diff --git a/system/src/Grav/Framework/Form/Traits/FormTrait.php b/system/src/Grav/Framework/Form/Traits/FormTrait.php
index dbae5df6b..4fef80b47 100644
--- a/system/src/Grav/Framework/Form/Traits/FormTrait.php
+++ b/system/src/Grav/Framework/Form/Traits/FormTrait.php
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ trait FormTrait
      */
     public function getFiles(): array
     {
-        return (array) $this->files;
+        return $this->files ?? [];
     }
 
     public function getValue(string $name)