File Name and File Path Limitations
Understanding character limits for file names and paths when migrating to Microsoft 365.
Character Limits at a Glance
Overview
Microsoft 365 (SharePoint Online and OneDrive) has specific limitations on file names and path lengths. When migrating files from other platforms, it's important to understand these limits and how Cloudiway handles files that exceed them.
Files with names or paths exceeding these limits will be automatically handled by Cloudiway, but advance preparation can help ensure a smoother migration experience.
File Name Limitations
How Exceeding Names Are Handled
When a file name exceeds 200 characters, Cloudiway automatically truncates the name while preserving the file extension. The tool ensures the file extension remains intact by retaining the trailing portion of the name.
Example
File Path Limitations
How Exceeding Paths Are Handled
When a file path exceeds 400 characters, the system creates a special folder named zTruncated to store affected files. This mechanism ensures the new path complies with the 400-character restriction, enabling successful migration.
zTruncated Folder
Files that would exceed the path limit are moved to a zTruncated
folder at the root level. After migration, you can reorganize these files as needed.
Path Components
Automatic Handling Summary
| Issue | Limit | Automatic Solution |
|---|---|---|
| File name too long | 200 characters | Name truncated, extension preserved |
| Path too long | 400 characters | File moved to zTruncated folder |
Recommendations
While Cloudiway handles these limitations automatically, proactive preparation ensures a smoother migration:
📝 File Names
- • Shorten excessively long file names
- • Use meaningful but concise names
- • Remove redundant words or dates
📁 Folder Structure
- • Flatten deeply nested hierarchies
- • Use shorter folder names
- • Consider restructuring before migration
🔍 Pre-Migration Audit
- • Run audit to identify long paths
- • Review error reports for path issues
- • Plan for zTruncated file handling
🔧 Post-Migration
- • Check zTruncated folder contents
- • Reorganize files as needed
- • Update bookmarks and links