file. The error should no longer appear.
Workaround 2: Use an Online Image Converter for Rare Formats
If you have an iPhone HEIC image or a design file in PSD format, a basic editor may not open it. In that case, use a free online converter.
- Go to a trusted converter site
Open CloudConvert, Convertio, or any site that does not require an account. Avoid sites that ask for personal data. - Upload the unsupported image
Click the upload button and select your file. Most sites accept HEIC, TIFF, SVG, and PSD. - Set the output format to PNG
Choose PNG from the output options. PNG is lossless and works on all Discord clients. - Download the converted file
Click Convert or Start. After processing, download the new .png file to your computer. - Upload to Discord
Drag the converted file into Discord. The error should be gone.
If Discord Still Rejects the Image After Conversion
File size exceeds the upload limit
Discord limits free users to 25 MB per file. Nitro Basic users get 50 MB, and Nitro Classic or Nitro users get 500 MB. If your converted PNG is too large, reduce its dimensions or use JPEG with a lower quality setting. In Paint, go to Resize and set a smaller percentage like 50%. Then save as JPEG.
File name contains unsupported characters
Discord does not accept file names with symbols such as @, #, $, %, or multiple underscores. Rename the file to use only letters, numbers, hyphens, and single underscores. For example, change “my#photo!.png” to “my-photo.png”.
Animated WebP or GIF causes the same error
Discord supports animated GIFs and animated WebP files. However, if the file has a .webp extension but contains animation, Discord may reject it. Convert the file to GIF using an online tool. GIF is the safest format for Discord animations.
Supported Image Formats: Discord vs Common Alternatives
| Format | Supported by Discord | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| PNG | Yes | Screenshots, logos, transparent images |
| JPEG / JPG | Yes | Photos, large images with smaller file size |
| GIF | Yes | Animated images, short clips |
| WebP | Yes (static only) | Web-optimized images, some animated files |
| BMP | Yes | Uncompressed images, legacy files |
| HEIC | No | iPhone and iPad photos |
| TIFF / TIF | No | High-quality scans, print images |
| SVG | No | Vector graphics, icons, logos |
| PSD | No | Adobe Photoshop design files |
The ‘Image File Type Not Supported’ error in Discord is almost always solved by converting the file to PNG or JPEG using Paint, Preview, or an online converter. After conversion, check the file size and rename the file to avoid special characters. If the error persists after conversion, the original file may be corrupted and needs to be re-downloaded. For future uploads, stick to PNG for screenshots and JPEG for photos to avoid this error entirely. A quick trick: enable file extension visibility in Windows File Explorer to always see the real format before uploading.