Can you upload files with Google Forms?

Google Forms is a great product. Its free, easy to use and popular. However, accepting attachments or file uploads requires you to use specific settings. If you want to collect files from anyone or allow file uploads without login to google youll need to use 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, choose + and then use the dropdown to find File upload. You can choose to allow only specific file types, maximum number of files and maximum file size.

2. Make sure that your respondents have Google accounts OR use software that connects to Google Drive

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

If you want to receive files from anyone youll need to use file request software that connects to Google Drive.

This type of software isnt free. However, as well as getting a form builder with conditional logic, youll also have access to additional functionality like:

• Dynamic file organisation linked to your Google Drive account
• Automated reminder email sequences
• A customised file request process

3. Connect your Google Form 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 drive files belong to the team instead of an individual. Even if members leave, the files stay in place so your team can keep sharing information and work anywhere, from any device.

However, you wont 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 in the Google Help Section.

4. Turn 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 option being greyed out as well.

Check with your administrator that Data Loss Prevention is turned off is you want to request files using Google Forms. If your administrator is hesitant to do this, then youll need to look to other file request options.

5. Choose the Google Form settings that work for you

Google Forms allows you to change certain settings. You can make the form 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 direct. Google gives you the option to shorten your link, although you cant customise it.

You cant embed a Google Form in your website if you have a file upload question in it. Youll get an error message if you try and do this.

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

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

We created File Request Pro so 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 type of file or folder.

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 as you choose
3. Add any extra form fields to collect text information (date, email, hidden, anything really) and decide whether you want a one-page or multi-page form
4. Add conditional logic to questions or entire pages so your clients only see relevant questions
5. Activate a reminder sequence of emails and set a deadline so you dont have to chase clients manually for content
6. Send a customised link to your clients, or embed the upload page in your website. Clients dont need to sign in or create an account.
7. Files and any text will automatically appear in your folders in Google Drive, organised by whatever value you choose

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

Heres an example of a File Request Pro branded upload page: