Graph QL Files Update Media Image Not Working

Retired Boards Appdev Graphql Basics And Troubleshooting
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Topic summary

Updating media images via Shopify Admin GraphQL fileUpdate fails when using originalSource, returning: “Variable $files of type [FileUpdateInput!]! was provided invalid value for 0.originalSource (Field is not defined on FileUpdateInput).” Other operations (create, delete, update altText) work.

  • Cause/fix: The correct input field is previewImageSource, not originalSource, contrary to the referenced docs example.
  • Version note: A Shopify staff member says on API version 2023-07+ both originalSource and previewImageSource should work. The reporter says originalSource still failed for them on 2023-07, while previewImageSource worked.
  • Documentation status: Shopify acknowledged the doc issue and escalated to the documentation team. As of 2024-01-15, the docs still show originalSource; community confirms previewImageSource is correct.

Outcome: Reliable workaround is to use previewImageSource to update the image data. Disagreement remains about originalSource behavior on 2023-07+.

Status: Partially resolved (workaround identified). Documentation correction and definitive behavior across versions remain pending.

Summarized with AI on January 8. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Hi, I’ve followed the docs exactly:

https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/2023-01/mutations/fileUpdate#examples-Update_an_image

I keep getting this error message:

Variable $files of type [FileUpdateInput!]! was provided invalid value for 0.originalSource (Field is not defined on FileUpdateInput)

Here’s the general code:

$files = [
            "files" => [
                "id" => $id,
                "originalSource" => $url
            ]
        ];

$queryString = <<

Anybody know why it keeps saying **invalid value for 0.originalSource (Field is not defined on FileUpdateInput)??**

I have no problems adding new photos, and delete existing ones, I simply can't update existing photos with new image data (I am able to update the ALT text without issue).
2

Someone should update the docs!

The correct value is “previewImageSource” not "originalSource"

3

Hey @Jason27 thanks for flagging that issue with our documentation and identifying a fix! I’ve let our documentation team know.

In testing this as well, version 2023-07 and higher, the originalSource OR previewImageSource both will work if you want to move up to that version.

Hope that helps,

Kyle G.

1 Like
4

I swear I testedoriginalSource on 2023-07 and it did not work, but I found previewImageSource worked for sure. In any case, thanks for the responsiveness! Appreciated :slightly_smiling_face:

1 Like
5

As of 1-15-24, the doc still says originalSource , but should be previewImageSource … right? jb

6

Correct

1 Like