Applies to: UK - CAWS-based (preliminary and work section specifications only.  


Unable to update clause, the suffix is too long


The message ‘Unable to update clause, the suffix is too long. Read more’ is shown when you are trying to update a ‘UK – CAWS’ clause in the ‘Update’ tab.


The clause that you are trying to update has a suffix which has 248 characters, including spaces, in the suffix.


Screenshot of the error message saying, ‘Unable to update clause, the suffix is too long. Read more’ is shown when you are trying to update a ‘UK – CAWS’ clause in the ‘Update’ tab.


To resolve the error you need to reduce the number of characters in the clause suffix:

  1. You can open the clause in the specification editor by clicking 'View in editor' (bottom left hand corner of the Update preview window. This will open the clause in a new tab.
  2. Cancel the update preview for the clause. This will remove the clause check-out so it can be edited.
  3. Reduce the length of the clause suffix to 247 characters or less.
  4. Save your changes and check the clause back in.
  5. Go back to the ‘Update’ tab and attempt to resolve the update notification.


Related articles:

Update notifications - an overview

Update notifications for UK - CAWS specifications