[wp-trac] [WordPress Trac] #64065: Dragging theme/plugin ZIP outside file input downloads file instead of uploading
WordPress Trac
noreply at wordpress.org
Wed Oct 1 20:59:14 UTC 2025
#64065: Dragging theme/plugin ZIP outside file input downloads file instead of
uploading
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Reporter: ibrahimriaz | Owner: (none)
Type: defect (bug) | Status: new
Priority: normal | Milestone: Awaiting Review
Component: General | Version: 6.8.2
Severity: normal | Keywords: has-patch
Focuses: ui, accessibility |
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When uploading a theme or plugin ZIP file via the WordPress admin
(**Appearance → Themes → Add New → Upload Theme and Plugins → Add New →
Upload Plugin**), the drag & drop upload experience is inconsistent.
**Currently:**
The drop target is only the small **<input type="file">** element.
If the user drops the .zip file anywhere else in the upload form, the
browser intercepts the drop and downloads the file instead of uploading.
This creates confusion and feels like a broken upload feature.
**Steps to reproduce:**
Go to **Appearance → Themes → Add New → Upload Theme** or **Plugins → Add
Plugins → Upload Plugin**.
Drag a .zip file into the form area, but do not drop it directly on the
file input box.
Observe that the file downloads instead of being uploaded.
**Expected behavior:**
The entire upload form should be a valid drop zone.
Dropping anywhere inside the form should trigger the file upload, not a
download.
**Proposed solution:**
Extend drag-and-drop handling to the entire .wp-upload-form.
Prevent the browser’s default download behavior.
Assign dropped files to the hidden file input and trigger a change event
so upload proceeds as expected.
**Why it matters:**
Improves UX and accessibility.
Prevents user frustration from failed uploads.
Matches user expectations for drag-and-drop upload behavior.
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Ticket URL: <https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/64065>
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