title: File Upload with Preview for Image and Non-image File Types
body: <p>I've done a lot of poking around on the net and SO to try to find a solution to my problem. So far, no luck. </p>
  
  <p>I want a file uploader on my site that will generate thumbnail preview images of a user's uploaded file (they are restricted to uploading one at a time) for any of the allowable file types (like jpg, gif, Word, pdf, and more). </p>
  
  <p>I did find this: <a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/18002688/jquery-file-upload-preview-file-type-to-allow-all-file-types">JQuery File Upload preview File Type to allow all file types</a>, which states that what I want to do is not possible unless the file is first uploaded to the server and then a thumbnail is generated for the file. I am totally cool with that, but don't know where to start in building that! </p>
  
  <p>I am looking for a solution that will play nice with Bootstrap + PHP + AWS S3, but can be flexible. It could be a paid or free solution, but I'd rather not pay hundreds a month for it (or even tens of dollars a month!)</p>
  
  <p>Can anyone point me in the right direction? I know I <em>should</em> be posting a code sample, but I don't have one to post at this point! As you can tell, I am rather new to this file upload thing, so you if you want to talk to me like I am five that might be appreciated! lol</p>