Unable to add a ZIP file containing a file geodatabase or shapefile in ArcGIS Online

Description

In ArcGIS Online, attempting to add a ZIP file containing a file geodatabase or shapefile fails, and the following error message is returned:

Error:
Invalid <File type>
The uploaded file does not contain a <File type>.

Cause

• The file type selected in the ‘New item’ window is not the same as the file type contained in the ZIP file.
• The shapefile in the ZIP file does not contain the .shp, .shx, .dbf, or .prj file extension.
• The ZIP file does not contain a file geodatabase or shapefile. For example, there is another ZIP file within the ZIP file.

Solution or Workaround

Ensure the correct file type is selected

In ArcGIS Online, select the correct file type from the File type drop-down list in the New item window when adding the ZIP file as an item. For example, select File geodatabase if the ZIP file contains a file geodatabase. Refer to ArcGIS Online: Items in ArcGIS Online for more information.

Ensure the correct extensions are included

Ensure the shapefile in the ZIP file contains all the file extensions that comprise the shapefile; the .shp, .shx, .dbf, and .prj file extensions.

Ensure the ZIP file contains a file geodatabase or shapefile

Ensure the ZIP file contains the correct file geodatabase or shapefile, and no other file extension in the ZIP file. Zip the file geodatabase or shapefile directly without placing it in a folder and zipping the folder again.