diff --git a/user_guide_src/source/libraries/validation.rst b/user_guide_src/source/libraries/validation.rst
index 3224961e0821..739d51b3fe6a 100644
--- a/user_guide_src/source/libraries/validation.rst
+++ b/user_guide_src/source/libraries/validation.rst
@@ -971,6 +971,9 @@ Rule                    Parameter  Description
 ======================= ========== ============================================= ===================================================
 uploaded                Yes         Fails if the name of the parameter does not  ``uploaded[field_name]``
                                     match the name of any uploaded files.
+                                    If you want the file upload to be optional
+                                    (not required), do not define this rule.
+
 max_size                Yes         Fails if the uploaded file named in the      ``max_size[field_name,2048]``
                                     parameter is larger than the second
                                     parameter in kilobytes (kb). Or if the file
@@ -992,3 +995,7 @@ is_image                Yes         Fails if the file cannot be determined to be
 ======================= ========== ============================================= ===================================================
 
 The file validation rules apply for both single and multiple file uploads.
+
+.. note:: Only rules specifically created for file validation (like the ones listed in the table above) can be used to validate files.
+    Therefore, adding any general rules, like ``permit_empty``, to file validation rules array or string, the file validation will not
+    work correctly.