> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ellipsis-drive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ellipsis-drive.com/extra/troubleshooting/failing-to-upload-a-shape-file.md).

# Shapefile upload issues

When uploading a Shapefile, you must upload the entire dataset as a compressed .zip file, not just the .shp file.

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#### Required file structure

A valid Shapefile upload typically includes multiple files, such as:

* .shp (geometry)
* .shx (shape index)
* .dbf (attributes)
* .prj (projection information)

These files must all be included in a single .zip archive.

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#### Common issue

Uploads fail when:

* only the .shp file is uploaded
* required companion files are missing from the archive

Without the full set, the dataset cannot be reconstructed correctly.

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{% hint style="success" %}

### Recommendation

Before uploading:

* ensure all Shapefile components are present
* compress them together into a single .zip
* upload the .zip file directly to Ellipsis Drive
  {% endhint %}