Google Forms is a great production. It's free, piece of cake to apply and popular. However, accepting attachments or file uploads requires you lot to apply specific settings. If you want to collect files from anyone or allow file uploads without login to google – yous'll need to use file upload software instead that integrates with Google Drive instead.

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

ane. Add together a file upload field to your Google Form

To add together a file upload question, cull '+' and then utilize the dropdown to detect 'File upload'. Yous can choose to allow just specific file types, maximum number of files and maximum file size.

2. Make certain that your respondents have Google accounts OR utilise software that connects to Google Bulldoze

Yous can simply receive files from respondents with Google accounts using Google Forms. In that location is no like shooting fish in a barrel workaround merely using Google Forms to let file uploads without login.

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

This type of software isn't free. However, equally well as getting a form builder with conditional logic, you lot'll also have access to additional functionality like:

  • Dynamic file organisation linked to your Google Bulldoze account
  • Automated reminder e-mail sequences
  • A customised file request process

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

Shared drives are a peachy way to work with teams: "Shared drive files belong to the team instead of an individual. Fifty-fifty if members exit, the files stay in place so your squad can keep sharing data and work anywhere, from whatsoever device."

Still, you won't be able to use file upload questions if the class 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 Help Section.

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

If your administrator has turned on data loss prevention this can also lead to the file upload selection being greyed out as well.

Check with your ambassador that Data Loss Prevention is turned off is you want to asking files using Google Forms. If your administrator is hesitant to do this, so you lot'll need to wait to other file request options.

5. Choose the Google Grade settings that work for you

Google Forms allows y'all to modify certain settings. Yous 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 Class

You lot can e-mail clients with a link to your Google Form, or send them a link direct. Google gives y'all the selection to shorten your link, although you can't customise information technology.

Yous can't embed a Google Form in your website if you have a file upload question in it. You'll get an mistake bulletin if you endeavour and do this.

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

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

We created File Asking Pro so that y'all tin can use deject drives for what they are cracking at – file storing and synching across devices – and File Asking Pro for professionally collecting and organising whatsoever blazon of file or binder.

How File Asking Pro works – the easy manner to let 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 folio using as many or as few customisations options as you cull
  3. Add whatever extra class fields to collect text information (date, email, subconscious, anything really) and make up one's mind whether you desire a one-page or multi-page form
  4. Add conditional logic to questions or entire pages so your clients but see relevant questions
  5. Actuate a reminder sequence of emails and set a borderline so you don't take to hunt clients manually for content
  6. Send a customised link to your clients, or embed the upload page in your website. Clients don't demand to sign in or create an business relationship.
  7. Files and any text volition automatically appear in your folders in Google Drive, organised by any value you choose

To read in more detail about how File Upload Pro works delight see our article: Allow anyone to upload files directly to your Google Drive.

Here's an instance of a File Request Pro branded upload page: