Typefi Writer check out warning: "File path exceeds 242 characters"

This article applies to Typefi Writer 8.9 or later. It explains information on file path length limitations and how to reduce your file path. For information on reducing your file path in Typefi Writer 8.8 or earlier, see this help article.

If you try to check out a Writer document with a file path that's too long, a warning message may appear.

Cannot check out the document because the file path exceeds 242 characters. To continue, reduce the file path length.

Why is there a 242 character limit?

When checking out a Writer document, the location of that file on your computer must comply with the path limits set by Windows and Microsoft Word. Writer maintains a file path limit of 242 characters for maximum compatibility with multiple versions of Windows and Word. 

What determines the file path length?

When you check out a Writer document, the file is stored on your computer. The total length of the file path is influenced by:

1. The location for checking out files in Writer
2. The folder structure on the server

You can browse and modify where checked out files are stored in the Typefi Writer Options dialog (Typefi ribbon → Options → File locations).

Example

In the image above, the location for checked out files is C:\Users\tgonzales\Documents\Typefi.

As a user on the cloud.typefi.net server, you locate the Word file named ThisismysampleWordfile.docx,  stored within the folder structure /2024/projects/My great publication/content/.

When you check out this file in Writer and save it on your computer, the combined file path is: C:\Users\tgonzales\Documents\Typefi\cloud_typefi_net\2024\projects\My great publication\content\ThisismysampleWordfile.docx

The file path above is 123 characters long and presents no issue. If you encounter a 242-character error, identify and modify the relevant file path(s).

How to reduce the file path length

Shorten the file path length in Typefi Server

1. Sign in to Typefi Server.
2. Navigate to Files (Typefi→Files) and locate the Word document you want to check out in Writer.
   • Option 1: Select the file, click Move, and choose a new location closer to the main folder (root directory).
   • Option 2: Select the file, click Rename, and enter a shorter name.
3. After shortening the file path length in Typefi Server, open Typefi Writer.
4. In Writer, click Check Out (Typefi → Check Out).

If you get the warning message again, check the file path length on your local computer (see steps below).

Shorten the file path length on your local computer

1. Open Microsoft Word, and click on the Typefi ribbon.
2. Click Options in the Writer group. This opens the Typefi Writer Options dialog.
3. Click File locations, then click Browse next to Save checked out files to:
4. In the Browse For Folder pane, choose a new location closer to the main folder, then click OK.
5. Click OK to exit the dialog.
6. Click Check Out (Typefi → Check Out).