Google Forms is a nifty product. It'due south free, easy to apply and pop. However, accepting attachments or file uploads requires y'all to use specific settings. If you want to collect files from anyone or let file uploads without login to google – yous'll need to utilize file upload software instead that integrates with Google Drive instead.

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

1. Add a file upload field to your Google Form

To add together a file upload question, cull '+' and and then utilize the dropdown to find 'File upload'. Yous can cull to let only 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

You tin 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 lot want to receive files from anyone yous'll need to utilize file request software that connects to Google Bulldoze.

This type of software isn't free. However, as well every bit getting a form builder with conditional logic, you'll also have admission to boosted functionality like:

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

3. Connect your Google Form to your private Google Drive (or the file upload pick will be greyed out)

Shared drives are a great manner to work with teams: "Shared drive files belong to the squad instead of an individual. Even if members go out, the files stay in place so your team can keep sharing information and work anywhere, from any device."

Nonetheless, yous won't be able to use file upload questions if the form is stored in a shared bulldoze. If the file upload choice is greyed out this might be why. This restriction seems to be related to security issues  Read more than 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 too atomic number 82 to the file upload pick being greyed out too.

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 practise this, then y'all'll need to look to other file request options.

v. Choose the Google Form settings that work for you

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

6. Send clients a link to your Google Grade

You can email clients with a link to your Google Form, or send them a link directly. Google gives yous the selection to shorten your link, although you can't customise information technology.

You tin can't embed a Google Course in your website if yous have a file upload question in information technology. You'll become an error message if yous try and do this.

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

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

We created File Request Pro then that you can employ deject drives for what they are dandy at – file storing and synching across devices – and File Asking 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 upwards for a free trial business relationship and connect your Google Drive account (shared or individual) with a click
  2. Create a branded upload folio using every bit many or as few customisations options as you cull
  3. Add any extra form fields to collect text data (engagement, electronic mail, hidden, annihilation really) and decide whether yous want a 1-page or multi-page form
  4. Add conditional logic to questions or entire pages so your clients but run across relevant questions
  5. Activate a reminder sequence of emails and set a borderline so yous don't accept to chase clients manually for content
  6. Ship a customised link to your clients, or embed the upload folio in your website. Clients don't need to sign in or create an business relationship.
  7. Files and any text will automatically announced in your folders in Google Drive, organised by whatever value you cull

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

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