Google Forms is a corking product. It's costless, easy to use and popular. Still, accepting attachments or file uploads requires you to use specific settings. If you desire to collect files from anyone or allow file uploads without login to google – you'll need to employ file upload software instead that integrates with Google Drive instead.

Here are the 6 steps you need to take to successfully upload files and attachments using Google Forms.

1. Add a file upload field to your Google Form

To add a file upload question, cull '+' and then utilise the dropdown to find 'File upload'. You lot can choose to let only specific file types, maximum number of files and maximum file size.

ii. Make sure that your respondents have Google accounts OR utilize software that connects to Google Bulldoze

You tin merely receive files from respondents with Google accounts using Google Forms. There is no easy workaround merely using Google Forms to allow file uploads without login.

If yous want to receive files from anyone you'll demand to use file request software that connects to Google Drive.

This type of software isn't free. Withal, as well as getting a form architect with conditional logic, you'll besides have admission to boosted functionality like:

  • Dynamic file arrangement linked to your Google Drive business relationship
  • Automated reminder electronic mail sequences
  • A customised file request process

3. Connect your Google Course to your individual Google Drive (or the file upload option will be greyed out)

Shared drives are a great way to work with teams: "Shared bulldoze files vest to the squad instead of an individual. Even if members leave, the files stay in place so your squad can keep sharing information and piece of work anywhere, from whatsoever device."

Even so, y'all won't be able to use file upload questions if the form is stored in a shared drive. If the file upload option is greyed out this might be why. This restriction seems to be related to security issues  Read more than in the Google Aid Section.

iv. Plough off Data Loss Prevention (or the file upload option will exist greyed out)

If your administrator has turned on information loss prevention this tin also lead to the file upload option being greyed out equally well.

Bank check with your administrator that Data Loss Prevention is turned off is you desire to asking files using Google Forms. If your administrator is hesitant to do this, then y'all'll demand to look to other file asking options.

5. Choose the Google Class settings that piece of work for you lot

Google Forms allows you to change certain settings. You tin can make the class into a quiz, manage how you collect responses and change how the form and responses are presented.

6. Send clients a link to your Google Form

You can email clients with a link to your Google Form, or send them a link straight. Google gives you the option to shorten your link, although you tin can't customise it.

You can't embed a Google Form in your website if you have a file upload question in it. Y'all'll get an error message if you try and practice this.

Are the Google Forms restrictions too difficult? There are other options.

If it is important for you that you lot can asking and organise files from clients, partner businesses or suppliers and so yous might need to look at other options. You lot'll specifically want upload software that natively integrates with Google Drive, so your workflow is as streamlined as possible.

Nosotros created File Asking Pro then that you can use cloud drives for what they are great at – file storing and synching across devices – and File Request Pro for professionally collecting and organising any blazon of file or binder.

How File Request Pro works – the easy way to allow file uploads from anyone direct to Google Drive

  1. Sign up for a free trial account and connect your Google Drive account (shared or individual) with a click
  2. Create a branded upload page using as many or as few customisations options equally yous choose
  3. Add any extra form fields to collect text information (date, electronic mail, hidden, anything really) and make up one's mind whether you lot want a one-page or multi-page form
  4. Add together conditional logic to questions or entire pages so your clients only see relevant questions
  5. Actuate a reminder sequence of emails and ready a deadline and so yous don't accept to chase clients manually for content
  6. Transport a customised link to your clients, or embed the upload page in your website. Clients don't need to sign in or create an business relationship.
  7. Files and any text will automatically appear in your folders in Google Drive, organised by any value you choose

To read in more detail nearly how File Upload Pro works delight see our article: Allow anyone to upload files direct to your Google Bulldoze.

Here'due south an example of a File Asking Pro branded upload page: